One very welcome change to weddings over the last few years has been the big rise in alternatives to the traditional bridal party - gone are the days of having to conform to specific rules or traditions about who you "must" have as a bridesmaid or groomsman (or even if you have to have them at all!). Couples are getting increasingly creative when it comes to reinventing the bridal party aka the gang of helpers. It's all about surrounding yourself with those you love and who want involved - as many or as few as you wish be they whoever - your gran, your best friends of all genders or even your pets. So if you're one of the brides or grooms thinking of opting to forego the classic uniformed line up at the aisle and looking for some ideas - here are eight alternatives to a traditional bridal party to inspire your choice!

Mixed-Gender Bridal Party

The mixed-gender wedding party has become increasingly popular in recent years, bringing with it a whole new vocabulary: best woman, groomsmaid, groomswoman, bridesman, man of honour, etc. Yes, there really is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to bridal parties anymore, opening the doors for couples to have their nearest and dearest- of any gender around them on their big day.

Just a Maid of Honour

While celebrity culture of years gone by lead to the popularity of huge bridal parties, it's often the case that that is a lot more hassle than it is worth. Today, we see a lot of brides opting to have just one person by their side as they stand on the aisle and with that, remove a lot of the stress that can often come with having a larger group to deal with. Still want to find a way to include a few more close friends? We've got you covered below!

Have No Official Bridal Party

As smaller, more intimate weddings grow in popularity, and with some couples just wanting to rid much of the stress that come with following traditions, many couples are choosing to forego bridal parties altogether. However, that's not to say you can't enlist the help of a group of friends or family to cover certain tasks on the day, be there as you're getting ready, or play an integral part in the ceremony. While you may not want to have your wingmen right beside you on the day, it's always nice to have a bit of backup, so you can relax knowing everything is in hand.

Have a Children-Only Bridal Party

There's no age limit for your bridal party, likewise, there are no restrictions as to how old they have to be. Got a basketball team of nieces and nephews you'd like to include? Want to have your own kids front and centre on your big day? Why not have them all in your bridal party? Think of how cute the pictures will be with all those ridiculously sweet outfits!

Uneven numbers

Some of you might be reading this thinking about the differing opinions you and your partner have on the size of your bridal party. They might want five of their friends by their side while you could be imagining walking down the aisle after your three nearest and dearest. Well, there is nothing to say you can't both have exactly what you want. The days of bridesmaids and groomsmen walking down the aisle in couples are gone, and if that's not how you imagine your wedding day, there are no rules to say you can't forego that tradition.

Have a Bridesman

If you like the idea of a one-person bridal party, there's nothing to say that can't be a bridesman or man of honour. It's up to you whether you want him to go full flowerman on the day with petals and a basket - but it sure is a way to lighten the mood if he's game.

Your Grandparents or Mum

Want to find a special role for your grandparents or give your parents some added responsibility? Why not have them right next to you as you say your 'I dos'? We can't help but think that calming maternal presence would put us at ease, while also allowing us to share even more of the day with the women most important to us.

Include Your Pets

For those not wanting the added stress of having to organise a group of friends and family on their big day and wanting to find a place for their pets in their wedding, this could be the answer. Yes, if you haven't guessed by now, the rule book has well and truly been thrown out, leaving you totally free to celebrate alongside your four-legged friends. Need more convincing? Just think of the pictures!

Hire a Professional Bridesmaid/Groomsman

This wedding party trend has been steadily growing in popularity, but started in 2014, when a woman called Jen Glantz offered her services on a free ad as a professional bridesmaid. She then received 250 requests from all over the world! Later that year launched her business Bridesmaid for Hire, which has spawned a whole host of similar start ups since. Think of it like having a personal assistant and hype woman or man throughout the day, and they can even have a cover story if you want it to be secret.

This has still to become mainstream in Ireland but there are some people offering on the day bridesmaid and groomsman services: The Bearded Bridesmaid and Secret Bridesmaid. This particularly great for anyone who is having an elopement or who doesn't want the traditional wedding party but does need the help!

Looking to inject added interest to your bridal party? Check out these unique bridesmaid dresses and be sure to follow us on Instagram!