25 Fun Ways to Include Friends Who Aren’t in Your Bridal Party

Not every close friend can be part of your wedding party, but that doesn’t mean they can’t play a special role on your big day. Whether you have a smaller bridal party, no bridal party, or simply too many best friends to include in traditional roles, there are plenty of ways to make them feel special. Here are 25 creative ways to involve your close friends without the title of bridesmaid, best man, or maid of honor!

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1. Ceremony Readers

If you have a special person who enjoys public speaking, asking them to read a passage during your wedding ceremony is a beautiful way to involve them. This could be a poem, religious scripture, or even a heartfelt message about your love story. Having a friend participate in ceremony readings adds a personal and emotional touch to your ceremony. It also gives them a moment in the spotlight without the commitment of being a member of the wedding party.

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2. Guest Book Attendant

A guest book attendant helps welcome guests and encourages them to leave their signatures and heartfelt messages. This role is ideal for a distant friend or new friend who wants to participate but isn’t in the wedding party. It’s also a wonderful way to ensure your guest book is filled with love and memories. Plus, it allows your friend to interact with nearly every guest, making them feel more involved. This role is perfect for the extrovert in your life!

3. Candle Lighter

If your wedding ceremony includes a candle-lighting ritual, this is a perfect role for a special person or family member of the bride. Whether it’s a Jewish ceremony or another meaningful tradition, this task carries deep symbolism. This is a great way to involve someone in a role that is both simple and impactful. It allows them to participate in one of the most intimate moments of your big day.

4. Signature Cocktail Taster

Let your best friends be a part of the fun by helping you create your signature cocktails for the reception. Whether they assist in choosing ingredients or give the final approval, this is a great way to include them in the pre-wedding festivities. This role also gives them a behind-the-scenes experience in planning a memorable part of your big day. Plus, who doesn’t love a little taste-testing?

5. Personal Attendant

A personal attendant is like an unofficial maid of honor or best person, helping with little but important tasks. They can assist with dress shopping, help finalize the guest list, or support you during the bridal shower and bachelorette party. This role is perfect for a favorite lady who isn’t part of the traditional bridal party but is still someone you deeply value. Having them around ensures you have extra hands to handle last-minute details and keep stress levels low.

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6. Parent Escort

If one of your parents is walking alone, having a special person escort them can be a thoughtful touch. This is a great way to involve someone close to you while ensuring your parent feels supported. It’s an intimate yet subtle role that adds sentimental value to your wedding ceremony.

7. Walk Your Dog Down the Aisle

If your pet is part of your wedding entourage, assigning a close friend to escort them down the aisle is a meaningful way to involve them. Whether your furry friend is acting as the ring bearer or simply offering moral support, this responsibility is both fun and significant. It’s a perfect role for an animal-loving friend who wants to play a part in your actual ceremony.

8. Rehearsal Dinner Guest

Inviting non-wedding party members to your rehearsal dinner is a simple but effective way to include them. This gives them a great opportunity to share in pre-wedding festivities without any official title. It also allows them to feel like a member of the wedding party without the formal commitment.

9. Videographer

If your budget doesn’t allow for a professional videographer, ask a tech-savvy friend to capture special moments throughout the day. They can record you getting ready, the wedding ceremony, guest interactions, and fun moments on the dance floor. You can buy a great low-budget video camera online.

10. Wedding Day of Coordinator

A wedding day of coordinator ensures that everything runs smoothly. If you’re planning a DIY wedding, and have an ultra-organized friend, this is a great opportunity to get their help with scheduling, assisting vendors, and making sure the event stays on track. This takes the pressure off you, making it a valuable role.

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11. Ceremony Programs Distribution

Having a special person hand out ceremony programs ensures guests have all the details they need. This is a simple but necessary task that helps guests feel prepared for the actual ceremony. Plus, it’s a great way for a friend to interact with guests and be an official part of the wedding crew.

12. Adult Ring Bearer or Flower Girl

Who says only kids can be ring bearers or flower girls? Including an adult friend or family member of the bride in this role adds a fun and unexpected twist to your wedding ceremony. This is a perfect role for a special person who loves to entertain, has a great sense of humor, or simply wants to be involved in a lighthearted way. Whether they toss petals dramatically down the aisle or carry the rings with a proud strut, it’s a great way to make your big day more fun and memorable!

