Involving Friends In Your Wedding: Creative Ways To Ask

There are many ways to include friends in your wedding, even if they aren't bridesmaids. From inviting them to pre-wedding events to assigning them special roles during the ceremony or reception, there are plenty of opportunities to make your friends feel valued and involved. Here are some ideas to consider: inviting them to get ready with you on the morning of the wedding, including them in bridal showers or bachelorette parties, asking them to do a reading or perform a song during the ceremony, involving them in the first look photo session before the ceremony, giving them a special role based on their talents, such as designing your bouquet or acting as a day-of coordinator, or simply asking them to be honored guests and giving them a special role during the procession or reception.

Invite them to pre-wedding parties

One way to include friends in your wedding celebration without making them bridesmaids is to invite them to pre-wedding parties. The only rule to follow here is that everyone invited to a pre-wedding party should also be invited to the wedding. Apart from that, guest lists for pre-wedding events are not limited to family and wedding party members only. You can include your friends in your engagement party, bachelor/bachelorette party, shower and rehearsal dinner. The rehearsal dinner is a great opportunity for your friends to make a toast. You can also invite them to get ready and have a mimosa with you on the day of the wedding.

If you are having a bridal shower or a bachelorette party, you can include your friends in these as well. They will be honoured to be part of such intimate events usually reserved for the bridal party. This is a great way to spend extra time with them and make them feel special.

Assign them a special ceremony role

There are many ways to include friends in your wedding ceremony without making them bridesmaids. Here are some special ceremony roles you can assign to your friends:

Readings and Speeches

If you are having a non-religious ceremony, you can ask your friends to do a reading. There are tons of non-religious options available with a quick Pinterest search. You can also ask them to share a meaningful message or lead a toast during the reception. If you are having a Jewish ceremony, you can ask a friend to be the glass bearer, who carries the glassware that will be shattered at the end of the ceremony.

Greeters and Ushers

Your friends can greet guests as they arrive and usher them to their seats. However, some people view this role as more of a job than an honour, so consider your friends' perspectives before assigning them this role.

Music

If you have musically inclined friends, you can ask them to perform during the ceremony or as prelude music for guests as they arrive and take their seats.

Candle Lighting

If you are having candles at the altar or lighting a unity candle, you can ask a friend or two to ceremonially light the candles just before the ceremony begins.

Ring Bearer

Ask a close friend to hold your wedding bands during the ceremony and bring them to the altar when the rings are needed.

Marriage License Witness

You can ask an honoured friend or relative to be a witness to the signing of your official marriage license, a document that will be with you for life.

Include them in wedding photos

There are many ways to include friends in your wedding photos, even if they aren't bridesmaids. Here are some ideas to ensure they feel valued and involved:

Include Them in Group Photos

Arrange a separate photoshoot with your friends before or after the wedding. This will give you an opportunity to capture more intimate and relaxed moments with your friends, away from the hustle and bustle of the main event. You can also ask your photographer to capture special moments during the wedding preparations, such as getting ready together, having a mimosa, or even a private celebration the day before. These candid shots will create lasting memories and strengthen your bond with your friends.

Creative Photo Opportunities

Incorporate your friends into creative photo opportunities throughout the wedding. For example, you can ask them to wear your wedding colours or coordinate their outfits with your colour theme. This will make for stunning visual cohesion in your photos and give your friends a sense of being part of the bridal party without the traditional responsibilities. You can also provide them with special items to wear, such as flowers, pins, or candles, which will make for unique and memorable photos.

Honour Them with Special Roles

Another way to include your friends in wedding photos is by giving them special roles during the ceremony or reception. Ask them to be ushers, greeting guests and showing them to their seats. They can also participate in readings, recitals, or musical performances. These roles will not only make them feel valued but also create memorable photo opportunities. You can even designate a friend as the "captain of the dance floor," responsible for keeping the energy high and ensuring everyone has a fantastic time.

Involve Them in Pre-Wedding Events

Ensure your friends are included in all the pre-wedding festivities, such as the bridal shower, bachelorette party, and rehearsal dinner. Their presence at these events will create additional photo opportunities and strengthen your bond before the big day. You can also invite them to be part of the wedding preparations, such as addressing save-the-dates, designing your wedding website, or assembling welcome bags for guests. Their contributions will be invaluable, and you can capture these special moments through photos.

