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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