To think ushers should attend the actual ceremony

[Usherusher]

NC as I can't believe anyone else would entertain this so it's very outing..

Talking to friends and their husbands are ushers at a mutual friend's wedding- however they are not attending the actual ceremony as the registry office is too small (not tiny - seats about 40).

They are expected to turn up before the ceremony, see everyone in, potter off during the ceremony then be around for photos after.

The wives are only invited to the 'do' after.

wtf would you do that? Why bother asking them to be ushers.

Who has ushers at a registry office anyway?

I'd be tempted to tell the ushers to turn up in jeans as they aren't going to be present at the ceremony. Or to just not turn up at all.

...and be swigging from cans of Special Brew too.

From planning my wedding (admittedly 17 years ago) it is my understanding that, in England, wedding venues have to be open to the public - I assume that this would allow anyone with 'just cause or impediment' to come forward.
Therefore, no one can be told that they cannot attend.

We had a number restriction as register office v small. So had umpteen volunteers to stay in pub rather than come to wedding, until mil rounded them all up with threats and squeezed everyone in contrary to fire regs.

This sounds weird, unless she's thinking these are natter who might have been expecting an invite, no room, so give them a spurious tole...

There are just 2 non ushers and fortunately they've all just been asked the same type of suit rather than hiring one.

Loving the idea of arranging guests by height or colour of outfit

campervan I think that only applies to churches.