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Attendants and Guests

Special Places for Special Faces

Honor those you love with a role in your nuptials-even if your bridal party's full.

Not everyone has to be a bridesmaid. Check out these 9 meaningful ways to include those near and dear to you in your wedding.

Job: Chuppah attendant

SKILLS REQUIRED: Upper-body strength; the ability to stand without fidgeting.

LOWDOWN: The Jewish chuppah needs four people-one to hold each pole-to carry it down the aisle and stand at each corner holding the canopy over your heads.

BEST FOR: People with team spirit.

Job: Gift bearer

SKILLS REQUIRED: Ability to carry something—and be the center of attention-without tripping.

LOWDOWN: If you're offering Holy Communion during the ceremony, ask two people to bring the water and the wine to the priest.

BEST FOR: Churchgoers who appreciate the task's meaning, or children, who love to feel important.

Job: Guest-book attendant

SKILLS REQUIRED: A mastery of the art of persuasion.

LOWDOWN: He or she welcomes guests to the reception, and gets them to sign your guest book.

BEST FOR: Someone people just can't refuse, like your sweet-but-tough older Auntie.

Job: Honorary attendant

SKILLS REQUIRED: Ability to wear a corsage. Period.

LOWDOWN: This is really just a title that gives certain people special treatment-they'll be named in the program, sit up front and attend the same parties as the bridesmaids. The only differences-they won't wear bridesmaid dresses, and you won't buy them thank-you gifts.

BEST FOR: Elderly aunts, favorite cousins, people who just couldn't fit in the bridal party.

Job: Personal attendant

SKILLS REQUIRED: Can-do attitude, soothing personality. Perkiness a plus.

LOWDOWN: This gopher duty is usually handled by 'maids or moms, but easily can be assigned to a non-party member. The chosen one will do everything from nabbing shrimp for the bride to helping wrestle the gown (and girl) into a restroom stall.

BEST FOR: A recently wed girlfriend-she'll get it.

Job: Toast giver

SKILLS REQUIRED: Is comfortable speaking in front of a crowd. Has a storehouse of fun, not-too-embarrassing stories about the two of you.

LOWDOWN: The best man isn't the only one who can offer some words in your honor. Ask a special guest to raise a glass to you at the rehearsal dinner or reception.

BEST FOR: Anyone who knows you well. Think: college roomie (school hijinks), godparent (baby hijinks).

Job: Candle lighter

SKILLS REQUIRED: Can play with fire without getting burned.

LOWDOWN: Before the ceremony kicks off, these people set the room aglow, letting everyone know the ceremony's about to start.

BEST FOR: Adults only. (Your love may be burning, but nothing else should be.)

Job: Bell ringer

SKILLS REQUIRED: Not afraid to make a little joyful noise.

LOWDOWN: Bell ringers walk down the aisle just before you do, heralding your arrival with tinkling bells.

BEST FOR: That extra little nephew or niece who isn't a ring bearer or flower girl. But watch for wise guys who might get a little carried away with the task-you need someone who will do justice to the peace.

Job: Gift coordinator

SKILLS REQUIRED: Scotch-tape mastery, trustworthiness.

LOWDOWN: This person takes control of every guest's offering at the bridal shower and the wedding. She makes sure the cards are firmly attached to gifts, so you don't have to guess who gave you what. She's also responsible for getting gifts to their final destination.

BEST FOR: Someone who's kind of a busybody. She'll be happy to keep track of who dropped off the biggest gift box on the table. As payment, you may have to let her be with you when you finally open them all!


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