Involving friends and family in your wedding…
The wedding party (traditionally termed the bridal party)
Choosing those people to be in your wedding party?
You feel torn … how to decide?
(family, friends, reliable/ supportive folk, fun/ party people, funny people)
So you want a minimal fuss approach? It’s totally fine (it’s your wedding) to elect to have a small wedding party (or no attendants at all apart from 2 witnesses). This may reduce any hurt feelings that might occur from making tricky selections.
Or you are keen to include your loved ones in your special day?
Well, the good news is that you can!
And actually there are quite a number of ways to do so (and in meaningful ways) especially when it comes to your wedding ceremony. (All of these ideas are optional except for having 2 witnesses.)
Witnesses
You need 2 witnesses for the legal side of your ceremony and they must be over 18 years of age.
Transport to the venue
Does anyone you know own a wonderful car of special interest? Or even an old truck? Or a Kombi? Or? Perhaps they might be happy to drive you to your wedding?
Usher
Do you want someone to welcome your guests as they arrive?
This person could also gently guide people to appropriate positions for the ceremony – a great idea particularly if you are going to have limited chairs and wish to keep them for family members and/or those who cannot stand. (Reserved signs also help here.)
Distribution of special items …
(booklets, rose petals, water bottles - for those hot days, bubble kits, activity kits for little ones … )
Giving out special items is another potential role on the day – kids love to do this as it makes them feel important (and also distracts them while waiting for the big event to begin).
Walking in
Are you walking individually (or as a couple)?
This can be a great opportunity to include young children, parents or grandparents, or even your fur babies.
Ring bearers
Traditionally the ‘best man’ is responsible for the rings. However, this need not be the case. You could give this role to 2 different people (one for each of the couple) (mothers, fathers, grandparents, young children … so many options.)
Readings
Are you having a reading(s) in your ceremony?
(Perhaps a poem, a letter, lyrics from ‘your song’, a powerful quote, something you have written to each other earlier …)
This is a wonderful way to add variation to your ceremony and to include others who are comfortable getting up front and reading to you and your guests. A panel of readers also works a treat … great for blended families or simply when you wish to involve 3-5 people.
Music
Who is going to manage the music on your wedding day?
This important role may be delegated to a professional musician, the wedding manager at your venue or a trusted (and technically astute) friend/ family member so that you don’t have to worry about it on your BIG day. (Testing this out at rehearsal is vital if you are not hiring someone to do this.)
Rituals
Are you including a ritual? While many couples wish to keep an eye on the duration of their ceremonies and avoid rituals, some like to include traditional or culturally significant rituals, such as candle lighting. This may be a further way to include others.
Either side of the ceremony
The focus here has been on the ceremony but there are many other ways to involve those special to you in your wedding preparations and at the reception. (It’s lovely for others to feel involved but also on a pragmatic note, it’s perfectly fine to enlist support and to delegate a little.
Making wedding favours
Ideas for wedding favours for your guests abound. Do you have any creative, arty guests who might be able to share their flair and expertise here?
For loads of ideas see:
https://www.stayathomemum.com.au/my-lifestyle/50-budget-friendly-wedding-favour-ideas/
Flowers
Any budding (or actual) florists within your guest list? Or someone with a gorgeous flair for making a statement with flowers? Worth a thought perhaps …
Signs
Planning signage for your day? Welcome signs, reserved signs for chairs, the wishing well sign, cute signs (such as here comes the bride), name tags … the list is getting soooooo long.
Do you know anyone who can do this or might be happy to put up your pre-ordered (and delivered) signs on the day before or on the day?
Decorating
Do you have any talented guest who has a flair in styling/ creating a space that matches your style, colours and any potential theme? Just a thought …
MC and Speeches
These roles are fabulous for those who are significant in your lives AND who are comfortable with a microphone and an audience.
Collect gifts/ wishing well
Having a wishing well (locked of course)? Or gift table?
It’s a good idea to have a couple of trusted people who are seated not too far away to keep an eye on this area. They might also help with the packing up of these items after your wedding.
