The Best Wedding Jobs for Family and Friends

Planning a wedding is (for the most part) an exciting and joyous occasion. It can, however, also be overwhelming, especially when well-meaning family and friends offer to help. Though your loved ones have the best intentions, it is essential to discover ways to engage those close to you in meaningful tasks while not derailing your overarching vision for the event. To help keep your eyes on the prize, today’s blog post is a list of the best wedding jobs for family and friends. Think of this article as a creative and practical way to ensure that everyone feels valued, while still preserving your own dream wedding (and sanity).

For guests of any age, gender, or familial connection, these are the top wedding jobs. You need to have someone who you can trust for these assignments, and it just makes sense to fill these positions with family or friends rather than hiring additional help.

Planning Jobs

Wedding planning can feel at times like you are working a second job. So, why not start delegating before the big day even arrives to help ease your planning process? Here are some great ways to get the assistance you need and let others in your group feel helpful.

Crafting Committee

You have grand plans for a DIY wedding. You, unfortunately, also have a very limited amount of time. This is where your crafting committee comes in handy. Round up those friends who love doing crafty things and put them to work. From creating centerpieces to writing calligraphy, you can have a fun time together and save yourself some money by completing a few projects. Remember, wine and glue guns go together like chocolate and peanut butter.

Preparing Desserts or Guest Favors

Let’s say you don’t have a full crafting committee ready to go, but Aunt Emma really wants to bake some cookies for you. Great! Take those baked goods and turn them into guest or bridal party favors, or just serve them as an additional treat during the reception. More food, more better, if you ask me.

Collecting Items

There will be tons of stuff you need to pick up at the last minute. From tuxes for the groomsmen to liquor for the bar, having a friend (or two) with a car who can make a few pickups will save you time.

Airport Transport

Picking up family and friends from the airport is a nice personal touch, especially if the guests are arriving from far away. If you don’t have time, you likely have a friend with a car who can help out.

Transportation Coordinator

If you want to take that airport transport job to the next level, then enlist a family member or friend to coordinate all the transportation for guests. This way you have someone on the clock making sure that everyone arrives at the venue safely and on time. Provide the coordinator with a list of guests requiring transportation, detailed location information for both pick-up and delivery, and contact information for the transportation company.

This job is especially important if you have out-of-town guests who are not familiar with your wedding location. Make sure that backup transportation information (including an emergency number for the limo driver) and transportation plans have been made ahead of the wedding. Some of the worst wedding disasters I have personally experienced start when the Uber driver doesn’t show up. Oh, and by the way, if rain is in the forecast for your event, then you need to book your transportation well ahead of time. Ubers get cancelled when showers start to fall.

Social Media Coordinator

Assign a tech-savvy family member or friend to manage your wedding’s social media accounts, such as Instagram or Facebook. You will need to get this person onboard early so that all of the accounts and hashtags can be synchronized. On the wedding day, the social media coordinator can then share photos and updates throughout the event, encourage guests to use a specific hashtag, and interact with followers. This job allows them to stay connected with guests while documenting and sharing memorable moments from your wedding.

Ceremony Jobs

Officiant

This is the top job in any wedding, and I have a full article telling you how to become an officiant in San Antonio. In short, it is an easy, online process to ordination, and you should select someone who is a good public speaker.

Reader

Most ceremonies have two readings, and the speakers chosen are often very close to the couple. My personal recommendation is that you make sure the reader practices the speech well ahead of time. In terms of optimal ceremony photos, it always helps if the reader can look up and have eye contact with the audience during the reading.

Singer, Performer, or Musician

I have photographed some truly outstanding ceremony performances during my 14 years as a wedding photographer. Even if you don’t know a singer, just having someone play the piano or a musical instrument during the ceremony (or reception) is a wonderful treat for guests.

Candle Lighter, Chuppah Holder, or Bringing Mass Gifts

In religious weddings, there are usually a few little jobs here and there that you can easily give to a family member or friend. I have often seen the candle lighter job handled by the couple’s respective mothers. Similarly, I have seen cousins and friends be the ones to bring the gifts during communion in Catholic ceremonies.

Ushers

This is a great job to dole out, especially if your ceremony has reserved seating. In short, the job of the usher is to guide guests to their seats before the ceremony begins. Provide them with a seating chart and instructions on how to escort guests to their designated rows. You will also want to notify them of any specific elderly guests who may need a little extra assistance.

Welcome Committee

Why go with just a few ushers, when you can have a whole committee of greeters at your ceremony? As with the ushers, provide the welcome committee with a list of attendees and seating arrangements to help direct guests to their seats and answer any questions they may have.

