[FSUZeta]

when my brother got married, i was invited to be a bridesmaid and the kids were invited to be the ring bearer(4 or5 years old) and flower girl(6 or 7 years old). As the wedding was being held in a big church that my children were not familiar with, i was able to use the excuse that it would probably be better if i was not a bridemaid, so that i would stay in the church foyer until time for the kids to walk down the aisle, and so they would have someone to sit with if they got overwhelmed. the kids behaved beautifully-i wasn't that worried about them, to be honest, but the excuse was plausible and worked.

i still felt a part of my brothers big day, and as others have suggested, i was able to assist in behind the scene ways.

i say better to back out now than remain in the wedding, only to feel resentment and incur a lot of expenses(dress, tux, kids clothing, baby sitter, etc.). Feel free to use my excuse, if you want!