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Hayley
Just Said Yes February 2020

Non-traditional Bridesmaids

Hayley, on April 8, 2019 at 1:06 PM

Posted in Etiquette and Advice 33

Hello all, I really need some feedback on this. I was excited about having a bridal party, but my fiance insists on only us being up front during the ceremony. He wants an intimate ceremony that focuses heavily on us and our vows, and he believes having multiple people standing up front with us can...

Hello all,

I really need some feedback on this. I was excited about having a bridal party, but my fiance insists on only us being up front during the ceremony. He wants an intimate ceremony that focuses heavily on us and our vows, and he believes having multiple people standing up front with us can be a distraction. I respect this and I'm not upset, but I wanted a bridal party. So, I came up with an idea.

I still want to ask my friends to be bridesmaids and a MOH. They would still be my "Bridal Brigade" and we'd do all the typical things: dress fitting, bridal shower, bachelorette party, etc.

My questions is this:

What do you think about still having them walk down the aisle at the ceremony, but then be seated? (I'm paying for their dresses and makeup.) They can still make an entrance, and my girls can still be recognized, but then my fiance can still get what he wants, too.

Thoughts?

33 Comments

  • Allie
    Master August 2019
    Allie ·
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    I think this is a good compromise. Go for it!

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  • MrsD
    Legend July 2019
    MrsD ·
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    I think that's fine, as long as they sit in the first row. I've seen this in churches where the front isn't big enough for everyone.

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  • Lil Bug
    Dedicated June 2020
    Lil Bug ·
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    Personally, I don't see any issue with your FH making a request like that, no offense to some other ladies on this thread... It's his wedding too, and if you're both willing to compromise, which it seems like you are, then there's nothing wrong with it and it's a really good sign for your marriage. Definitely talk about your idea with your FH, as it seems he's pretty involved in planning. Sounds very agreeable to me. I'm actually considering stealing the idea, lol.

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  • S
    Just Said Yes February 2020
    Sarah ·
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    I think that’s a perfect plan. I’m doing something similar since my ceremony is a traditional Iranian ceremony so bridesmaid are not a thing. But I’m having my girls, bachelorette party, having them walk down the aisle, and just sitting there front row until I need something !
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  • C
    May 2021
    Catherine ·
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    It have been a long while, but I have seen bridal parties sit and only the couple stand before.

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  • Furture Mrs. G
    Expert September 2019
    Furture Mrs. G ·
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    This is what we are having to do for the same exact reasons your FH doesn't want them standing up there with you two... Our priest feels the same way. So they are still walking and then they will be seated. I don't see any problem with it. I was a little upset at first. But, it is what the Priest says we have to do.

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  • Furture Mrs. G
    Expert September 2019
    Furture Mrs. G ·
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    I was very honest about this with my 2 bridesmaids and they saw no issue in it. I am still getting my parties. I didn't ask them they are just doing it. Everything else is still the same minus them standing up there is the only exception.

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  • Shannon
    Expert June 2021
    Shannon ·
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    I don't see why that would be an issue at all.

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  • C
    Devoted September 2019
    Caitlyn ·
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    I've been to ceremonies before where the bridal party sits. I don't think it's a big deal.

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  • Bride2020
    Devoted May 2020
    Bride2020 ·
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    I've never seen it done but I have heard of it done on here, I don't see any issues with treating them exactly the same as a normal bridal party and the only difference is they sit instead of stand, I wouldn't be insulted or anything as a bridesmaid. One thing to consider: personally as a guest I would be more distracted if the bridal party were sitting. I'd probably murmur to my fiance or whoever I was sitting with for a quick second and be like "whats up with that?" It'd probably distract me for the first few minutes of your ceremony while I thought up of reasons why you maybe did it (in my head, of course) & I'd definitely expect people to ask you about it afterwards. People like to have something different to talk about with you other than "congrats, you look beautiful!". Everyones going to think its unique to go "oh, hey, also, why did you do that?" as a way to make conversation. I'd expect judgement from anybody judgey about wedding stuff (they'll find something to judge anyways so doesn't matter), but I'd figure most people wouldn't really care, just would be making conversation, so I'd say don't be upset with anyone who mentions it, they're probably not judging you!
    Think about the times you've been to weddings: you look at the bridesmaids as they walk up, but the second the bride is in the room all eyes are on her and the grooms reaction. The bridesmaids disappear pretty instantly from your mind. Talk to your fiance about if this should really be a concern.
    In short: Nothing wrong with it at all! But I think it might have the opposite effect your fiance intends it to have. If your bridesmaids sit, it'll be the first thing people talk about when asked about your wedding. "It was beautiful! Good food! Great time! She looked great! Also, the bridesmaids were sitting?" If you don't want that tacked on to post wedding conversations, I'd do it normally, if you don't care, go for it! If you are making any non-traditional decision, it'll be talked about first. IMO, make that non-traditional thing something fun about you guys, not about the bridal party, but I really think you're fine either way if your fiance really doesn't want them to stand.

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  • Madison
    Devoted August 2019
    Madison ·
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    Same. It was in a big Catholic church and only the bride and groom stood at the alter. We went up after the vows were said right before they were announced and then walked in the recessional after.

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  • Sherry
    Master September 2019
    Sherry ·
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    I have seen this many times. They've all stayed standing with the rest of the guests and once everyone is asked to sit, they sit. They usually have the front rows reserved for them then the parents, grandparents etc are on the row behind them.

    Once the ceremony was over, they filed out after the bride and groom.

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  • Isabella
    Dedicated June 2020
    Isabella ·
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    I've been to weddings where the bridal party sits (they were all more religious weddings with formal masses in a church) but it seemed fine to me. They had the bridesmaids and groomsmen sit on opposite sides in the front row. I don't think it looked weird at all!

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