SO!
We have decided to do an intimate ceremony (non religious, will probably literally be 10 mins) - family only and then a reception at a different location later in the day with all of our friends and family. While we want to do family only ceremony, my FH has a teenage son who we want to be his best man, and I was going to ask my best friend to be MOH (I have 2 older brothers for siblings were as my FH has 3 brothers, and a sister, all married. My bestie is basically a sister to me and I definitely want some kind of support during the ceremony that isn't my mother).
I do have 3 other close friends I was considering to call Bridal Brigade or something similar where we can still bond for dress shopping, bridal shower, bachelorette party, etc. My FH also has 3 friends he can consider as groomsmen and bond with.
Since our reception is going to be very DIY with décor, hiring a separate caterer, etc. is it inappropriate/ distasteful to not have the "friends of honor" attend the ceremony but be there to help set up the reception? Mind you, our friends are very creative, DIY type of people who have stated that they would help with w.e. we needed. I was thinking that once we arrive for the reception we can still all get photos taken by the photographer and everything and still honor them as a special part of our lives, thanking them for all their help, etc.
For reference wedding would be in MA and everything is SO over priced so trying to DIY where ever possible but still enjoy our day.
Help 
