Witnesses

As far as I'm aware, there are no set rules or traditions about witnesses. They just need to be fully aware of what they're witnessing and signing.

I haven't discussed with OH, but I'm probably going to suggest our siblings (my brother, his sister) sign. At the very least, I'd like my brother to sign - our folks have obvious roles in wedding and his sister will be my sole bridesmaid. My brother is probably going to be an (unofficial) usher, but I'd like him to be a definite special part of it.

I think you're fine with friends

You can have whoever you want! We had my son and my husband's nephew as our witnesses.

Originally we were planning to have our mothers be the witnesses, however, in Germany (where I am from), it is actually more normal to have witnesses who are closer to your own age (i.e. good friends), my mum thought it was weird to have our mums. Then we decided to invite a few extra people (we were originally just having our parents) and we're now having my best friend and her boyfriend as our witnesses.

I've never heard of that tradition. As I understood it, traditionally the best man and MOH act as witnesses - traditionally though, there's no rules.

I've never heard of that tradition either. We've been to lots of weddings in the last few years (we're at that point in life!) and have seen all kinds of combinations, including friends, parents, siblings. Generally, at least as far as I can tell, there does seem to be one person for the bride and one for the groom - just having the groom's parents would mean that you wouldn't have anyone from "your side" on the wedding certificate. We are having our brothers as our witnesses,

Just one thing to be wary of, depending on what you're planning to do for photography... We went to a wedding last year where, due to a combination of bridal party, ushers, best man, witnesses, giving away etc., the only family member who wasn't given a formal role was the mother of the bride. They ended up taking photographs in the church after they had signed the register including everyone with an official role... while the mother of the bride sat in an empty pew by herself. I think that sort of thing, whilst easily rectified, is definitely something to consider!

We haven't decided but s0d tradition... I want a male friend of mine who I've known for over 20 years to be one of the witnesses... and the other might be a female friend of H2B who he has known for even longer.

We are having a married couple who we are really close to as our witness's x

Didn't know there was a tradition for this.

We had both our mum's

We're having our son as one. Haven't decided on the other. Maybe best mans wife…or my brother if he's not an usher…hmm, got loads to think about ?

Never heard of using the groom's parents. We had mine and my husband's sisters (we each have one).

Karen is right, traditionally it is the best man and the MOH. However, we had the best man and my Nanna, and my best friend had the mums. Do whatever you want! The only rule is that they have to understand what is going on, I.e. They can't be a 5yr old who doesn't understand the importance of marriage