15 Ways to Incorporate Loved Ones Into Your Ceremony

If family and friends mean the world to you and your other half, you're probably looking for ways to get them involved in your big day! From the bridal party to the ceremony readers, here are the roles your nearest and dearest can play in your wedding ceremony.

An unmarried woman who has a special relationship with the bride. The Maid of Honor is a member of the bridal party who has more responsibility on the big day and helps calm the bride while keeping the other bridesmaids on schedule. She'll also help support the bride leading up to and on the day of the wedding. Typically you'll need just one maid of honor.

A Matron of Honor is the same thing as the Maid of Honor, except the woman is married. Typically you'll need just one, although you can have a Maid and a Matron of honor if you'd like.

Basically, the groom's right-hand man. The Best Man is traditionally a close friend or family member of the groom who is there to help lead the groomsmen on the big day and support the groom in any way he can prior to and on the day of the wedding. Traditionally, you just have the one.

The bridesmaid equivalent for the groom. Groomsmen are there to help support the groom and help him celebrate the wedding day. Similarly, you can have as many as you'd like.

A bridesmaid is a friend or family member of the bride and is part of her entourage on the big day. Bridesmaids typically host a shower or event before the wedding, get ready with the bride on the day, walk down the aisle before her, and partake as a member of the wedding party. You can have as many bridesmaids as you would like!

A child who walks down the aisle before the bride and usually tosses flower petals. You can include as many children as you want!

A young child who carries the rings down the aisle. Just one will do, but you can have more than one as well.

Young children who hold the end of the bride's train while she walks down the aisle. Two to four children are needed (depending on length of the bride's train).

A person who stands near the guest book and asks guests to leave messages for the bride and groom. Typically, you will only need one guest book attendant.

If your family and friends have special musical talents, ask them to perform during your ceremony. This will not only allow you to include more friends and family in your wedding party, as well as save on money for entertainment.

The person who performs the ceremony. Must be legally certified to perform a marriage to be accepted by law.

A person who reads a verse or passage during your ceremony. We suggest one to three readers.

A person who helps guests find their seats during the ceremony. They will often pass out programs as well. Depending on the size of your ceremony, two to four ushers will be needed.