13. Decor Setup Helper

If you have a wedding planner, they’ll likely need extra hands to set up decorations, signage, and floral arrangements. A creative friend can assist with bringing your wedding colors to life. It’s a great way for them to contribute while playing an important behind-the-scenes role.

14. Bridal Gown Shopping Companion

Wedding dress shopping is one of the most exciting pre-wedding experiences, and bringing along a close friend can make it even more special. Whether they offer style advice, emotional support, or just someone to pop champagne with, their presence makes the day more fun. This is a great opportunity to involve someone who isn’t a bridesmaid but still plays an important role in your life. Plus, it gives them a sneak peek at the wedding gowns before anyone else!

15. Bar Ambassador (AKA Party Captain!)

Assign one person at each table to be the “Party Captain”, ensuring everyone is drinking, mingling, and having fun! This lighthearted role encourages guests to interact and keep the energy high. It’s an easy way to keep the party atmosphere alive all night long.

16. Special Dance

If you have a specific song that holds meaning for you and a close friend, invite them to share a special dance. This could be a choreographed routine, a fun group number, or a sentimental slow dance during the reception. It’s a great way to honor your bond and give them a unique spotlight on your big day. Plus, it ensures they feel involved in one of the most joyful parts of the celebration—the dance floor!

17. Cake Tasting Partner

Choosing the perfect cake is one of the sweetest parts of wedding planning, and inviting a best friend along makes it even better. They can help you sample different flavors, give honest feedback, and make the experience feel like a fun outing rather than just another to-do list item. This role is ideal for a favorite lady or best person who loves desserts and wants to be a part of your big day in a unique way. Plus, who wouldn’t love an excuse to eat cake?

18. Sweet Treats Distributor

A great way to involve a special person is by letting them help with serving desserts. Whether they’re handing out slices of cannolis, cupcakes, or even jello shots, this role allows them to interact with guests in a fun and meaningful way. Plus, it ensures that no one misses out on dessert while adding a personal touch to the experience.

19. Destination Wedding Concierge

For a destination wedding, having a friend help coordinate guest logistics is invaluable. They can organize group outings, answer travel questions, and make sure everyone arrives at the right place at the right time. This ensures that your guests have a great time while also making them feel like an important part of the wedding crew.

20. Marriage Certificate Witness

A special but often overlooked role is being a witness when you sign your marriage certificate. This task requires no major commitment but holds significant importance in making your union official. Asking a close friend to sign as a witness is a meaningful way to involve them in a key moment of your big day.

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21. Toast Master

If someone isn’t a best man or maid of honor but is an important figure in your life, they can still give a speech at the reception. A heartfelt conversation shared in front of guests is a great way to honor their role in your life. Whether it’s a touching tribute or a funny story, a well-timed toast adds personality and warmth to the evening.

22. Ceremony Ushers

A great way to involve friends is by having them act as ushers before the actual ceremony begins. They can help guide guests to their seats, answer questions, and ensure a smooth entrance. This role is especially helpful if you have a large guest list or specific seating arrangements.

23. Wedding Content Creator

A modern new trend is having a friend document the wedding day from a guest’s perspective. They can capture candid moments, behind-the-scenes clips, and share fun videos for social media. This is a perfect role for someone who loves taking photos and videos. It’s also a great way to get BTS photos and videos right away while you’re waiting for your photographer and/or videographer to deliver their gallery.

24. End-of-the-Day Support Person

At the end of the day, having someone help with final details—like collecting gifts, packing decorations, or making sure no one forgets their belongings—is invaluable. Assigning a responsible friend to assist with these tasks ensures everything runs smoothly after the reception ends. This is a small but crucial task and a great way to involve a special person who is happy to help.

25. Dance Floor Motivators

Nothing keeps the reception lively like energetic dance floor motivators! Assigning a few friends to get guests up and moving ensures that no one feels too shy to dance. This is a great way to involve fun-loving friends who enjoy keeping the party atmosphere alive. Whether they’re leading a conga line, organizing a dance battle, or just making sure everyone has a great time, they’ll play a key role in making your wedding unforgettable.

Concluding Thoughts: At the end of the day, the most important thing is making sure your friends and family feel loved, appreciated, and part of your celebration. There’s no only way to include friends who aren’t your bridesmaids or if you’re not having a traditional bridal party. There are plenty of ways to get creative, and everyone can have a special role in your big day. So don’t stress about sticking to a traditional bridal party structure—do what feels right for you!