Hiring Wedding Party

I personally think hiring someone would be weird lol, I myself am a super low key bride and try to make things as laid back as possible for not only my girls but myself as well! I think it would be awkward for the people who were hired when everyone asks them how they know the couple and stuff. Unless the couple doesn't care about that kind of thing. But to each their own! Whatever makes them happy that is what it is about!

I've heard of prima donna celebrities doing this: hiring actors to be attendants and flower girls. However I cannot imagine a real life couple being that narcissistic though they probably don't utilize online forums.

I swear, I almost suggested to someone yesterday that she should just hire some models because she didn't like the way her friends looked. And part of me was like, is that so wrong? Hey, if it works for them (i.e. the brides who care more about photos than people), and it doesn't hurt anyone, then why not?? Lol

They are still in the minority

A little bit off topic but still an interesting fact. In Asia (and especially China) hiring groomsmen/bridesmaids is a very common practice. Especially because before the wedding, there's this tradition where the bridesmaids have to try and prevent the groomsmen from getting to the bride using sometimes cruel means. So friends of the groom are not likely to say yes to being put through that process. As for the bridesmaids, there's this expectation that they should drink alcohol for the bride. In Asian culture, you can't refuse a drink (otherwise it's rude) and at a wedding MANY people will toast you. So the bride will often offload the drinking to the bridesmaids. Friends of the bride are not likely to say yes to being a bridesmaid either. In fact, there have been a few cases where hired bridesmaids have died from alcohol poisoning in China.

Anyway, a bit of a tangent but back to the topic. It's not unusual in many parts of the world to hire bridesmaids and groomsmen because the importance placed on the appearance of your wedding far outweighs the authenticity of it.

Personally I wouldn't do it because I feel the purpose of bridesmaids/groomsmen is to have those closest to you share/participate in your special day. But I also understand the thought process of those who choose to hire them.

There are actually a few women who hire themselves out as "professional bridesmaids." It's not an entire wedding party that gets hired, but for a lot of brides who want their bridesmaid to listen to all of their wedding talk and be emotional support, help bustle a dress, and help with minor planning, etc, can hire (I think she's British) a bridesmaid. Then they can have their friends around them, and a pro-bridesmaid who won't complain and is there for you.

Seem ludicrous and lucrative. However, a lot of times the bride will just pretend that this woman is a friend/co-worker from a different friend group. I mean, you pay for my dress, travel, food, and a little extra, I'll wear whatever you want, lol.

I didn't care that my bridal party was uneven, nor did I feel the need/desire to "replace" one of my bridesmaids when she was deployed last-minute.

Here's a fun link, lol:

https://bridesmaidforhire.com/

I didn't have a bridal party, so clearly I am not the target audience for your clever new business opportunity. But I swear there was a post here a couple months ago from a man who was asking about hiring groomsman. I need to see if I can find it. It was wild.

Edited to add: Yes! I knew I didn't dream this. Here's a link to a post about renting groomsmen: https://www.weddingwire.com/wedding-forums/renting-groomsmen/b3b7cb971a860000.html