Wedding Party Debate

Personally I would forego the bridal party if they would only be at the reception. I'd feel quite confused if a friend considered me close enough to be a bridesmaid but not close enough to be invited to the actual ceremony.

I agree with PP. I would feel super awkward if I were not close enough to be invited to your actual ceremony and the destination wedding, yet asked to be a bridesmaid at reception #2.

I know many people who’ve invited friends that weren’t in the bridal party to the bachelorette, so that aside ... are the additional friends contributing financially to the shower? I personally would be upset if someone asked for money, if I was strictly a guest. If it’s just setting up for the shower and/or reception, then I wouldn’t mind not being a part of the bridal party especially under the circumstances. You could also give them an honorary title!

Friends rather than wedding party very frequently do one or more showers, an engagement party or a bachelorette. We do not thus make them members of the wedding party. Like that is how they get a WP title. They are all very good friends, still. So have them over for dinner 4-6 weeks after the wedding if you can. As bride, and WP, and friend I have over and over seen non-WP friends kept at something of a distance while wedding things and your new spouse take all the attention. So I think some of your time and attention, back, is better than a title or gift.