Meaningful Ways to Incorporate Friends Who Aren't in the Wedding Party

With a little creativity and intention, there are many thoughtful ways to honor and include friends who aren't in the wedding party.

Photo: Niki Marie Photography

"More and more brides are stepping away from structured bridal parties and leaning into intention, surrounding themselves with people they genuinely love being with. It becomes less about putting on a 'show' and more about creating an atmosphere of joy, connection, and presence. That energy is what truly makes the day unforgettable." –Deirdre Mead, Deirdre Photography

"Content creators are becoming more and more popular, but you may not necessarily have the funds to hire someone solely to take iPhone clips during your wedding, so this makes a great task for the creative friend who isn't part of the bridal party!" –Liney Castle, Twickenham House & Hall

"If your friend is a talented musician or singer, invite them to perform during your wedding ceremony. Having friends share their musical gifts adds a truly unique element that is deeply meaningful. As string musicians, we often perform alongside couples' loved ones, and these moments are consistently the most impactful and memorable of the day. Just earlier this month, a close friend sang 'At Last' by Etta James, accompanied by our violin and cello duo for an intimate ceremony at Hartford City Hall, and it was unforgettable." –Ariana Straznicky-Packer, Ariana Strings

"You can invite them to get ready with you and your wedding party the morning of the wedding. Sometimes this can even be a better experience, as they get to take part in all the fun without the responsibility of fulfilling wedding-party duties and traveling for all the photos." –Colton Simmons, Colton Simmons Photography

"Since immediate family and wedding party plus their partners are usually the ones invited to the rehearsal dinner, including them in these events will ensure that they know how important they are to you and that you want them to be a part of your more intimate celebrations.  You can also include other close friends in the bachelor/bachelorette celebrations - including additional friends who are not in the wedding party in bach celebrations is becoming more and more common, and many guests feel like it's the best of all worlds — you get to enjoy the bach party with your friend who is getting married, but you don't have to worry about the additional financial and time obligations of being in the wedding party!" –Elena Markwood, Adoration Weddings & Events

"Friends who are not bridesmaids or groomsmen can read during the ceremony, help greet and seat guests, emcee parts of the reception, or hand out programs and confetti, etc. If you have friends who are especially good with music, design, or organization, invite them to help curate the playlist, style a welcome table, or handle the guest book. You can also pull a few close friends into more personal moments, like being the ones who sign your marriage license as witnesses." –Craig Peterman, Craig Peterman Photography

"Think about the skills and talents of your guests. Who could be given a role during your wedding festivities? The storyteller of the group might give a toast the night before or help you write your vows. Everyone has a strength to be admired, and what a flattering way to say, 'thank you, we're so glad you're a part of our celebration.'

If you’re hosting a weekend of celebratory events, host a casual welcome party, morning yoga, or farewell brunch where everyone can attend and spend more time with you." –Carin Hunt, Coconut Palm Inn

"Giving your close friends a style guide, so that they have a cohesive look, goes a long way. Then, make sure to let your photographer know that you want a photo with this specific group. Asking the group to arrive before the ceremony just for the photo is a great way to make them feel special; they will have their own special time with you, and a photo to commemorate it." –Melani Lust, Melani Lust Photography

"This is the perfect opportunity for you to add a 'something blue crew,' acknowledging that these people are important to you, but they are not officially part of the wedding party. Your 'something blue crew' can contribute to your wedding from the start, having them help out with things at your shower or bachelor/bachelorette parties. If they are recently married, lean on them for advice, or some of their best vendors, showing that you trust their judgment is something a friend can take to heart." –Lisa Davis, WeddingVenueMap.com

"Clear and thoughtful communication also matters. When couples are honest about keeping the wedding party small, whether for logistical, financial, or emotional reasons, most people understand. What makes the difference is following that clarity with action by carving out real time, access, and acknowledgment for those relationships. 

Ultimately, people rarely feel left out because of a title. They feel left out when they feel unseen. When friends are included in meaningful moments, given time and intention, and treated as an essential part of the celebration, the label becomes far less important." –Sara Landon, Sara Landon Events

At the end of the day, your wedding is about celebrating the relationships that have shaped your journey, both as individuals and as a couple. Finding meaningful ways to include friends who aren't in the wedding party allows you to honor those connections in a way that feels authentic and heartfelt, without overcomplicating your day.

Meghan Ely is the owner of wedding PR and marketing firm OFD Consulting and the founder of OFD Collective, a membership community for wedding pros looking to elevate their visibility. She’s a sought-after speaker and a self-professed royal wedding enthusiast.