Ways to incorporate siblings, cousins and friends in the wedding
Sometimes you have someone in your life that you want to be a part of your wedding but not necessarily as a bridesmaid or groomsmen. Perhaps you already have numerous attendants or you don’t want too many. Or maybe they’re close to you but not that close and you simply don’t feel it’s right to ask them to be your attendants. Whatever your reasoning there are still lots of positions and roles you can ask them to fulfill so they’re still a part of the wedding and feel included. Here are some ideas of things you can have these special people do.
Ceremony readings
Ask someone to read a special passage from the Bible, a poem or something else nice during the ceremony. This individual is usually introduced by the person officiating and then they come up, do their reading and sit down. It’s a pleasant moment for everyone involved and they feel like they’ve gotten to do something special for your big day.
Ceremony releases
If you want to release something at the end of your ceremony as a symbol of two families or two people joining together as one ask your sibling, cousin or friend to do it. Popular releases are butterflies and doves. Both look beautiful as they fly off into the air and make for a truly fantastic photo moment.
Guest book attendant
You need someone to help guests as they arrive either to show them where to go, ask them to sign the guest book or hand out place cards so they know which table to sit at. This person should be very friendly and hopefully knows a good deal of the people attending as they will have to interact with the guests.
Sing a song during the reception
If you have a great singer in the family or your group of friends you might ask them to sing a song during the reception or even the ceremony. Make sure you discuss what song they will be singing ahead of time though so it’s appropriate and isn’t duplicated with something you’ve already pre-selected for another aspect of the day.
Hand out programs
If you’re having programs at the ceremony you need at least one person (two is usually better) to hand out programs. This person will be responsible for giving the guests a program and helping point them in the right direction to the seating if needed.