Reception Only-bridesmaids?

There wouldn’t really be anyway of honoring them at your reception if they aren’t participating at your ceremony.

You can ask ask if they want to give a toast maybe but I wouldn’t ask them to be maids of honor or they may assume they are invited to your ceremony.

I suppose y’all can have a dance together and walk you to your table. Random sidebar. So I was watching say yes to the dress she had a similar ceremony to yours. I didn’t understand and wished I could’ve asked her. What led you to the decision to exclude your family from the ceremony? Are y’all not close or something?

View Quoted Comment It was my fiance's choice. He's just a very private person and doesn't want it to be a spectacle. He says it's about us and God and it's cool to have a party to celebrate us but the actual ceremony isn't about everyone we know. I am generally a little awkward about PDA too though.

Wow that’s actually beautiful. I hope everyone was understanding. Yeahh I suggest a first dance, speeches, or a seat at the head table. As long as they can wear the infamous bridesmaids dresses and go to your bachelorette party I’m sure they’ll be fine lol

I don’t think there’s a point of having bridesmaids if they’re not at the ceremony. I respect your wish to have a private ceremony, and think it will be very special. But I personally would be very confused as to why I would be a bridesmaid and spend all that money on a dress and whatnot, to not even be involved in the ceremony. If you want to honor or recognize your closest girls, I would find some other way that would be more appropriate.

Ask them to Hostess.

Agreed - I wouldn't ask them to be bridesmaids unless you're having them stand with you at the ceremony. You could meet with them all before the reception so they can be (some of) the first to see you, and then do an entrance with them and your family if desired. Otherwise I think toasts are probably the best way to honor them.

View Quoted Comment I think I saw this episode! She was getting married in Italy??

View Quoted Comment Yeahhh! I was shocked! Her mom was so painfully hurting. I almost cried for her! Lol

Hi, due to covid 19 , it was obvious that we wouldn't have our bridal party as well. But they were understanding and are still keen to celebrate with us at the reception at a later date.
We have bridal party dance for their entrance and they are doing combined speeches as well as sit at the main table.
We are also thinking, on the reception day, to pay for their makeup/ hair. Have a photo sessions and a bridal lunch.

Would they feel appreciated here?It's not what we planned but corona came in the way?Any thoughts?
Thank you!!!

I totally understand you, if I was your true friend I would respect your decision and still be keen to help out. It's your day!