10 Ways to Include Family and Friends in Your Wedding

Updated on 7/23/2015 at 5:30 PM

Unless you plan on having a record-breaking number of bridesmaids, chances are you won't be able to include all your family and friends in your bridal party. But that's only one way you can get the gang in on the celebration. Including your loved ones in different aspects of the big day can be mutually beneficial: they will take pride in contributing to your wedding, and you can cut costs and stress with their help crossing off your to-dos. Just be sure you're taking their talents and interests into consideration and not just treating them as hired help. And maybe plan a fun postwedding get-together as a thank-you for the volunteers who made your wedding day possible. Here are some suggestions for ways to include your friends and family in your wedding.

— Additional reporting by Macy Williams

Wedding Party

The most obvious way to include those close to you is by asking them to be a bridesmaid or groomsman, but don't feel bad if there aren't enough spots for them all; there are other ways for them to get involved.

Invitation Prep

Putting together and mailing out complex invitations, can be time-consuming and tedious. But if you invite over some friends and make a party out of it, you can make it a fun girls' night.

Ushers

For guy family members who are too old to be ring-bearers and not close enough to the groom to be groomsmen, offer them the job of ushering guests to their seats instead.

Guest Book

Traditionally, being the guest book attendant is one of the less glamorous wedding-day duties, but it doesn't have to be. If you have a Polaroid guest book like at this wedding, you can have a photographer friend or cousin man the station and take the photos.

Live Music

If you know someone who's musically talented, but don't want them stuck at the DJ station all night, have them perform the ceremony music. It'll be much more sentimental and better quality than playing a CD or iPod.

Flower Arrangements

Take a flower arranging class with some friends and family members before the wedding or just enlist any budding florists you know to help put together the wedding centerpieces.

Homemade Dessert Bar

A potluck-style dessert spread can be both personal and budget-friendly if it features your most beloved family recipes like your mom's famous peach pie and your uncle's chocolate chip cookies.

Table Decor

Forgo pricey tablecloths and place settings and instead grab your craftiest loved ones to create DIY table details.

Edible Favors

Have a cooking party or see if your aspiring chef friends will donate their culinary talents to making tasty favors for your guests. Another personal and easy-on-your-wallet solution.

Reception Film

Whether it's a slideshow of childhood pics of you and your hubby-to-be or a movie montage like at this wedding, see if there are any talented filmmakers in your inner circle who would be willing to put together a flick for the reception.