Skip to main content

Post content has been hidden

To unblock this content, please click here

Miranda
Just Said Yes April 2024

Wedding Party Etiquette Help

Miranda, on March 23, 2023 at 5:23 PM Posted in Etiquette and Advice 0 5

My fiancé and I are trying to pick our wedding party. I have two SILs that I'd like to include. I was in both of their weddings. We'll call my brother's wife A, my brothers B and C, my fiancé's sister D and her husband E.

D recently was married to E and my fiancé and I were both in their wedding party. So if we include D, we probably should include E. Not a huge problem though my fiancé would probably rather not. It's a small, tightknit family we see a lot.. But I want to include A. I've known her for a very long time, was a bridesmaid, am an aunt to her children. My fiancé is not tight with her husband/my brother, B (we don't live near them.) Friendly when we visit, sure, but not close enough and TBH he's probably not down for all the festivities anyway. Is it weird if I include SIL A and not her husband, B? (I will say I will probably have their children as a junior bridesmaid and ringbearer, along with C's daughter as JB.) I can't include one brother, and not the other...but like I said, my fiancé isn't close to either and if we do include them, our wedding party is getting far too large and we're trying to avoid that.

Does that make us rude? I know it's our wedding and we can do what we want, but I just don't want to offend anyone. If you've followed along--thank you.

5 Comments

Latest activity by CM, on April 9, 2023 at 7:05 PM
  • Jacks
    Rockstar November 2054
    Jacks ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    You don't have to ask both halves of a married couple to be in a wedding. Ask whomever is closest to you, and also you don't need to divide the wedding party by gender. Hopefully that makes things easier.

    I would suggest not asking anyway until later this year, at about 6-8 months before the wedding, so you have some time to think on it anyway.

    • Reply
  • C
    CM ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content
    You aren’t obliged but I always think it’s nice to include future BIL and SILs when there is a cordial relationship even when they don’t live close. What I personally wouldn’t do in your place is include some future sibling in laws but not others.
    • Reply
  • M
    VIP August 2021
    Michelle ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    You can add your brothers to your side if you want. Your FS should pick their own party. Not everyone needs a title. All guests are honored guests and some may prefer to enjoy the wedding as guests in their own clothes and with less obligations.

    • Reply
  • Michelle
    Rockstar December 2022
    Michelle ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content
    Keep in mind that it is not disrespectful or a faux pas to not include spouses/in laws as attendants when there is no relationship between them and the couple getting married. It is a myth created by social media that people feel disrespected when they are not asked to be a bridesmaid or groomsman when that is not the case in real life. Many people prefer to be a guest with none of the responsibilities that come with being a bridesmaid or groomsman and it is not a snub toward them to do so.


    As for who to pick: make a list of your current innermost supportive social circle. Namely your group of best friends who are the first ones who you contact to celebrate or vent about your relationship with fiancé. For many people, in laws are not on that list. The wedding party is not the appropriate time or place to “get to know” new in laws. It’s also not appropriate for you to have fiancé’s female friends and relatives on your side because they are not your closest friends. The same with having your male friends and relatives on fiancé’s side. Either have your own friends on your sides or have them sit as guests.
    • Reply
  • C
    CM ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content
    View Quoted Comment

    I agree with you that it's not disrespectful or a faux pas not to invite in-laws. It's a gesture, not an expectation. On the other hand, it's certainly not inappropriate to have a fiancé's relatives on your side or include BILs and SILs in recogition that you are going to be family. I personally think it's nice.

    • Reply

You voted for . Add a comment 👇

×

Related articles

WeddingWire celebrates love ...and so does everyone on our site! Learn more

Groups

WeddingWire article topics