Make sure the committee is comprised of equal numbers of representatives for both halves of the couple so that all guests will meet with a familiar face. This warm and personal touch will make guests feel appreciated and set the tone for a memorable celebration. In addition, the greeting group effort is a great way to bring both sides of the couple together.

Pet Handler

If, instead of human children, you opt to include members of your fur family in your ceremony, then it helps to have a pet handler. This job should go to someone who is already familiar with your pet and with whom your pet feels comfortable. Make sure you provide a leash, treats, and a way to give your pet water. You should also have strict instructions about where to pick up or drop off the pet following the ceremony.

Aisle Runners

I have photographed several weddings where a runner is placed down for the central aisle before the ceremony. Why not turn the task up a notch by assigning two people to grandly roll out the red carpet for the couple?

Throwing Confetti or Petals Before/After the Couple

Why should it be just the kids that have all the fun? Check with your ceremony venue to make sure it does not have any rules regarding what can be thrown. But if there aren’t any rules, then the sky is the limit for the ceremony craziness. Just remember not to injure any guests in the process of revelry.

Marriage License Witness

Normally this job goes to the maid of honor and best man, but there is no definitive rule for who can serve as your marriage license witness. Feel free to mix it up and select two people special to you both to serve as witnesses to your marriage.

Reception Jobs

Make a Speech

It’s a classic wedding task for a reason: the entertainment value once the alcohol has begun to flow. While speeches are normally made by the best man, maid of honor, and parents of the couple, but feel free to add to the list of speakers. You may want to give guidelines regarding length of speech and appropriateness if you feel it necessary.

Guest Book Attendant

Designate a family member or friend to oversee the guest book table, ensuring guests sign in and have the opportunity to leave messages for the newlyweds. This is a job that can be handled in shifts so that multiple people can play the role of guest book attendant.

A word of advice: make sure to let attendants know what to do with the guest book if you need to move the book from the ceremony to the reception, or after the reception has ended. I have photographed too many weddings where the guest book goes missing after being put someplace ‘safe.’

Photo Booth Attendant

If you have a DIY photo booth at your reception, then why not appoint a family member or friend to manage it throughout the evening? The official attendant can assist guests with props (plus make sure they don’t go missing), encourage participation, and ensure the photo booth runs smoothly. This is a job for your loudest and proudest friends to tackle. As with the guest book attendant, this is a task that can be done on a shift-basis to make sure that no one misses out on the reception.

Gift Table Attendant

Designate a trusted family member or friend to oversee the gift table so that the cards and gifts are safely collected. Provide the attendant with a secure location to store all gifts as well as instructions on what to do with the gifts and envelopes once the wedding has ended. Even if someone is not constantly manning the table, it is important that someone is at least keeping an eye on the gift table (and any envelopes with money) at all times.

Children’s Entertainment Coordinator

If you are expecting several young guests at your wedding, then I highly recommend appointing a family member or friend to oversee the children’s entertainment and activities. Provide the coordinator with games, crafts, toys, and snacks to keep the kids entertained throughout the event. You may even want to designate a specific corner of the reception room as a play area.

Handling Vendor Payments

This is a classic ‘Dad’ job. There is no reason why the bride and groom should have to handle all the business transactions at the end of the wedding. Feel free to delegate this job to someone you sincerely trust.

Moving Items from the Venue

After a fun night of partying, nothing is more sobering then having to move 20 centerpieces from the venue to your home. Get a committee of friends together to make the job easier. Also, make sure you have a checklist ready of things that need to be done.

It helps to have a Type A friend who can double check the venue before you leave to make sure everything is clean and tidy (according to the rules stipulated in your venue contract) and that you haven’t left anything behind.

Tips for Assigning Jobs to Family and Friends:

Communicate Clearly: Put in writing your expectations and the specific responsibilities and timelines for each job to ensure that family and friends are on the same page. Everything goes smoother with a checklist in hand.
Play to Their Strengths: Assign tasks based on each person’s skills, interests, and availability to maximize their contribution and enjoyment. If you know someone is uncomfortable with public speaking, then choose someone else for the task of making a speech.
Ask for Input: Let your friends and family make the job their own (under your guidance, of course) by having a say in the job itself.
Provide Guidance: Offer guidance and support to family and friends in their assigned roles, answering any questions and offering assistance as needed. You will be busy, but make sure to answer texts and emails.
Express Gratitude: Show appreciation for their help and support with heartfelt thank-you notes, small tokens of appreciation, or a special mention during speeches. Everyone appreciates a gift card.
Reconfirm: Check in with family and friends a week prior to your wedding to make sure everyone is still able (and willing) to handle the assigned tasks.

