Do we have to have ushers?

Totally optional. Personally, I haven't been to a wedding that had ushers since I was a kid. I feel like a lot of people nowadays add them because there is someone they wanted "included in the wedding" and are looking for a job for them to do besides the wedding party. Also, If you're having open seating, I kind of don't see the point.

I have literally never been to a wedding with ushers. People also typically don't sit on "the bride's side" or "the groom's side" anymore so there isn't anything to be confused about.

Thank you.

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Thank you.

PP already answered that ushers aren't necessary (and I agree with them). But I also wanted to say that I usually only see people adding ushers as a way to "include" people in the wedding who they don't want in the actual wedding party, rather than because guests actually need help finding seats. So, if you don't feel the need for that, then you definitely can do without them.

I wouldn't add any, I personally feel that it's an old & outdated tradition anyways!

I agree that it is optional. The only reason we might include them is to give our brothers something to do since we've chosen not to have any family in our wedding parties.

Every wedding I have been to the groomsmen did double duty as ushers. I would never ask any random guests to fill the role because most people would rather not work nor do they see it as an honor or feel neglected if you don’t give them a job.


Even with open seating which nearly all weddings are, ushers are helpful for directing guests away from the reserved parent rows.