having witnesses instead of a formal bridal party

mdrswedding

Has anyone been to a wedding or had a wedding in which the bride and groom each had a witness stand on their behalf vs. having a traditional wedding party?  My FI and I are each having our brother be our witness.  Wasn't sure how involved a witness could get....I know I could really do whatever we want to but looking for ideas.

mbcdefg

If all you want them to do is stand there and be witnesses, then they're really fulfilling the same functions as a bridal party. Yes, bridesmaids/groomsmen sometimes help with planning and throw parties, but that's because they WANT to, not because they HAVE to. Any involment from either a bridesmaid or a witness is strictly voluntary. If they want to help out, great. If not, fine.

And as far as attire, there are some brides/grooms out there who literally just let their attendants wear whatever they want (sometimes in a specific color scheme, other times it's a free-for-all), so it's not even like a special dress or tux would distinguish them as bridesmaid/groomsman or witness.

You don't have to call them a Maid of Honor and Best Man if you don't want to, but it sounds like that's basically what you've got.

gottahavashorti

That's essentially what a bridal party is - the close friends or family who stand next to you during your wedding ceremony.  The alternate title is fine, and I actually kind of like it since it removes the unfortunate expectations many people make of their WPs.

trix1223

My sister and BIL had no WP.  It was just the two of them together in the front of the church.  After the ceremony, our mom and his dad signed the license as witnesses.

But if they're standing up in front during the ceremony, then they are, essentially, a WP.  Because that's all a WP really does:  wear the attire, walk down the aisle, stand respectfully during the ceremony, and smile for photos.

The two men you're calling "witnesses" instead of WP can do any or all of the parts listed above.

aerinpegadrak

If they're standing up there next to you, they're pretty much your wedding party.  If you really want to make it clear that you're not having a wedding party, they'd be seated up front during the ceremony.