Do you HAVE to have a maid/matron of honor?

I have a lot of friends but none that I would consider a "best" friend. I have 1 friend that I was her maid of honor and she and I are 'friends' but I don't want to choose her just because I was hers. Another friend I have been friends with since I was 5 years old, but we have kind of drifted apart. My closest friend, I have only known for a couple of years and I feel that if I chose her my other 2 friends would be hurt. And she is a really busy person, I feel like she would be stressed if I put this on her.


I don't want to have a large wedding, only 50 people.


So, do I HAVE to have a maid of honor, and if I don't will I miss out on the bridal/bachelorette parties?

Do you HAVE to have a maid/matron of honor?
At my first wedding I did. She didn't throw me any parties or anything so it was basically just for appearances because my husband-to-be wanted a best man.





At my second wedding, I didn't have a maid of honor and my husband didn't have a best man. Our friends and co-workers set up the parties although none of them were in the wedding party. We had my brother and his wife sign the certificate.





I believe it's just a matter of personal preference. It's your wedding. If you don't want the fanfare then you shouldn't feel like you have to. Enjoy your day!





Congrats and wishes for many wonderful years to follow!
Reply:I am not for sure but I think you do because you need two people to be a witness. but if you don't want no problems with anyone then have someone in either your family like a sister or a aunt or cousin or even consider his side. And Congrats.
Reply:No, you don't need a maid of honor. Anyone can be your witness, no where is it written that it has to be someone with the title "maid of honor"
Reply:You don't have to have one. I had a maid of honor and she didn't do half as much as one of my bridesmaids. Just make everybody a bridesmaid and tell them you couldn't chose just one to honor more since you love them all the same. They should understand and still throw the parties for you.





And for the answer above, anybody can be your witness, it doesn't have to be a certain person.
Reply:I married my ex in a ceremony with just he and I. We then had a large reception. Just throw the names in a hat and draw one out. Who ever that is will be the maid of honor.
Reply:First I started with a maid and a matron because I had two best friends. Ended up to see the maid was not there for me so ditched her and just have my matron. The girl I have been friends with since 6th grade. So my advice is choose the one who will do the best job and has the time. My matron had the time. The have to throw you a shower, bacherlotte and all that. And make sure you get someone who can get along with the all your bridemaids.
Reply:I don't think that you have to have one - I'm getting married this Friday and I'm not having one. The only bridesmaid I have is my younger sister. As far as signing the register goes - the best man and my father are signing as our witnesses
Reply:No, you don't have to have one.
Reply:You can have 3 maids of honor or just 3 bridemaid and tell them you just wouldnt know how to pick between them!
Reply:Why don't you ask a family member? LIke a sister or a female cousin that you are close to?





That way no one gets their feelings hurt.
Reply:no.Yeah,they say it can be your closest friend but maid of honor can also be your sister or a close cousin.If you dont want to have a maid of honor,thats fine.Maybe all the friends you've listed can be bridesmaids to make it equal.And no you wont miss out on the parties.Congratulations.
Reply:i am not having a maid or matron of honor. i have already explained this to my friends because i didnt want any hurt feelings. i have multiple people who are my best friends for different reasons. So that is why i am choosing them to stand up with me and support me for my special day.
Reply:Anyone can witness the signing of your marriage certificate, it doesn't have to be your maid of honor.


You can have all bridesmaids. They should plan a party for you anyway and a shower.
Reply:Yes. The point of having one isn't just for the parties, you're going to need two people to sign as witnesses on the marriage certificate when you do get married. That's what the best man and maid of honor do.