family in the bridal party?

hmmm so i've been thinking that everyone in my bridal party is a close friend. no family. i almost feel guilty about it because growing up my fam would always say i love my friends more than them. but it just so happens that i'm closer to my friends than the girls in my fam who would be fit to be a bridesmaid.

my nieces (who are both a few years older than me) would be a perfect fit, but one doesnt want to be in it and the other...we dont speak often. i was recently in my cousins wedding but i dont think making her a bridesmaid would make sense because shes older and is dealing with her new marriage life and prob wouldnt have time for my requests.

so the question is....should i put family in my bridal party?

i know if i did it would stop them from getting that moment in my wedding to say 'see i knew she didnt like her family, theyre not even i the bridal party'. but then, again....does it matter?

Its really up to you and how you feel about the people int your bp. If your friends will be a better fit for you then I would stick to that.

I have 2 family members in my bp. My sister who I'm very close with and a cousin who is like a sister to me. I only put people in my bp that I felt I wanted to share my special day with.

It really is your decision...the only family in my bridal party is my sister, the rest are my friends...I for one am not going to put someone in my bridal party because I feel I have to. It's you day and you will be happy with whatever decision you make

i had the same struggles. I only put my sister as MOH bc we are close, and it was the right thing to do. I know my three cousins are probably wondering why I didnt ask them, but I am WAY closer w my friends than my family.

Dont do anything out of obligation unless you feel it will forever ruin your relationship w that person.

If you're close with any family members then I think you should put them in your BP.

Our siblings are obviously in our BP & FH also asked his cousin. My mom is making me have one of my cousin's in mine and to be honest, I didn't even think about asking her b/c she's more closer to my sister but when I did ask, she was beyond excited about it.

why not ask them to be readers at your wedding so they feel included....

and let them know that it is because you don't want to put the responsibility of a BM on them, but its important that they are involved in your day.

I have a big family and ended up only putting my cousins in, 2 sister in laws, and FH Sister and niece.

A friend (longest known), knew she was going to be in my wedding backed out. Even before I was engaged we always had bridal party conversations. I am feeling like a back seat friend/friend of convenience for the reason why she pulled out.

Disappointed me big time, therefore I said, family only. I am happier now.

Ultimately, you have to do what is best for you !

do whatever makes you happy, it's YOUR wedding and you have to look at the pictures for the rest of your life! And also, would you rather have them in 'just because' and then after the wedding still find you aren't close to them and regret it? It's a catch but in the end listen to your heart HTH!

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Posted by pixietina

It is your wedding and the people in your BP should be the people you care about most. Your not going to know what people say at your wedding anyways. Do what makes you happy.

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This. The BP should be who you are closest to..not who you feel guilty not including.

honestly i would put who you are closest to all of my BM's are my closest friends and my MOH is my sis ~ i have female cousins but at the end of the day my friends are always by my side in life and deserve to be by my side on my big day!!

eta - the incorporating idea is cute, too! maybe they can do a reading or be your 'something blue' like someone posted the other day!?