Want bridesmaids, just not at the Altar

seriaa

Help! I have about 6 or 7 people, family included, that I would love to have in my wedding party. The problem is I truthfully don't care to have the whole wedding party processional thing. I feel that the ceremonial stuff at the altar is truly just for me and The Man. However, I still want these ladies to be in pictures, help me before the ceremony, and in general still be my girls. How can I have them be noticed/walk down the aisle, but then have them sit down or step back and it not look awkward or weird?

I've been racking my brain! Please help!

AlexaNP

At my church, the bridal party never stands up "at the altar" during weddings.  It has never looked weird.  The bridal party walks up in reverse order, the girls split off to the left, and the guys to the right and go in the pews.  Usually the MOH and BM are up near the altar but off to the side, but if you don't want this either, you could have them sit with the rest of the bridal party, or they could sit right in the front if they have to come up during the exchange of rings (i.e. if the best man has the rings).  Hope this helps.

MairePoppy

I have been to many weddings where the bms and gm walked down the aisle and took seats in the front row. The MOH and BM, usually stand at the altar with the bride and groom to act as official witnesses, but there is no reason that they couldn't sit, if that's what you want.

seriaa

Well, perfect. Now that I know it's not completely odd, I can start picturing how I should do it. Sit off to the side. Sit in front row, 2nd row. Or stand off to the side. Possibly staggered rows so that parents and siblings aren't having to sit on the 2nd row behind the wedding party. Anyways, thank yall so much! It put me at ease.

mrskighty

For our wedding I don't want the jr brides maids and flower girl at the aler, I am afraid they would move around and get tired, So I have them walking down first and then sitting in the first row at the far ends. They will be last when we walk out. This way they still feel included and will be in the pictures

wrigleyville

The MOH usually holds your bouquet during your vows and hands your FI's ring to you. Whatever you decide, I would try to keep her close so you can easily exchange these items. Same with the BM, since he typically hands your ring to your FI.

Alternately, you and your FI could keep the rings in your possession before the vows. Then you would just need to figure out what to do with your bouquet during the vows. You could keep a vase on/near the altar.

mbrischoux

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_customs-traditions_want-bridesmaids-just-not-at-the-altar?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:36Discussion:60256ee2-6cee-411c-8d66-77098aae38a6Post:02bab2bc-9863-4979-85d1-b5575ff9b221">Re: Want bridesmaids, just not at the Altar</a>:
[QUOTE]At my church, the bridal party never stands up "at the altar" during weddings.  It has never looked weird.  The bridal party walks up in reverse order, the girls split off to the left, and the guys to the right and go in the pews.  Usually the MOH and BM are up near the altar but off to the side, but if you don't want this either, you could have them sit with the rest of the bridal party, or they could sit right in the front if they have to come up during the exchange of rings (i.e. if the best man has the rings).  Hope this helps.
Posted by AlexaNP[/QUOTE]

This.

I've never been to a wedding where the whole bridal party stands at the altar.  The BSs and GMs sit in the first row, and the MOH and BM stand to the side as witnesses during the vows. 

pinkprincess1952

I think that is just crazy! I think the bridal party should stand up there with u...