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Devoted March 2010

Should wedding party sit or stand for the ceremony?

orchid21, on March 18, 2010 at 6:51 AM Posted in Planning 0 6

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Hi again! We're having a small, intimate ceremony and I'm trying to work out seating issues etc.

We have two people on my side and two people on FH's side, so including us, that would be 6 of us standing at the front. About 19-20 other people would be seated.

Should we have our bridal party sit down w/ their dates etc. after they walk up the aisle? Our ceremony is going to be brief (no unity candle etc. just simple vows and ring exchange)so they probably don't need to sit, but I'm wondering if it would look funny having 6 up front compared to the 20 in the audience.

Another thing to consider: we have divorced parents/stepp-parents that aren't all that fond of each other. Do I need to do any assigned or reserved seating? I was thinking it might be good to have reserved spots for the moms and dads at least...

Any advice on the best setup would be extremely appreciated! (Maybe I just need to get rid of chairs/aisle all together. hehe).

Thanks in advance!

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6 Comments

Latest activity by Danielle S, on March 18, 2010 at 12:44 PM

VIP June 2010
Denise livin on 5 · on March 18, 2010 at 7:34 AM
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Traditionally the wedding party stands up front along with the bride and groom the entire time.
As far as parents, maybe just sit one in one aisle and the other in aisle behind. Thats what I had to do with first marriage, but surprisingly the parents were more behaved than I thought they'd be.
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Master September 2011
heidi · on March 18, 2010 at 7:46 AM
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I was in a wedding a few years ago and we (the BP) sat for the ceremony because it was long. But i think in your case, since you are having a small wedding that it would allow the focus to be about you and your husband if you had the BP sitting down. Also, I feel like it wouldnt take away from the BP having a special part in your day if they have an entrance/exit that is traditional, followed by a reception where you are announced.
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Super October 2010
Cindy · on March 18, 2010 at 8:03 AM
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I would say have them stand if your ceremony isnt going to be that long. I feel like when you pick your BMs and GMs it's because you want them standing beside you for this special moment. I think to have them sit at that point seems to take away their main purpose.
Did you have more of a reason for wanting them to sit vs. stand?
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Katherine Hoggard · on March 18, 2010 at 11:07 AM
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Here's something to think about.... when you look at your wedding ceremony pictures for years to come, do you want them to be just of you and your groom, or do you want to see your bridal party standing next to you, in witness and support of the ceremony?
If you have any siblings you could seat them between the parents in the first row, as to separate them. You can always split the parents into two rows, but then you have to decide who gets to have the honor of sitting in the first row.
Let me know if you need help with anything else!
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Devoted March 2010
orchid21 · on March 18, 2010 at 12:38 PM
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Thanks for the advice, everyone! I think I do want my bridal party in the pictures; good point. We probably won't have them sit down.
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VIP June 2010
Danielle S · on March 18, 2010 at 12:44 PM
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I would have them stand. Like someone said above they are in the wedding to stand beside in support of the marriage between you and FH. And especially with your ceremony being short like that it isn't like they will be standing there with their feet getting sore or anything. And as far as the parents you would do one in front of the other or something like that.
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