--- etc/net/scripts/create-bri
+++ etc/net/scripts/create-bri
@@ -4,7 +4,8 @@ pickup_defaults
 init_netprofile
 pickup_options
 
-: ${HOST:?HOST must be set for $NAME}
+is_no "$IFUP_PARENTS" || \
+	: ${HOST:?HOST must be set for $NAME}
 
 if profiled_filename PROF_BRCTL "$MYIFACEDIR/brctl"; then
 	print_error "ignoring brctl-style options in $PROF_BRCTL"