The question of whether witnesses are needed when registering a marriage are of interest to many people who are preparing to legitimize their relationship. But, for the most part, those future newlyweds who do not want to organize magnificent celebrations and ceremonies. Witnesses have already become, rather, a tradition rather than a necessity. And to understand this topic forever, it is worth considering it in detail.
What does the law say?
This is the first thing to note regarding whether witnesses are needed when registering a marriage. Family law - it is this that governs the entire procedure for legitimizing relations. And the third chapter of the Code describes in detail the procedure necessary for its implementation. And there is no paragraph that states that the presence of witnesses at the wedding ceremony is mandatory.
It doesn’t matter how everything is planned. Does a guy and a girl want to sign quietly, modestly, without extra eyes? It is easily feasible, no one will interfere. Are you planning a solemn ceremony and a magnificent holiday? It is also possible without witnesses. That's just, usually, at events of a similar nature they are. And for the “position” of witnesses, disputes often flare up, as this is considered honorable. For usually the honor to put on a bright ribbon goes to the best friends of the young.
Tribute to traditions
When a person hears the word “wedding,” he automatically imagines a picture that each of us has seen more than once. The bride in a white dress, the groom in a black suit, the decorated registry office hall, a bunch of relatives and friends, and two more rings and a tray with champagne, which they bring to the young people after they sign and kiss. Everything is normal, standard. And, of course, two witnesses are the groom’s best friend and the bride’s girlfriend. They are easy to recognize from the crowd, as they are wearing ribbons with the corresponding inscriptions. All of the above are truly attributes of a traditional wedding. Witnesses at registration of marriage is no longer an obligation. Just a tribute to tradition.
Practical approach to the issue
Well, in principle, the answer to the question regarding whether witnesses are needed when registering a marriage is clear. However, in fairness, it is worth noting that often their presence at the wedding is very practical. Witnesses can protect the bride and groom from all sorts of problems and troubles. They will be entrusted with the task of ensuring that all necessary documents are taken into the marriage process. They also undertake to follow the rings, bouquets, champagne and other attributes of the holiday. Best man (friend of the groom) is obliged to timely resolve all issues that arise during the event. Witnesses should also monitor how the bride and groom look. And if any flaws are found (shoes get dirty, a stain appears on the suit) - immediately eliminate them.
Are contests planned? Perfectly. Then witnesses should participate in them. And to create a good mood for all guests. In general, combine the qualities of organizers and host. Given all these advantages, the newlyweds themselves decide whether they need witnesses when registering a marriage or not.
Interesting Facts
It is worth noting one interesting nuance. Previously, the witness binding upon registration of marriage really had a place to be. Where the bride and groom put their signatures, their so-called trustees should also be noted there. Without the autographs of the witnesses, the marriage could not be considered valid. Until 2000, such a rule was in effect.
Another point is the wedding. In this case, marriage registration without witnesses is not possible. Their presence is required. They should carry wreaths over the heads of the bride and groom, as well as provide them with moral support and assistance during the ceremony. Witnesses can only be baptized people who wear a chest cross.
The duties of modern witnesses
Well, it was said about whether witnesses are needed for the unregistered registration of marriage. Now we can talk a little about those cases when the couple consider their presence at their holiday necessary. In such situations, they gain a loyal assistant and a reliable comradely shoulder.
A friend of the groom must first prepare a bachelor party script and organize the event itself. Why friend? Because usually it is he who knows what the groom wants on such a day. His responsibilities also include developing a walking route.
The witness should help the bride to choose a wedding outfit. The task is just for the best friend. She also arranges her a bachelorette party and leads the traditional preparation of the ransom. And she collects the bride’s handbag.
This is all before the wedding. During the celebration they will have time to do much more. The witness must open the car door for the groom and take part in the notorious ransom. It is he, by the way, who pays for the bride. Rings before painting are also kept with him. And he also takes the marriage certificate . Or, if the newlyweds are against, then he should at least remind them not to forget the document. At the buffet, the witness pours champagne. And he also accepts gifts, laying them out on a table. He is also obliged to inform the registry office about whether the spouses have arrived. And he usually orders the operator and music.
The witness must “sell” the bride, take flowers, put them in a vase. And also, to supply his married girlfriend with everything that she may need. And, most importantly, calms her.
What else can witnesses do?
As can already be understood from the foregoing, the friends of the bride and groom have many responsibilities. What about opportunities? They are not enough. They can decorate the wedding procession to your taste. And they get the honorable opportunity to make a toast first. In principle, that's all. Otherwise, only duties. The funniest thing is tracking the bride. She should not be stolen. If one of the guests did this, then the witnesses should return the stolen back, offering a ransom. After that you need to follow even better, because the number of attempts to steal a girl can be unlimited.
In general, whether witnesses are required when registering a marriage is necessary - the newlyweds will decide for themselves. If you want to save yourself from unnecessary worries associated with the preparation of the holiday, then why not?
Who to appoint?
Who exactly will take the place of witnesses is the decision of the bride and groom. As said before, these are usually best friends. But often - brothers or sisters. In a word, those people with whom the newlyweds have excellent, trusting relationships.
If you give general recommendations, the first will look like this - you need to choose sociable people as witnesses. Those who are not afraid to communicate and make contact with any person. It has been said more than once that they must agree on a lot. Well, sociable people do it well.
When a person is selected, it is worth notifying him in advance. Two months before the celebration. After all, witnesses will have to do so much. For a week, obviously, it will not work out.
And yet, even if their duties were listed, it would be necessary to discuss everything with the witnesses in detail. In the end, not every couple dreams of a traditional wedding. Maybe the newlyweds planned a holiday in some picturesque place? Then the witnesses will have to negotiate not with the registry office, but with the agency involved in the field ceremonies.
The bigger, the better
This is about the number of witnesses. Everyone is used to having two of them. But what if you go against the system and appoint four or six? The original approach. And practical! If there are more of them, then the responsibilities will be distributed evenly. Two people will not be torn between a huge number of tasks. And certainly nothing will ruin the wedding. In any case, the holiday will go like clockwork, since a certain person will be responsible for every moment.
So you can answer all the questions regarding whether witnesses are needed when registering a marriage. 2016 in the yard is the 21st, modern century, in which, of course, you can do without them, but is it worth it? After all, close friends who help organize the celebration and support future newlyweds in such an important period for them, this is really great.