I NEED YOUR ADVICE (incorporating friends into the wedding that aren't BMs)

How about asking them to do a reading? I have a friend that I'd like to include, but I definitely don't want her to be a bridesmaid, because she has a tendency to cause tension in groups. So, I'm probably going to ask her to do a reading during the ceremony.

You can have one of them do a reading as Shana suggested and you can also have ushers or have them help coordinate things on the day of the wedding. I was a BM at my friends wedding, she had like 5 other friends who she couldn't add as BM because they were already 12 BMs, they all helped plan the wedding and help coordinate on the day of the wedding, she had them all wearing the same color dress (different from us) and listed them all as her wedding planners on the program, although they did not walk down the aisle, they made a big entrance at the ceremony after the bridal party, it was very nice. I might do the same thing

I came across this idea on weddingbee of having a 'house party,' meaning girls who were involved/helped out but who weren't bridesmaids: http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/08/21/wedding-house-party/

but I'm not sure if this is popular or not. I know it's definitely an option.

I'm also not sure how it would work in addition to BMs. Good luck, keep us posted on what you decide!

Those are all FAB ideas, this was literally my first post on here and I've been asking everyone around me for months, I guess only fellow brides understand.

I think I'm addicted to WW now. lol

I was reading the post that Jenna found and someone commented and said that they loved the idea of a house party but they didn't want to call them that in the program so they were thinking of calling them "seated bridesmaids" or "seated honorary attendants" I think I kind of like that idea.

I also love Patricia's idea of calling them Planners and have them do a reading would be sweet too.

There are definitely lots of options of things you can do. I know I have 5 best friends from college and not one of them are bridesmaids, so we're going to have them give roasts at the rehearsal dinner and maybe do something at the reception as well, we're not really sure yet. We'll definitely have to figure something out.

I wanted to include more people. I had two ushers and three readers. You could just call the non-bridesmaid friends, honorary bridesmaids, without noting whether or not they are seated.

Sorry I missed your comment that you do not like the term honorary bridesmaid.

Actually I'm not the one who has a problem with it, I think honorary bridesmaid is a nice title, my mom thinks it's offensive and makes it seem like they're second choice.

(they already know they aren't bridesmaids so I think they would be HONORed)

This is a great post because we are having our sisters as "honorary bridesmaids" although we don't want to call them that. Its 6 of them and they'll be wearing the opposite color of my main colors (BMs turquoise, sisters apple green) we are allowing them to walk they aisle in 3s and still debating about other things for them to do!

I'm SO glad I'm not the only one!!

Let me know what you ladies decide to do/name them lol

I want to have my dad do something and maybe my aunt reading something would they write something or do you usually tell them what to read

I have several friends helping me tremendously but im not including them in the wedding ,the day of the wedding they will help to make sure things run smoothly, i have decided to give them a nice gift and all along the way i will take them out to lunch and order pizzas and wine for our long nights together to show my appreciation. i'm taking one out for lunch tomorrow that helped me with my save the dates

I want to do something like that for my best friend, who isn't in the wedding party only because she lives out of the country. I actually just hope she has fun.

You could have them as your guest book attendant(s); gift attendant(s).

PS, I do not like the "Honorary Bridesmaid" title. I would ditch that idea.

What do guest book/gift attendants do?

Ive been having the same issue, i actually have one girl - i dont want her to be a bridesmaid or jr bridesmade because theres no guy to match her up with and im a freak on even-ness too. she's 17 and another girl who's 19. I asked them to be my "Flower Ladies" (since I don't have an official flower girl) I just explained to them how important they are to me and how I want them to be involved but just can't have 100 bridesmaids, and asked them what they thought of the idea of meing my "flower ladies." i was hesitant and thought maybe they'd think it was "babyish" or "uncool" but, they actually loved the idea so... i mean, it's your wedding don't worry too much about norm or tradition, as long as everyone's happy with it ya know, and as long as you're happy. 'ushers' even if they are girls just to help hand out your wedding programs and direct people to the right seating area for the ceremony, readings, and attendants are good positions too.

Or just include them in your programs as "special thanks to..." if you don't wanna have them walk down the aisle.

I'm having the same problem. I have a favorite cousin who lives a few states away and really want her in the wedding some how but C.J. Doesn't have any more groomsmen... I reeaallyy like the idea of the house party, and can also have like a girls party including her before the wedding. This post has helped me a lot. Thank you!!!