Are Ushers Necessary??

No they aren't necessary. I would only have them if you really want them.

What are ushers?

I've always considered ushers more of an honorary position rather than a functional necessity. Usually they are people who not in the wedding party, but are close friends or family who you still want to honor with an official role in the day. I don't think any wedding absolutely needs them - people are generally capable of seating themselves in absence of an usher.

I've literally never been to a wedding with an usher.

They're not really needed. We have a couple of friends who we both wanted in our bridal parties. To compromise we asked if they would want to be ushers. They liked the idea so we're having two ushers.

It's not a necessity at all

I have always been told the only time you need ushers is if you are having a large wedding or a very upscale wedding. I did a quick Google search to see when ushers are actually needed and what their duties were, and I actually learned a few things! Not only can be position to used to honor certain family members or friends who don’t have another function in the wedding, apparently ushers ARE quite helpful in assuring large weddings run smoothly. Not only do they ensure family members (or any honored guests) are seated in the front rows, they also make sure people fill in rows appropriately (avoiding that movie theater experience where couples or families are searching for seats together). They also take in considerations such as people with small children- better to sit them toward the back, or an outside aisle seat in case they need to remove the children mid-ceremony. If you are having programs or any sort of props (flower petals to throw during the couple’s recessional, etc) the ushers will hand them to your guests before seating them. They should also be knowledgeable about the layout of the venue, in case a guest needs to know where they could find a restroom, water, etc. and should know all exit points. They can also be used as valets, if you should need them; and can carry your gifts to the car. I had no idea ushers had so many responsibilities! The recommended amount of ushers is in one per 50 guests

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People who help seat honorary guests or any guests that need assistance. Chrysta also made a comment below mentioning a few new things I never knew about the position.

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I didn't think so. Just thought I'd ask. Thanks.

I'm having my future brother and sister in law be ushers. FH didn't feel the need to have the need to have them as junior bridesmaids or groomsmen. However I still wanted them included so I asked them to be ushers.
But not necessary at all. I wouldn't have them otherwise.

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That's exactly what I was thinking. I also don't hear much about them but I was looking up floral information and turns out that if you have ushers, some couples give them boutonnieres. After seeing that, I thought I'd ask if it was even important to have ushers in the first place.

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I haven't either. At least not that I remember.

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Oh. Well that was nice.

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Yea, didn't think so! One can never be too sure though lol

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Well I'll be damned lol. I didn't even think of that. I definitely have friends and family with kids AND our wedding is a bit upscale. Hmm....now I'm second guessing lol. Our current list is about 150 but it could be less after receiving back the RSVPs. Thanks for that.

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Makes sense. After learning a few new things, we might actually do it but we'll see. Thanks.

View Quoted Comment Interesting. We just had venue staff do all that stuff lol.

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Yea, you can hire, use staff (if available), or have other friends/family do it.

View Quoted Comment I know right?! I had no idea either! But it makes sense and is probably really helpful to keep larger weddings running smoothly.

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I appreciate the news! Once we get the RSVPs in, I'll decide then. Most of the kids will be of age where they know how to behave. There will be little ones that may need to be excused for whatever reason and the guests with those children might not even think about sitting on the aisle at the moment. That is definitely a big help not having to cross over people to try and get out if your kid is screaming lol.