Worried about leaving someone out of your wedding day? Honor relatives and friends by giving them one of these special roles

You’ve chosen your maid-of-honor and bridesmaids, and your wedding party is complete. But now you’re stressing over how to include your cousin, sister-in-law or childhood friend in your wedding?

You’re concerned you’ll hurt their feelings if they’re not somehow a part of your Big Day. Maybe you just want to show them how much they mean to you. Don’t fret. We’ve got a list of wedding roles and duties to choose from for that special relative or friend.

Ushers.

This is an important duty because it’s typically the first person who wedding guests will come into contact with when they enter a venue or church. Ushers welcome guests, guide them to their seats and make sure the reserved seating area is saved for the bride and groom’s family members and wedding party.

Processional escort.

If you’re not walking down the aisle with your father, consider having a father figure, relative or friend on your arm instead.

Page.

This role is not as common as it used to be, but continues as a tradition in British weddings. Page (boys or even girls) have the responsibility of carrying the bride’s train as she walks down the aisle toward the alter.

Ceremony readers.

Inviting a friend or relative to read a poem, scripture or book excerpt during your ceremony is a touching way to express how much you want them involved in your wedding. Make a big deal out of the request, and tell them how much it would mean if he or she would be a part of your ceremony.

Musician.

This is another option to honor your relationship with a close family member or friend who sings and/or plays an instrument. This can be a solo act, duo or full band at any point before, during or after the ceremony.

Junior bridesmaid.

Junior bridesmaids are typically younger than your wedding party, but just as special despite her age. They traditionally fall between the ages of nine to 16-years-old.

Man of honor.

Who says you have to have a maid-of-honor? Replace this role with your best guy friend, and give him the title of man-of-honor or even bridesmaid. You could always have both a maid-of-honor and man-of-honor standing with you at the alter. The more the merrier.

Adult ring bearer.

There are no rules when it comes to weddings. Some of the most hilarious and memorable weddings are those with adult ring bearers or flower girls.

Chuppah holder.

If you’re having a Jewish ceremony, you can assign up to four people to carry the chuppah down the aisle and hold it over you and your future spouse. A chuppah symbolizes God’s presence at a wedding, and the beginning of new home. Those who hold the chuppah poles have important roles, which signify their support in building a strong foundation.

Officiant.

Ask someone special to get ordained (or who is already ordained) to be your wedding officiant. This is the most important role in a wedding, because without an officiant your union isn’t legal. The bonus of having someone you know marry you? They know you and your future spouse better than a stranger you would’ve hired as your officiant instead.

Honored guest.

During the ceremony, ask your officiant to take a minute to recognize your honored guest(s). Consider taking a moment to give them a single rose, special gift or ask them to help out with your unity ceremony.

Witness.

Choose someone dear to your heart to be a witness for your marriage certificate. Their signature will help make your marriage legal and official.

You can also have witnesses at your first look. If you and your fiancé(e) are meeting before the ceremony, surround yourself with the most important people in your life. Your closest circle will never forget you wanted to share that private moment with them.

PRO TIP: If you want to skip a first look with your fiancé(e), but you still love the idea of capturing a first look on camera and video — consider a first look with a parent or your wedding party.

Emcee.

Your reception’s emcee is responsible for setting the vibe of your wedding. It’s an important task that shouldn't be taken lightly. Asking one of your guests to be the master of ceremony should say a lot about how much you trust and want them to be incorporated into your wedding day.

Written By Vows & Forever Founder and Veteran Journalist Maria Cid. V&F is a wedding vows & speech writing service that also specializes in speech coaching and wedding timeline coordination.