Including Sisters in the Wedding Party

by Stacey
(Ontario)

Hi there,


I am recently engaged, and am in the process of choosing the wedding party. We still have a year until the big day so we realize we have some time to decide, but at the same time I would like to give everyone ample time to prepare financially.

I won't be asking my bridesmaid's to purchase much (perhaps just the dress, if that) and will cover costs of hair and make up etc. However with one preparing to buy a house, the other preparing for a baby I think it is only fair to give them time to get organized.

Having been in a wedding before, and having the bride cover almost all the costs, it made it a lot more fun and less stressful, which is what we are going for!

I have already asked my MOH (my sister) and my 2 best friends of 20+ years to be in it. My fiancé has 3 on his side which are great/close friends.

Problem is my groom has 2 sisters. As much as I would like to include them in the wedding (they are very excited, eager to help and really amazing girls!) it is causing a bit of a problem with #'s.

I would have 5 on my side and only 3 on his. It is not that I don't want them in the wedding, but my fiancé and I would really like to keep the wedding small and simple (including the wedding party).

We are thinking of asking them to do readings, sit with us at the head table and include them in everything including hair/make up, pictures and make a point of having them stand out in the crowd.

An alternative idea has been suggested to have one stand on my side, and the other on his side. The sister on the groom’s side dress in black with accent colours matching the bridesmaid dresses. Different, but seemingly more popular these days. Pros/cons?

Does anyone here have opinions on not including the Grooms sisters in the wedding party? Ideally it would be nice, but with trying to keep things small, simple and matched it is easier to not have them in the wedding party itself. I am closer with one than the other (only due to distance) and I know they would be excited to be involved, however it is creating a bit of a problem with trying to keep things simple.

Thoughts, ideas, solutions, help?!?!?

I realize they will be my family, and don't want to upset them, but would hope they would understand my/our decisions. I will give 100% to keeping them involved and a part of the day as they are special to me and the last thing I want is to have 2 upset sister in laws!! I have no problem having them involved, just trying to do it in a manner that makes the most sense!

Help! Thank you!!!

Our Thoughts

This is a very touchy subject as you seem to be well aware of.

If it is a wedding party numbers question, today there is no right or wrong way as to how many people can be included in your party. We actually had 3 women on my side and 1 Best Man on my husband’s side for our wedding.

When our bridal party made their entrance, the best man walked in with my husband and all three girls walked down the isle on their own. This was a destination wedding, so it was a little different than a traditional wedding to begin with.

The processional went as follows: Us, my sister's husband escorted my sister (Matron of Honor), and our best man walked my husband's sisters out - one on each of his arms. There truly is no wrong way to organize a wedding party as long as you really think it out and it looks rehearsed.

No with that said, we are true believers in that this is your wedding and you should follow your heart's desire. However, make sure that you and your husband-to-be are on the same page with this decision.

There is a chance that his sisters will not be fully comfortable with your decision. Remember that they are becoming your sisters as well as his, so make sure you fully think through your plan and make the best decision for your wedding as well as your relationship with your soon to be sisters-in-law.

To Your Wedding!
Danielle & Stephen

Comments for Including Sisters in the Wedding Party

Average Rating starstarstarstarstar

Click here to add your own comments

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
please include the sisters
by: Anonymous

Please include the sisters as bridesmaids! My brother's fiancee insisted she had enough people in the wedding party and excluded me. I am my brother's ONLY sister and ONLY sibling. On the day of the wedding I was not in any of the wedding photos because I was not in the bridal party. I cried in the bathroom while the photos were taken. My other relatives were shocked and saddened by my exclusion. My brother told me after how much he regretted not speaking up to include me. It was too late. Now it is really too late as 1 1/2 years after the wedding my brother died.

Please include the sisters.Life is too short.

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
ADD EVERYONE
by: Anonymous

Add EVERY SISTER/BROTHER IN THE WEDDING! if you ask 1 or 2 then you have to ask the rest. Its only fair!

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Groom's sisters in wedding party NEW
by: Anonymous

Yes, of course his sisters should be in the wedding party! I don't understand the excuse of you are trying to keep the wedding small and simple. Since they are obviously going to be invited to the wedding, excluding them from the "wedding party" does not not reduce the guest list. If the attendants are paying for their own dresses, what difference does it make?

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Think before with your heart. NEW
by: Anonymous

My brother is getting married later this year and I am his only sister and we have a younger brother. My Mum and Dad were annoyed that I wasn't asked to be a Bridesmaid, also when friend and family heard that I'd not been asked they where all annoyed for me. Before Christmas I was eventually asked to be a part of the party, with a question that started 'I know it's a bit late, but would you like to be a Bridesmaid'. I thought about it for week, before I politely said that I didn't want to be a Bridesmaid, but would do a reading for them. I know the dresses where bought already when she asked me. So think and discuss it before you reach a final decision.

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Ask The Wedding Planner.