text: do i have to have bridesmaids if we have a destination wedding? my fiancee and i are going to jamaica to get married although we are having a reception when we get back.  none of my girlfriends can afford to go but 3 of his bestfriends are. originally i asked a couple girls to be in the wedding assuming that they were going to jamaica but they backed out. we are n ot having the traditional wedding so i don't want the girls to have to pay for the traditional expenses that a bridesmaid usually has to. is is ok at the reception to have his 3 groomsmen + myself + his sister(my maid of honor) at the head table? and how do i tell the girls that i changed my mind about having traditional bridesmaids without hurting their feelings?? i would ask them if they can afford the expenses that go along with it.