Looking for ways to include friends who aren't in our bridal party

There are multiple options here! some include:

Having guests that are special to you be your witness's 
Having them hold your rings
Doing a first look with a small group of friends
Naming a cocktail after someone
writing personalised letters and putting them on the table

Just as choosing who to add on and leave off the guest list is full of tricky decisions and potential conflict, so too can be the task of choosing who to include in your bridal party. Once you've made your decision on who you want to have stand beside you, you may want to find meaningful ways to include your close friends in the day, who aren't part of the bridal party. These are some of the ways we love... 

Usher: Perfect for the friend or family member that will know a lot of other people at the wedding, your ushers will meet and greet guests before the ceremony and guide them where to go, hand out programs (if you're having them) and if you're having an indoor ceremony, may even be the ones who open the doors for the bride, ready for her to walk down the aisle. Ushers are a really important role in making sure the ceremony runs smoothly and will be an honour for your selected people. 

reading 

MC: For the confident friend that doesn't shy away from public speaking, hosting the reception as MC is a huge honour, and something I have no doubt your friends would be over the moon to do for you. You'll get to work with them in the lead up to the day on the running order of the reception, and their contribution will be remembered by you for many, many years to come. 

Dress Fittings: If you have multiple shopping trips or dress fittings, brining your friends along to get a sneak peek at the dress before anyone else will make them feel so included and a special part of your day. Just make sure they're someone that’s able to keep what your dress looks like a secret! 

I have always found, asking them to do a reading or perhaps be your witness for your official certificate on your special day. If the person doesn't feel comfortable being in front of a group of people you could allow them to come shopping for shoes, or assist in making decorations for the hen's night/kitchen tea. 

If you are having a civil celebrant perfom your ceremony, perhaps warming of the rings can be a beautiful way to include others in the ceremony. This is my personal favourite.

Would love to hear what you decided on 

One of the best is to include them when you go for wedding dress shopping.  It is so much fun and from great friends you get honest answer.

Including guests in readings or as ushers at the ceremony can be a lovely way to include friends at your wedding. A fun option if you don't have children at the ceremony is to have flower men enter first and scatter petals down the aisle (there are plenty of videos around on YouTube and Instagram of this)! 

If you have the option you could think about having more friends hang out in the morning at prep time, but it's worth considering whether that will be a lot to manage with your getting ready schedule. 

A flash mob dance can be a good option to include other friends, whether that's separate to your first dance or incorporated for your friends to get involved once you've shaken up the d-floor. 

Pop us a DM if you want to discuss any other options :)