When you do get together with the high school friends, is it just like when you were in high school, or is it strained or awkward? I have close friends who I barely see and only text occasionally, but when we do get together, it’s like no time passed at all and we’re just as close as ever.

I probably wouldn’t ask a work friend unless you hang out outside of work, especially with her switching to a different job. Your friendship is pretty likely to fade, and even if she didn’t find it weird, you might look back on it in 10 years and regret putting her in such an important role.

What’s your partner’s situation? Bridal parties are definitely not a necessity, and you shouldn’t feel bad about skipping it entirely or just having one person each (maybe your closer high school friend?).