Grandmothers as Bridesmaids? Well, why not!

When the pandemic forced an Irish bride and groom to cut their guest list down to a mere 15, the bride realized her large bridal party wasn’t possible anymore. But who could she leave out, and more importantly - how could she do so without hurting feelings? Thinking fast, she asked her grannies, previously set to attend as guests, to serve as bridesmaids instead. 

The two newly appointed bridesmaids, Gillian Holloway and Mary Kennedy, aged 80 and 90 years respectively, are one of the sweeter reminders of the wedding upset caused by Covid. 

The bride’s heartwarming choice made the news, reported by Belfast Telegraph and BBC. 

Soon, Megan Kennedy and Tom Cahoon’s wedding photos were delighting couples (and grannies) everywhere, and giving them some interesting ideas for their own guest list re-shuffling… 

As we all know, weddings have been upended not just in Northern Ireland but around the world. Here in the US, in every state, couples have also been asked to follow public health guidelines and shrink their wedding guest lists dramatically, in order to keep themselves and their loved ones safer. 

Covid restrictions on guest numbers meant new bride, Megan Kennedy, was walked down the aisle by her two grannies. I can't think of anything more perfect.https://t.co/cDecqba94m

— Suzanne Breen (@SuzyJourno) January 12, 2021

Couples can and are adapting their weddings in creative ways! 

Having your closest family and friends serve dual roles -- as lucky guests and part of the wedding party -- is a clever way to modify wedding plans. 

And if you don’t mind an informal day, you can have them help as photographers, DJs, and planners, too. Some family members are being promoted to virtual emcee, too, handling the tech side of things at couples’ hybrid weddings and livestreamed ceremonies.

Better still, ask a friend or family member to officiate. 

Having a friend officiate is meaningful, memorable, and it can help (safely) maximize the number of loved ones able to participate in a small, in-person wedding. If you’re considering this option, read:

“Should I officiate my granddaughter's wedding?” - What to ask yourself if you have been asked to officiate 

and

Asking a Friend or Family Member to Officiate Your Wedding? Read This First...

At AMM, we’re thrilled to help favorite grandmothers, sisters, brothers, and cousins get ordained to perform marriage! Because we’re invested in helping your ceremony be truly special -- even if it doesn’t make international news like Megan and Tom’s.