I am having difficulty trying to figure out how to make my girlfriends feel special without putting them in the bridal party. I have about ten girlfriends that I am very close to. I've known them since college and I have an important history with them. But, I can't possibly have 15 bridesmaids. It's expensive and it will make my day much more complicated than I need it to be. I have three good girlfriends from home (NC known sice 7th and 10th grade) and my sister and I believe that's enough. They are ALL low key and their first question is, what do you want me to do? So, how can I include my friends in the ceremony and reception without putting them in the wedding? I thought of giving them a special corsage and allowing them to sit in the second row together. Mayve they can have a special table at the reception with a different centerpiece. What do you think? Oh, should they come to the rehearsal dinner? I could definitely just make a small basket for them!
I am having difficulty trying to figure out how to make my girlfriends feel special without putting them in the bridal party. I have about ten girlfriends that I am very close to. I've known them since college and I have an important history with them. But, I can't possibly have 15 bridesmaids. It's expensive and it will make my day much more complicated than I need it to be. I have three good girlfriends from home (NC known sice 7th and 10th grade) and my sister and I believe that's enough. They are ALL low key and their first question is, what do you want me to do? So, how can I include my friends in the ceremony and reception without putting them in the wedding? I thought of giving them a special corsage and allowing them to sit in the second row together. Mayve they can have a special table at the reception with a different centerpiece. What do you think? Oh, should they come to the rehearsal dinner? I could definitely just make a small basket for them!
Southern thats a good idea, maybe you can have a couple of them as hostesses, guest book attendant or they can help you plan and do the leg work.
Charlotte wishes you all a beautiful Christmas filled with loads of love, laughter and the true meaning of this blessed season.
If you are having any Bible readings or poems during the ceremony, they can participate that way. That's what I am having my college friends do. Or like CharlotteModebe said, they can be hostesses, greeters, etc....there are lots of things they can do.
Is it shady for them to come to work but not be in the wedding party?
Southernthoughts, it is not shady to ask them to help. If these ladies are truly your friends, then they will be happy to help out and make your day special in any way that they can. I too have a few special friends that can't be a part of the ceremony. I've asked them to be hostesses and they have been great about it.
Delight yourself in The Lord & He will give you the desires of your heart!Ps 37
Southern...you know what you can do if YOU feel uncomfortable about them feeling uncomfortable (brain teaser there!)just to ensure they feel like they are a part of the ceremony...you can ask them to dress alike or in the same color. You know ushers wear a contrasting color to the bridal party. That should make em feel special and they pay for the dresses themselves. What do you think!?
Charlotte wishes you all a beautiful Christmas filled with loads of love, laughter and the true meaning of this blessed season.
I would hope that your friends would not think of sharing in your special day as "work". If that's the case, you did the right thing by not having them as part of your wedding party.
I think they would be honored to have a special role that day. If not, then move on to some others on your list. Don't sweat it.
My sister had the same decision to make. She had two of her friends as hostess one did the guest book and the other passed out programs. She had 2 as ushers, 4 of them lighting the candles, one read a poem and the other read the scripture 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 ending with Love Never Fails. They all dressed in the same color and had special corsages.
Like stated before, if they are your true friends the only thing that should matter is that they will be there for you on your special day.