Post # 1
Member
24 posts
Newbee
Hi bees. Merry Xmas to all those who celebrate. My Fiance and I recently selected our wedding venue and date, and could not be more excited. The Fiance is all about giving me my dream wedding day, as weddings are not his thing and he does not like any attention on him. But he is being so great and understands how important and special having a wedding is to me. Very briefly we discussed the idea of having bridal parties, and he REALLY did not seem interested, for a variety of reasons. He will probably be having his brother as best man, but other than that, it doesn’t seem like he wants anyone else invovled. Myself on the other hand would of course like to include my sister as Maid/Matron of Honor and my brother as well. However, I really do want a bridal party. IT would not be too many people, maybe 5-6 at most. Do you think it would be VERY weird if I had bridesmaids + 1 bridesman (in addition to my bro) walking down the aisle and then maybe they could sit in the front row? That way it wouldn’t look weird and just have our siblings up there with us? I honestly do not care about traditions and ”what is usually done” so if it is something different… It doesn’t bother me at all. Any input? Did anyone have a similar situation, where you wanted a bridal party but your fiance did not?
Post # 2
Member
3229 posts
Sugar bee
I think some people in certain parts of the US do something similar – called a house bridal party or something like that? Where certain people sit and certain people stand, but honestly I think it’s a bit insulting. I would not want to go through all the fanfare of being part of the bridal party – buying a dress, probably planning parties, spending all day doing pictures and getting ready, etc. only to not be “good enough” to stand up with the bride and groom. I would rather be a guest at that point and wear an outfit of my choosing, show up at the ceremony a few minutes before start time, and enjoy myself.
I do have a friend that had a few bridesmaids that stood up at the ceremony, as usual, (I think 4) and her husband had only his dad as best man – it was fine.
Post # 3
Member
1083 posts
Bumble bee
Your bridal parties do not have to be even.
he can have one groomsmen standing next to him and you can have 5 ladies up next to you.
When this has happened, I’ve seen the ladies walk out one by one. I’ve seen the ladies walk in pairs as well. And I’ve seen photos of groomesman walking with 2 bridesmaids.
if he only wants one and you want 6, maybe compromise? He gets one and you get 3-4?…..
Post # 4
Member
1982 posts
Buzzing bee
I think that seems like a pretty great compromise.
Post # 5
Member
1546 posts
Bumble bee
Weve just been through this debate ourselves (settled on having 1 best man, 1 Maid/Matron of Honor and 1 bridesmaid= all family). I would keep it small as a compromise for him. Have your brother and sister up with you and your FI’s brother as best man. Your friends will still be at the wedding, and it will be much less complicated than organising who sits and who stands without trying to offend and also trying to find roles for each person. Your friends will understand if you keep the bridal party to family only. It will be much less stressful on your part and your friends. You can still have them in special photos with you if you request it to your photographer 🙂
Post # 6
Member
24 posts
Newbee
thanks for all the input! a close friend of mine both did something similar. having a close group of “VIP” friends all wear the same color, be included in pictures and pre-ceremony festivities, just not an official bridal party.
i will keep all of these suggestions in mind. thanks a lot- really appreciate the feedback.
Post # 7
Member
799 posts
Busy bee
In reality, it’s whatever you want and whatever makes you comfortable. For our wedding I had a Maid/Matron of Honor and a Flower Girl. DH couldn’t pick between his two best friends growing up so he opted to not have anyone stand up with him.