Stop me if you’ve heard this one..

A bride-to-be excitedly plans an elaborate proposal to her bridesmaids, self-care products in ribbon-secured boxes or personalised tote bags topped off with a card that reads: “Will you be my bridesmaid?”

Within a few short months, there are at least a couple of chat groups to communicate the colour palette the dress code, important dates, and to discuss the bridesmaids’ responsibilities.

If you haven’t said stop yet, let me save you from wondering. This is where, in my mind, I would be screaming STOP.

Does anyone really care anymore?

Should we be wondering what the secret code for bridesmaids is, deciphering it, working around it, trying desperately not to upset the bride OR can we agree that the social circumstances, the world and our needs have changed and we have more demands and commitments in our own lives than ever before so is it in our best interests to continue the bride/bridesmaid dance.

What is reasonable to expect in 2025, and do you even want or can afford to be in their I DO Crew?

Today, I’m talking about the past, the present and what I believe, should be the future of bridesmaids and groomsmen.

Let’s get down to brass tacks and work out what bridal party traditions and expectations are still relevant in this day and age and how to minimise the drama.

RESOURCES

Send Unbridely a 90-second audio message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/unbridelypodcast

*The Unbridely Podcast is sponsored by its listeners. When you purchase products or services through links on our website or via the podcast, we may earn an affiliate commission.*

------

This episode of the Unbridely Modern Wedding Planning Podcast is brought to you by Easy Name Change.

You simply choose which companies you need to notify, and they send you detailed process instructions for each of your companies, plus ready to send forms, letters, and emails, so you just attach your marriage certificate to them and you're done!

More info on how to change your name after you get married: https://unbridely.com/blog/name-change-after-marriage

To get $6 off your name change use the promo code UNBRIDELY6 (valid until the end of 2025)

-----

Unbridely acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we record this podcast on, the Kaurna People. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

Support the show

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unbridely/
or TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unbridely

Email the Unbridely Podcast:
hello@unbridely.com

How do you find that sweet spot between what you want for your wedding and what your family expects?

Is it even possible to create a celebration that feels true to you, without leaving anyone important out, or blowing your budget?

And how many hours drumming at your wedding reception is too much?

Today, I’m yakking it up with Ashley and Tim, a newly-married couple from Maine in the United States who wrestled with those questions and somehow managed to pull off a wedding that was intimate, meaningful, and yet super chill for everyone involved.

From navigating a guest list that doubled overnight, to negotiating with their venue, and finding creative ways to make their dream wedding weekend work for everyone—Ash and Tim have some practical advice and a few hilarious stories about their experiences and how, when you stick to your values and what’s important to you, you can find solutions when at first, it seemed like there weren’t any.

If you’re planning a wedding and feeling stuck between eloping and inviting the masses, on the fence about having a ‘first look’, or if you just want to hear how stunningly beautiful Tim and Ashley’s lakeside inn was, you’re in the right place.

Resources Mentioned:

Ashley & Tim’s Wedding Vendors

Venue, Food & Bar: Wolf Cove Inn

Photographer: Akadia Merles Photography

Videographer: Riley Bridges Media

Florist: Chelsea at Love Letter Farm Flowers

Musicians: Dave & Anna The High Spirits Duo

Live Painter: Black Lilac Studio

Baker: Whisk & Butter Co

Send Unbridely a 90-second audio message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/unbridelypodcast

*The Unbridely Podcast is sponsored by its listeners. When you purchase products or services through links on our website or via the podcast, we may earn an affiliate commission.*

------

This episode of the Unbridely Modern Wedding Planning Podcast is brought to you by Never Miss Moments Unbridely's recommended wedding guest photo and video-sharing tool. With your unique QR code, your family and friends can quickly, easily and securely share their snaps with you in your personalised online gallery.

Visit nevermissmoments.com/unbridely to receive your 10% discount off their galleries.

-----

Unbridely acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we record this podcast on, the Kaurna People. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

Support the show

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unbridely/
or TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unbridely

Email the Unbridely Podcast:
hello@unbridely.com

Have you ever been in the middle of a date with someone and noticed some little warning signs; maybe they only talked about themselves, didn’t ask you any questions, or ignored your boundaries. And you thought, “Hmm, that’s a red flag, right there”?

Well, just like in dating, your search for the right wedding vendors can come with its own set of warning signs.

And ignoring those red flags can lead to real headaches like forfeited booking fees, last-minute scrambles when a vendor cancels, or worse—memories that just can’t be replaced if something goes badly wrong.

Today I’m unpacking what those red flags look like when you’re hiring vendors for your big day with a list of the 5 biggest warning signs that I believe you need to be aware of.

You’ll learn how to spot when a vendor is more interested in their own needs than yours, how to protect yourself from unreliable service, and why listening to your gut—just like in dating—can save you from heartache, stress, wasted time and disappointment.

RESOURCES

Send Unbridely a 90-second audio message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/unbridelypodcast

*The Unbridely Podcast is sponsored by its listeners. When you purchase products or services through links on our website or via the podcast, we may earn an affiliate commission.*

------

This episode of the Unbridely Modern Wedding Planning Podcast is brought to you by Unbridely’s ebook How To Write Wedding Vows That Don’t Suck

https://unbridely.com/shop/htwwvtds

This is for YOU if you want to write the unique and heartfelt wedding vows your fiancé deserves, but don't know where to start. 🤔

AND want to get it done in 20 minutes or less. 💪

Grab your instant pdf download of the Unbridely ebook 'How To Write Wedding Vows That Don't Suck' for just $27 now! 🧡

https://unbridely.com/shop/htwwvtds

-----

Unbridely acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we record this podcast on, the Kaurna People. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

Support the show

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unbridely/
or TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unbridely

Email the Unbridely Podcast:
hello@unbridely.com