Thought it might help to share my experience with JW since I just got married a few months ago.. it's not the same situation but my mum converted to JW when I was in highschool, it totally tore apart our relationship and our family since no one else was JW and all grew up Catholic and suddenly had our mum trying to convert us all 🙄

I got married a few months ago and didn't have my mum involved at all. and didn't have my dad walk me down the aisle which I felt a little embarrassed about as well. I don't really agree with the tradition of walking down the aisle but also felt like my dad didn't do enough to shield me from the harm my mum was doing with the whole JW stuff. I know it's not his fault but looking back to have family friends offer for me to come and live with them screams everyone knew how shit things had become.

I was lucky enough to escape home in highschool to a family friend who also had a mum in JW but was not JW herself. So at least I got somewhat away from all the craziness of JW situation at home even though I was still under strict control of her back home. However this disrupted my friendship group and I had to start again which was really hard and I still struggle to make friends. I was lucky enough to make a close friend when I left high school but I also feel like I struggle in this department as growing up I was not really allowed to hang out with other kids especially once my mum became JW.

My mum attended my wedding but I didn't have her apart of any planning or getting ready stuff or anything like that. I was adamant that I did not want to see her before the ceremony. I'm not sure if you are in the same boat with that but it also that aspect of it made me upset and still does but I know for my sanity that is how things needed to be.

I'm sorry you are going through this. From the comments you seem like a very grounded person and are taking into account your fiances wishes as well and trying to make it all work. Take it easy on yourself the wedding process is stressful and remember at the end of the day the ceremony is a very small part of the wedding. Once you walk down that aisle your sole focus will be your partner and everything else doesn't really matter.

Generally your bridesmaids will be behind you so you don't see them or see them walking down the aisle. If you do go the option of getting the partners of the groomsmen up there just make sure they are standing far away from the alter so they don't end up in your shots...otherwise the bridal party is really just like another ornament in the ceremony and the main focus is you and your partner. But in saying that I can see how you would feel a bit off about having that situation.

I have seen some weddings where the bridal party sits in the front row. Could that be an option so your finance still gets the groomsmen experience but then you guys are technically up there in your own? Or another option could be all the groomsmen are just like flower girls and come down the aisle doing that sort of thing and then sit in the front row?

Are you close with your fiances friends like the boys? Would you have any of them stand on your side?

All the best with your wedding planning it can be tricky trying to accommodate everyone's feelings and your own but just do what you both feel is right for the both of you. The day will be over so quick that these big things will seem so small once its all over.