Acknowledge Their Presence

Finally, acknowledge your friends' presence and importance in a wedding speech or a heartfelt mention in the wedding programme. You can also present them with a small gift or token of appreciation, making them feel truly valued. These gestures, combined with their inclusion in your wedding photos, will leave them with cherished memories of your special day.

Ask them to be witnesses to the marriage license signing

Asking friends to be witnesses to the marriage license signing is a great way to include them in your wedding, even if they aren't bridesmaids. Here are some tips and suggestions to make them feel valued and involved:

Choose your witnesses thoughtfully

Although it is customary to have witnesses at a wedding, they are not required in all states. If you want to include your friends in this role, choose them thoughtfully. Witnesses must be physically present at the wedding ceremony, watch the couple sign the marriage license, and then sign the license themselves. Most states require one or two witnesses, and in some states, these witnesses must be over the age of 18 and have valid photo identification. Be sure to check the specific requirements for the state where your wedding will take place.

Involve them in the process

Asking your friends to be witnesses is a meaningful way to include them in your special day. They will not only be present at the ceremony but will also have a crucial role in signing the marriage license, making your union legal. You can also involve them in the process by asking for their help in researching the requirements for witnesses in your state, or even in applying for the marriage license, as some states require a witness for the application process.

Make them feel valued

It is important to show your friends how much you value their presence and friendship. You can do this by including them in pre-wedding events, such as bridal showers or bachelorette parties, and inviting them to the rehearsal dinner and other wedding-related activities. You can also assign them important tasks on the wedding day, such as managing the gift table or coordinating transportation.

Acknowledge their role

To further honour your friends' role as witnesses, you can acknowledge them in the wedding program or mention them in a speech. You could also present them with a special gift or token of appreciation to show your gratitude. Including them in wedding photos or arranging a separate photoshoot with them is another thoughtful way to commemorate their involvement in your special day.

Plan ahead

Remember to plan ahead when it comes to choosing and including your witnesses. Discuss the role with your friends in advance, and ensure they are aware of their responsibilities and the importance of their presence. By giving them ample notice, they can also ensure they have the necessary documentation, such as valid photo identification, if required by your state.

In conclusion, asking friends to be witnesses to the marriage license signing is a wonderful way to include them in your wedding. It not only gives them a meaningful role but also shows your appreciation for their friendship and support.

Invite them to get ready with you on the wedding day

If you want to include friends in your wedding but don't want them to be bridesmaids, one way to do this is to invite them to get ready with you on the wedding day. This can be a special and intimate way to involve them in your celebration. Here are some ideas on how to make them feel valued and cherished through this experience:

Create a Relaxed and Fun Environment

Make the getting-ready process a fun and relaxing experience for you and your friends. You can play music, offer refreshments, and create a comfortable space for everyone to enjoy. This can be a great opportunity to bond and make lasting memories.

Involve Them in Special Tasks

Ask your friends to help you with specific tasks as you get ready. They can assist with putting on your dress, doing your makeup, or arranging your veil or accessories. Involving them in these intimate moments will make them feel honoured and appreciated.

Exchange Gifts or Notes

A thoughtful way to include your friends is to exchange small gifts or handwritten notes. You can prepare personalised gifts or cards for them, expressing your gratitude and explaining why their presence is important to you. This will make them feel valued and loved.

Take Photos Together

Make sure to capture this special moment with photos! You can organise a professional photographer to capture the fun and intimate moments as you get ready. These photos will be cherished memories for years to come and will remind your friends of their special role in your wedding.

Include Them in Bridal Party Activities

In addition to getting ready together, you can involve your friends in other bridal party activities. This could include inviting them to your bachelorette party, bridal shower, or rehearsal dinner. This will make them feel like an integral part of your celebration and create more opportunities for memorable experiences.

Ask for Their Input

Make your friends feel valued by asking for their opinions or advice during the getting-ready process. Whether it's choosing between two lipstick shades or helping to decide on your hairstyle, their input will make them feel involved and valued.

Remember, including friends in your wedding preparations is a wonderful way to show them how much you care, even if they are not part of the bridal party. By inviting them to get ready with you, you can create lasting memories and strengthen your bond.

Frequently asked questions