11 Unique Wedding Roles for Loved Ones

When planning your nuptials, it can be difficult to know who to ask to be a part of your wedding party. You likely have many loved ones in your life who have impacted you in a positive way—from your high school classmate who got you through your first heartbreak to your post-grad roommate who navigated your first years of work alongside you. Yet ultimately, not everyone may get to be your bridesmaid or groomsman. (You and your partner may even opt to skip the concept of a wedding party altogether.) However, standing beside you as you say “I do” isn’t the only way to give a loved one a significant title on your big day. There are many other unique wedding roles to consider—from flower woman and usher to content creator and even ceremony officiant.

Depending on your relationship with your friend or family member, consider asking them to fill a unique wedding role that suits them and their particular skillset. For example, your brother may be a phenomenal public speaker and would be excited to have the opportunity to do a reading during your ceremony—while your best friend from college is an incredible vocalist and could kick off your dance party with a tune or two. Remember: You know your people, and what they’re comfortable with, best.

To compiles a unique wedding roles list, we tapped two expert planners for their thoughts on potential alternative wedding-party assignments. Below, they share 11 meaningful options. While many of these jobs may not surprise you, some of the out-of-the-box alternatives definitely will. Read on for all of the possible titles to consider.

11 Unique Wedding Roles for Friends and Family Who Aren’t Bridesmaids or Groomsmen

There are several jobs friends and family members who aren’t in your wedding party can take on on the big day—including a few nontraditional wedding party roles, such as social media manager or polaroid camera photographer.

1. Ceremony Reader

No matter what style of wedding you’re planning, there are bound to be opportunities for one or more readings during the ceremony, which could be anything from poignant poems to religious passages. “Readings during the ceremony can be very meaningful,” says Beth Helmstetter, a wedding planner and event designer. “This is a great role to give to a sister-in-law, distant friend, or cousin.”

2. Officiant

“Entrusting a friend or family member with the role of officiant adds a deeply personal and intimate touch to the ceremony,” says Kia Marie, a wedding planner and the founder of Kia Marie Events. “Their connection with the couple allows for a heartfelt and customized ceremony, making the wedding more meaningful and memorable.” Helmstetter agrees, noting that this job is perfect for a loved one who excels in front of a crowd. “If you have a friend who is good at public speaking and knows you as a couple, this can be a very honorable role,” she adds.

3. Musician or Singer

Obviously, this only applies if someone’s musically inclined, but if you’re lucky enough to have talented musicians or singers in your lives, why not ask if they could perform in some capacity during the ceremony or reception? If it’s the former, their moment in the spotlight could happen during the actual ceremony or as prelude music, allowing them to create a lovely ambience as guests arrive and take their seats.

4. Candle Lighter

If you’re having candles at the altar or will be lighting a unity candle during your ceremony, ask one or two friends to be candle lighters: Just before the ceremony begins (when guests are seated and music is playing), they can ceremonially light them using long matches—and a steady hand.

5. Ring Bearer or Flower Person

Who says the bearer of the rings has to be a young child? Ask a close friend to hold your wedding bands during the ceremony and then approach the altar when the officiant is about to conduct the vows. The same goes for your “flower girl.” Tap one of your close friends to toss petals down the aisle before your grand entrance. (You may just give them the chance to live out one of their childhood dreams.)

6. Usher

One easy wedding role for close friends or relatives who will know a fair amount of the guests arriving? Ask them to serve as an usher. They can distribute programs and show other attendees to their seats. “For your friend or family members who are outgoing, this can be a great opportunity for them to meet and greet all of the guests upon arrival,” says Helmstetter.

7. Chuppah Holder

If you’re having a Jewish ceremony, you could ask members of your bridal party or other wedding VIPs to each hold a chuppah pole. Enlist another loved one to carry the glassware that will be shattered at the ceremony’s conclusion.

8. Processional Escort

For special family members you would like to include in the processional, ask them to escort your grandparents or other elderly relatives down the aisle. For escorts, along with any of these specialty wedding roles, feel free to list them in your ceremony program, as a nod to their importance.

9. Marriage License Witness

Consider asking an honored friend or relative to be the witness to the signing of your official marriage license. This is a document that will be with you for life—what could possibly be more important than that?

10. Social Media Manager or Content Creator

Have a friend who is particularly tech-savvy? “They can effectively manage the wedding’s social media presence, ensuring that joyful moments are shared in real-time,” says Marie. “This role allows them to contribute to the celebration’s digital narrative, creating a sense of inclusivity for guests who couldn’t attend.” It also takes the pressure off of you. Between this person, your photographer, and your videographer, you’ll have every memory-worthy moment captured.

11. Polaroid Camera Photographer

Though we advise only putting this person’s role into action during the reception—and particularly, the dance-party portion of the evening—this is another great job for an outgoing friend or family member. With a polaroid camera in hand, this person can capture every candid moment. Those keepsake photos will add a “nostalgic and tangible aspect to the wedding’s documentation,” says Marie.

Friends and Family Members Who Can Fill These Roles

While these wedding jobs can be filled by just about anyone close to you, our experts say they’re particularly perfect for those relatives that fall just outside your VIP circle. “Sisters- or brothers-in-law are usually perfect candidates for the alternative roles,” says Helmstetter, who also recommends considering “cousins who you don’t see as often and friends who have been a large part of your history, but aren’t as active in your life any longer.”

According to Marie, a favorite colleague or neighbor can also step in. The main requirement, however, is simple: Choose people who want to show up for you. “The key is to select individuals based on their willingness, availability, and suitability for specific tasks, ensuring a joyous and inclusive wedding celebration,” says Marie.

Roles You Should Never Ask Friends or Family to Take On

Never ask a friend or family member to take on a big-day job that you would otherwise pay for. These roles include wedding planner and designer, day-of coordinator, photographer, floral designer, and caterer, say Marie and Helmstetter. That remains true even if any of these jobs are their actual profession. “They will not be able to be present for the celebration if they are serving in these capacities,” Helmstetter says.

Additional reporting done by Heather Lee