Does future sister in law have to be a bridesmaid?

She def doesn't need to be a bridesmaid, as you're each only having 1 person up there with you. But is there something else are could do to be a part of the ceremony? Candle lighting? Poem reading? Considering she's 16, and probably doesn't have weddings on the brain yet, I doubt she expects to be a BM. And then you'd have the awkwardness of not being able to include her in any bachelorette activities...just, no.

I am including mine and it has really helped us become closer, especially since we are in different states. However, to answer your question, no, you don't "have" to. Especially since your BP is so small and she is so young, it would be more acceptable I think. Up to you in the end though and don't let anyone try to control your decision.

I included my FSIL and it's actually made our relationship worse. She complains about everything, hates everything about my wedding and is generally making my life a living hell. If you're not close with her, then don't ask her to be a BM. It's your decision, not your FMILs.

Mine did not even come to our wedding. Nuff said.

I am including mine in ours, but my sisters and I (three of us) are not in my brothers, they are keeping it small and we are all in different cities too. We are also all fine without being in it but I know that is not always the case... I think it might be a conversation to have with your FSIL and your FH, especially if its just the two of them for siblings.

No, you don't need to. Don't get caught up in trying to make everyone happy, you'll only drive yourself crazy. I'm not including mine in my bridal party.

NO!!!! That is a very personal decision. IMO a FMIL is out-of-line to make a bridesmaid recommendation. I'm not sure what your relationship is with your FSIL, but the idea would have occurred to you first if it was a good idea. I'm having one of my FSIL's. We are friends. My other FSIL isn't close to me, so she isn't in the wedding party. (She's also a strange person who pouts and fumes for no discernable reason at every social event, including her own parties and only drank begrudgingly to my engagement toasts even though we've never had a negative interaction.)

My mom was forced to have both of my dad's sisters in her bridal party. It still upsets her that she gave in. And it's no surprise that it set the tone for my grandmother to continue making controlling suggestions.

I included my FSIL (both of them). But they are both my age and it was important to FH. So far, it hasn't been a bad decision.

Honestly if I had a choice I wouldn't include all 4 of his sisters but I have to. He wants all 4 of his sisters in the wedding. And FMIL volunteered his 7 year old sister as the flower girl. I'm just gonna go with it. Maybe it'll bring us closer, but again I think what do I have in common with a 8,12 and 14 year old.

No you do not have to... there are other ways to include her. You can make her an honorary bridesmaid, flower girl, junior bridesmaid, etc.

Maybe have her stand at the guest book and welcome people. That's what I'm thinking of having my youngest FSIL... who is 22 doing. Lol I am the kind of person that has to have symmetry... same number on each side. It's fine for others not to, but not for my wedding. I'm having one of her nieces be my bm. My only niece is our flower girl.

I included my Sister in law as a bridesmaid, and it did make us closer. We're in different counties ..lol

But , you don't have to have her in your bridal party . 1. Age shouldn't matter and 2. It should be up to you and your FH , not your MIL.

I asked my sister in law to be a bridesmaid because DH is close with her (even though I did just met her ) , it meant a lot to DH..side note ...omg I'm married now

Thank y'all for your help! (:

She definitely does not need to be a bridesmaid, especially if you are keeping it small. If you did want her to have a special part you could see if she wants to do a reading or something. I wouldn't feel like you have to include her though.

That's your decision! I say do whatever makes you happy.

I have both of mine - - now I wish I didn't ask them! They both, combined with my FMIL are making everything difficult! And since they haven't ever been in a wedding they thought the bride paid for everything....the dress, shoes, makeup, hair, alterations to the dress, lodging, and travel.....if I could turn back the clock, I'd not have them.

But either way I def agree with everyone, it's your decision, not your FMIL's

If your FMIL is paying for the wedding, then i'd say that out of respect, you should let the girl be your bridesmaid.

If FMIL isn't paying for the wedding, then it is 100% you and your FH's decision as to who should be int he bridal party.

No you Do not. Especially if you're not close to them at all. It may make things worse or it may make them better but the decision is not up to your FMIL.

I don't understand why people think they can volunteer people for someone else's wedding. FH and I decided on a small BP with just friends but FMIL and others assumed FSIL and kids would be included. Go with what you want

No!! she does not have to be included... i'm not including my FSIL - heck i don't even know if she will come! have the bridal party YOU want- don't be forced! you'll have those pictures to look at forever