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K
Savvy June 2023

Should i have my sil in my bridal party?

Kara, on August 23, 2020 at 12:44 PM Posted in Family and Relationships 0 11

I’m getting married officially (we’re already married from a cruise but don’t really act as though we’re married and not many people know so this is our legit wedding) in a year and a half. My fiancé is having my brother in his wedding party (we each have a sister and a brother) because they’re close.

My fiancé has been like a father to my brother, who doesn’t have one, and my brother loves spending time with him. My fiancé is also having his own brother and a few friends.
I’m having my sister and a few friends. Originally, I had resolved to having my SIL as well (fiancés older brother). I grew up thinking this was normal. However, she doesn’t like me at all and barely speaks to me at events.
Over the last 6 years, we’ve had one casual conversation at the beginning of each event (how are you, good to see you etc.) then she avoids me for the rest of the event. She also avoids spending time with either of us if I’ll be there and will only invite my fiancé over to do a task so that I don’t come with him.
This was something that made me really sad for a while because I wanted to be close with my fiancé’s family. Just recently I realized this won’t change. It’s incredibly uncomfortable to be around here (she doesn’t make eye contact, doesn’t make small talk even if I try, and tries to walk away immediately) so I literally cannot imagine having her in my bridal party.
However, I don’t think his family realizes there’s anything wrong. She was in BIL’s wedding a few years ago on his wife’s side. This would be the only wedding she’s not in. She does have young kids so I could include them in the wedding instead, but I still think it’ll be pretty obvious that my brother is in it when she isn’t. What is the correct etiquette here? And if I do have to include her, is there a way to do it without awkwardly asking her with a gift or having my fiancé ask her or something? As much as I don’t like her, I would much rather just have her than do something outwardly rude.

11 Comments

Latest activity by soontobehebl, on August 24, 2020 at 4:44 PM
  • Lisa
    Rockstar July 2022
    Lisa ·
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    I don't think it's rude to not include her in the wedding party. You should only pick those who you want to stand by you for your day. Don't pick anyone just because you feel obligated to. Pick those that have been supportive and friendly to you, and who you see being in your life for a long time.
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  • Crystal
    Devoted October 2020
    Crystal ·
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    I don’t think you have to include her. My sil doesn’t like me and didn’t include me. Weddings are stressful enough.


    You could also include her kids and if she brings it up say you were being mindful since the kids outfits cost money.
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  • J
    Master October 2022
    Jana ·
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    Only pick those who are closest to you and the most supportive. She can be a guest since she doesn't have a relationship with you.
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  • K
    Savvy June 2023
    Kara ·
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    That’s great reasoning, thank you! And definitely makes sense since she has a lot of kids and we can include all of them.
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  • Mrs. Spring
    Master April 2021
    Mrs. Spring ·
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    Those in your wedding party should be close to you. If she's close to your FH, then she can be his groomswoman and stand at his side of the alter.
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  • Mrs. Spring
    Master April 2021
    Mrs. Spring ·
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    If she's not close to either of you then she should be a guest.
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  • Kristen
    Master November 2020
    Kristen ·
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    I agree with this. Especially when you have tried to build the bridge and she avoids you that is a hard no. I feel that your FH and brother's relationship is different and they actually get along. I would just explain the situation to your FH first just so he is aware. Honestly, if I did not like someone I would feel odd if they asked me to be in their wedding party lol. I feel it will cause issues if she is.

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  • Katie
    Dedicated October 2021
    Katie ·
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    I don’t think the in-law wedding party etiquette extends to spouses of your FHs siblings. My FH is asking my brother to be a groomsman and if he had a sister I would ask her to be in my party but I don’t feel that goes the same way with siblings’ spouses.
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  • Alyssa
    Dedicated August 2021
    Alyssa ·
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    I don’t think it’s necessary to include her,
    at the end of the day it’s your day and who you choose up to you it’s not up to her. even attending the wedding is a blessing. if you guys don’t talk don’t include them.
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  • Crystal
    Devoted October 2020
    Crystal ·
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    Glad I could help.

    My fiance's brother we didn't include because be included his two sons. They're older teens, so we figured with the suits being so pricey it was a lot to also ask him to rent a tux too.

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  • soontobehebl
    Just Said Yes September 2021
    soontobehebl ·
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    I have learned the hard way to ONLY include the people you want to include in your day. NEVER feel obligated to include anyone else but the people YOU want!

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