Each Wednesday, we tackle wedding etiquette. At times, it’s a reader question or one from a colleague, friend or family member and other times we’ll cover a popular issue. (Note: Questions may be edited for clarity and brevity.)
Question: After participating as a bridesmaid and maid of honor in many friend and family weddings, I’m getting married and it’s time to pick the wedding party. My fiancé has also been in a ton of weddings. The thing is, my fiancé and I want an intimate wedding and aren’t too keen on the idea of bridal party beyond a maid of honor (my sister) and a best man (his brother). At the same time, we don’t want to slight the lovely friends and family who have had us in their weddings. Do we have to have bridal party for our wedding?
Answer: The beautiful thing about planning your own wedding is that you get the final say. There is no rule that if you were in someone else’s wedding, they have to be in yours. If you don’t want a bridal party beyond the maid of honor and best man, it’s entirely up to you. In fact, that’s no even required, though this duo can serve as your witnesses for the marriage certificate, so it’s a practical choice. For couples that decide to forego even a maid of honor and best man, appointing a friend or family member witness is also acceptable.
Do you have a solution to share or a wedding etiquette question? Email thewediquette@MyNewOrleans.com.
An earlier version of this article was originally posted in September 2018.
