First thing’s first: the folks who stand up with you during your ceremony are not the bridal party. It’s 2022. They’re the Wedding Party.

And the Wedding Party is getting more and more creative.

As times change (thank goodness!), we’re getting more folks bucking tradition, and that includes who they invite to stand next to them as they get married. Men invite women, women invite men, and (gasp!) - they don’t all have to wear the same thing!

Here are some of our favorite “alternative” Wedding Party ideas we’ve seen over the years, in case it inspires you to eff tradition, and do what feels right!

Add some color!

One of my favorite couples chose to have her bridesmaids wear every color of the rainbow! It brought such joy to the day (and the photos!) - and I highly recommend it!!

Brides: have your best men beside you

I don’t see enough brothers and male best friends next to brides. This brother was one of my very favorites - and I know his sister adored having him there with her on her big day!

Matching, schmatching

Why do members of the wedding party have to wear anything coordinated or matching at all?? This awesome bride just told her best gals to wear whatever they wanted and (GASP!) - it worked, everyone was happy, and they still got married! :)

women in suits

Women can wear suits. And look damned good in them, too. Men - have a female friend or family member you want up there with you, but you still care about matching? Have her rock a suit and never look back!