Should my musicians be in my bridal party?

No, I’m a wedding musician and it’s too hard to do both. All my friends are musicians and I could have free music, but I chose to hire someone so my wedding party and guests could just enjoy.

View Quoted Comment Ok thank you! This is good insight!

I think it would be so special for them to play music for you... more special than them standing at the front during the ceremony, even! My friend who I’ve known since birth played the flute at our ceremony and it was so wonderful to have HIM doing it.

That being said, can they still be a bridesmaid/groomsman (wear the bridal party attire, participate in pre-wedding events, get ready with you, be in bridal party photos) but just instead of being in the professional and standing at the front during the ceremony, they’d be playing music?

So originally my groomsman was supposed to do some av stuff but it was going to be too much for him so we had someone else come in and do it. I think having someone in your wedding party do both is a lot for them to take on

I think it would be too much for them to do both. Usually the musicians begin playing the prelude about 30 minutes before the ceremony while the guests are being seated. Your SIL and BIL would not be able to do this and take pictures/get ready with you, etc. Plus, they would have to focus on practicing the music before your wedding day and during the rehearsal. This may cause them unnecessary stress at a time that they should relax and enjoy your wedding.

Could they play a short song in place of a reading? I went to a church wedding ceremony a few years ago and a family member of the couple played (acoustic guitar) and sang a special shirt song for the couple as a piece of the ceremony. That family member was not also in the wedding party, but it could work for you, SIL and BIL.

View Quoted Comment That is such a great idea! Thank you!!

View Quoted Comment Great idea! Thank you!!