If not a bridesmaid, then what?

Do you have a lady in waiting? Or someone to escort your important family members to their seats? Ask them to be in charge of your guest book or to give a short speech at the reception. If they are people people what about asking them to introduce you as husband and wife at the reception?

Are you doing anything like a wine sharing, a ring warming or a handfasting? Those are all great ways to include a friend, but a reading is perfect. Every wedding that I write has at least two, and it's a perfect way to include her.

You could have one of them be in charge of programs and the other can make sure that all the guests sign the guestbook. Just a thought.

Can you make her a "bridal assistant" ?

I had a friend who got married about a month ago that wanted to include another friend of mine but couldn't add to the wedding party...so she had her as her bridal assistant.

She wore the exact same color dresses as the BMs but not the same dress and was there helping her get ready...she made sure the bride was stress free and helped where needed.

Both girls were very happy with the outcome.

I don't have a specific lady in waiting, but with 6 BMs, my mom and my coordinator I should be good.

Celia...huh? I've never even heard of those things lol.

I do think one of them would be great to ensure the guestbook is signed (she loves people) and I dont have anyone escorting close family to their seats but I kinda wanted to stay away from any hostess-like duties. I've always hated being a hostess.

I'll have to figure out how the family will get seated...

Don't forget cake cutter. OR she could be your DOC if you don't have one (a very special honor for a friend).

FH has 3 sisters who are not bridesmaids, but will all be included. 2 of them will be doing readings, and the other one will be helping me out with last minute/random jobs. It's a great way to make someone feel included!

Could you do a personal attendant? or bridal assistant if that sounds better to you?

I have a friend being a personal attendant, just so we have an extra set of hands, for those just in case moments. You never know what could happen.

I guess I could consider the other friend as a "personal attendant" (the one who's wedding I was in) but somehow it still sounds like a grunt job to me :-/

Sounds like my gopher. I guess I want something more honorable.

She could make sure people are having a good time, help with the tables getting food at the reception (if you're doing a buffet), handing out programs, escorting guests to seats, welcoming guests to the reception venue....

You could have them be your mistress's of ceremony.

Ask her to give your toast? I would be very careful about making her your "assistant" ,as much as it would be your way of honoring her I agree with you that she might construe it as being your gopher, just my opinion

Perhaps a bridal assistant....to help make sure your dress is in tip top order before you step out, and give you your que that it's time to enter. If you have a train, you'll need help with that and having someone in charge of that and who knows exactly what to do is such a help. You can also have one of them be your guest book attendant. It would be their job to sit by the entrance/guest book and welcome the guests and make sure everyone signs. Also, will you have assigned seating at your reception? A seating manager is worth their weight in gold! They could give individuals their table numbers as they enter the reception area to speed things up. Congrats!