Weddings bring so much joy, but they also come with a few tricky conversations—like telling a friend they won’t be part of your bridal party.

If you’re feeling a little nervous about breaking the news, don’t worry! It’s completely possible to handle this with kindness and honesty while keeping your friendships intact.

Before talking to anyone, be clear about what you and your partner want. Maybe you’re keeping it small, limiting it to family, or choosing friends based on specific roles. Knowing your reasons makes it easier to explain if someone assumes they’ll be in your entourage

If the conversation comes up, honesty is always the best approach. There’s no need for long explanations or over-apologizing, but a little reassurance can go a long way.

Try saying something like, “We love you and can’t wait to celebrate together, but we’ve decided to keep our entourage small.” Or, “It was so hard to choose, but please know it doesn’t change how much you mean to us!”

Most friends will appreciate your honesty and understand that being in the entourage isn’t the only way to be part of the celebration.

If you still want to make them feel special, consider giving them another meaningful role. Maybe they can do a reading at the ceremony, give a toast at the reception, or help plan the bridal shower. Some friends will actually love the idea of being involved without the pressure of official bridal party duties.

Timing is everything! If you suspect a friend might assume they’re in the entourage, bring it up sooner rather than later. The longer you wait, the harder it might be to manage expectations. A casual conversation early on can prevent awkwardness later.

Keeping the focus on the celebration can also help shift the conversation away from any disappointment. Let your friend know that your wedding isn’t just about the entourage, but it’s also about sharing the moment with everyone you love. Saying something like, “We’re just so happy you’ll be there to celebrate with us,” reminds them that they’re still an important part of your big day.

Another way to soften the message is to highlight the practical side of having a smaller entourage. You can mention how you’re keeping things simple for coordination purposes, or that you didn’t want to add extra responsibilities to anyone’s plate. Sometimes framing it in a way that acknowledges the logistical side of things helps people understand your decision better.

If a friend seems hurt, it’s okay to give them space. A quick check-in later, whether through a message or a casual hangout, can reassure them that your friendship is still solid. If they truly value your relationship, they’ll understand that the wedding is just one day, but your bond lasts far beyond it.

At the end of the day, the most important thing is making sure your friends feel valued, whether or not they’re standing beside you at the altar. A simple, “I hope you know how much I appreciate you! We’re just so excited to celebrate with you, no matter what,” can go a long way in keeping your friendship strong.

After all, weddings come and go, but friendships last far beyond the big day! Handling this conversation with kindness, honesty, and confidence will help make sure that everyone feels included—no matter what role they play in your wedding.