Ceremony without Grooms Family? Help!

BugFamilyLove · January 2013

How do we build a ceremony without my fiance's family? They have all RSVP'd maybe (they all live out of state and it depends on if they afford the trip) and he doesn't want to chose anyone else for his groomsmen or best man since his brothers probably won't be able to make it. I have no idea what kind of ceremony we can have without his parents or anyone there for him.

Any ideas?

Jen4948 · January 2013

Maybe consider a destination wedding?

BugFamilyLove · January 2013

Destination wedding... like elopment? I'm not sure how that would work in our favor or solve the cereonmy problems unless we just didn't have a ceremony only vows?

We are keeping our budget very low, backyard wedding with my cousin as a DJ (he is normally a DJ so it's very nice of him to offer his services), potluck sort of large family gathering style, but I don't know what kind of ceremony to have without his family or friends present.

BugFamilyLove · January 2013

But without a best man or grooms men is it right for me to chose bridesmaids and a maid of honor? How would that work?

Cackle6 · January 2013

I was in a similar boat, as my family and his family were in different states and we got married where my family was. I would just plan as you would if they were going to be there, and if they can make it, great! And if not, it's def a bummer, but it happens. My H's immediate family and a handful of friends made the trip, but the rest of his family and friends couldn't make it. I felt really bad about it, but H was ok with it so I got over it.

As far as BM/GM - you can still have a MOH and BMs, and if his brothers aren't able to make it, then I would maybe just have your MOH stand up with you and have the BM's sit in the front row after walking down the aisle or something. I have no issue with uneven sides, but your FI might feel weird if you have 5 girls on your side and he has no one, you know? Do you have any brothers/cousins/close male friends who he might feel comfortable having in the wedding party if his brothers aren't able to make it? Just something to think about. Good luck!

ETA: Ditto PP about the pot luck wedding. Not a good idea. It's one thing if a few family members have offered to help with the food, but another to ask guests to bring their own food to a reception. I personally wouldn't even want my family helping with the food, as I would want them to be able to enjoy themselves.

OliveOilsMom · January 2013

I know you are on budget, but would you be able to help pay for the airplane/train tickets for your FI's VIPs? That way at least some of his family could attend.

AddieCake · January 2013

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_ceremony-ideas_ceremony-without-grooms-family-help?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:10Discussion:678c7cfb-5281-4596-84e2-20636812483bPost:e6a316a4-9954-4e02-a8ae-77a4d7866a10">Re: Ceremony without Grooms Family? Help!</a>:
[QUOTE]You have the same kind of ceremony you'd have if his family were present. It's sad they can't be there, but you'll be just as married without them. Don't do a potluck wedding. This is a huge faux pas. You are inviting the guests, so it's your responsibility to feed them.
Posted by RetreadBride[/QUOTE]

<div>This. </div>

BugFamilyLove · January 2013

Since everyone keeps bringing it up, I did not intend to ask my guests to bring food. By potluck I was refering to family members that had offered to help by making food. A family friend that is going to culinary school for baking offered to make my wedding cake as a wedding present.

I have every intention to try to save money to fly some of his family out. I don't know if I will be able to, plus his mother is wheelchair bound and it is difficult for her to travel.

Ceremony without Grooms Family? Help!

Re: Ceremony without Grooms Family? Help!

Choose Another Board

Search Boards