No bridal party

camberscb

This may be a silly question but... my fiance and I are having a small wedding with around 50 or 60 guests. I don't have very many female friends, and after discussing it with my fiance, we decided not to have a bridal party. I know that you have to have witnesses sign the marriage license, and typically these people are in the wedding party. Can we have anyone sign it?

thesuninherhead

I'm not sure what the requirements are in the states, but here anyone can witness it.

mysticl

I'm pretty sure anyone can sign the license who witnessed you get married (though I guess they have to be an adult).  I've heard of weddings were the BM or MOH had already left for the reception when it was time to sign so they just grabed another guest.   However, do you need witnesses?  When I was researching marriage licenses in my state I discovered the only witness to sign the license is the officiant. 

camberscb

I believe witnesses are required here in New York. I was in a wedding in May of 2009 and I remember that the MOH and best man had to sign the license.

AdeleDazeem

I've been a MOH twice and only signed a marriage certificate once.  Anyone who witnesses the ceremony may sign it - it doesn't have to be someone who you've dedicated as "Maid of Honor."

My fiance and I aren't having a wedding party, either - too much hassle!

melliott09

I am not having a BP either, we are having a small ceremony, immediate family will be there to witness, anyone of my 30 guests could sign as the witness. Just have your parents sign.

EDIT: Here is info from about dot com regarding a witness in the state of NY.

Witnesses:

A marriage ceremony must have at least one witness. Although the state website states that there is no minimum age required in order to be a witness, the New York City web site requires witnesses to be at least 18 years of age.

AllenBaker

We were in the same boat as you, and just had our 2 brothers stand up with us wearing whatever they wanted. It turned out that in NH you don't even need people to sign it so it was just symbolic.

BeeBee22

We're not having a bridal party either.  What are you guys planning to do with your bouquet? I'm trying to figure out what would seem most natural.

My brother is walking me - maybe I'll sit my Mom on the end of a row and hand it off to her?  Not sure.  Any input appreciated!

camberscb

Wow- I'm surprised so many of you are opting not to have bridal parties. It's just way too much drama and hassle for me, not to mention I feel bad making someone buy a fancy dress that they'll never wear again!

I will most like just have my mom sign the license.

Thanks for all of the ideas!