Roles for Small Children

Small children can play a delightful and memorable role in your wedding ceremony, adding an extra dose of charm (or mischievousness) to the proceedings. Personally, I love weddings that include little photo ops, as I often refer to children.

While the roles of ring bearer and flower girl are traditional favorites, there are plenty of other creative and fun jobs that young children can fulfill on your special day. Here are some roles to consider for the little ones in your wedding party:

Ring Bearer

The classic role of the ring bearer involves carrying the couple’s wedding rings down the aisle, often on a decorative pillow or in a box. I have seen many variations on the ring bearer theme, lately, and the ‘security guard’ or ‘secret service’ roles are quite popular.

Flower Girl

The flower girl’s role is to scatter flower petals along the aisle before the bride makes her entrance, adding a touch of romance to the ceremony. Do not, however, feel that you are bound by gender norms. Mix it up and you’ll be the hippest couple out there.

Junior Bridesmaid or Groomsman

For older children who may be too old for the roles of ring bearer or flower girl but still want to be involved, consider assigning them the role of junior bridesmaid or groomsman. These junior attendants can stand alongside the bridal party during the ceremony, offering support and assistance to the bride and groom. They can also participate in pre-wedding activities and photo sessions, making them feel like an important part of the wedding party. (Note, however, the junior bridesmaid or groomsmen probably shouldn’t be part of the bachelor/bachelorette festivities in Las Vegas.)

Sign Bearer

Give young children the important task of carrying signs or banners down the aisle, displaying messages such as “Here Comes the Bride” or “Just Married.” These adorable signs add a personalized and whimsical touch to the ceremony and allow children to participate in a meaningful way.

Junior Photographer

For budding photographers in the making, consider giving them disposable cameras or providing them with a smartphone or tablet to capture candid moments throughout the day. Junior photographers can document behind-the-scenes moments, candid interactions, and special memories from their unique perspective. Encourage them to get creative and have fun with their photography, capturing the magic of the day through their eyes. One bit of advice: just make sure you let your official photographer know that there will be several ‘assistant photographers’ working that day. (Personally, I can always use an extra set of hands!)

Bubble Blower

Add a touch of whimsy to your ceremony by enlisting young children as bubble blowers. Provide them with bubble wands or bubble machines to create a dreamy atmosphere as the bride and groom make their grand entrance or exit. Encourage bubble blowers to unleash their inner child and fill the air with shimmering bubbles, adding an element of joy and playfulness to the celebration. This is a task you definitely will want to practice beforehand, and keep in mind that with the littlest ones, you are likely to have more bubble solution spilled than blown.

Ribbon Waver

Give young children the task of waving ribbons or streamers as the newlyweds make their exit down the aisle. These colorful ribbons create a festive and celebratory atmosphere, adding movement and energy to the procession. Encourage ribbon wavers to twirl and dance with their ribbons, spreading good vibes throughout the venue.

The Heck with the Kids

Let the adults unleash their inner child. I should note that some of the funniest things I have ever seen at weddings is when couples assign the ‘kid jobs’ to adults. Seeing two grown men blowing bubbles down the aisle, or even better, two grandmothers throwing rose petals, brings a smile to everyone’s face.

Tips for Involving Small Children in Your Wedding:

Practice Makes Perfect: Especially for the little ones, rehearsal is key to getting a good performance. Planning a walk down the aisle ahead of time will help your youngest attendants feel confident and comfortable on the big day.
Keep it Age-Appropriate: Choose roles and tasks that are suitable for the child’s age and personality, ensuring they feel excited and engaged rather than overwhelmed.
Stage Fright is Real: Don’t assign any ceremony jobs to anyone who you know will feel uncomfortable being the center of attention.
Have a Backup Plan in Place: Little ones can change their mind on a whim, so have an adult backup (or at least a plan) in mind.
Embrace Spontaneity: Give in to the unpredictability of working with children and be prepared to go with the flow if things don’t go exactly as planned. The best photos happen when kids decide to ‘go in another direction.’
Celebrate Their Contributions: Recognize and celebrate the children’s efforts and contributions to the wedding, whether it’s with a special thank-you or a small token of appreciation.

Conclusion

Involving family and friends in your wedding planning process can be a rewarding and experience that brings you all closer together. By assigning your compadres thoughtful and practical jobs, you can make them feel valued while ensuring your wedding vision remains intact. Whether your family and friends are greeting guests, managing the guest book, or coordinating transportation, their contributions will add a personal touch to your special day.

Happy wedding planning, and here’s to a memorable day surrounded by your nearest and dearest! As always, enjoy the images that were shot by me during my 14 years of being in business as a wedding photographer. I will have more photo adventures for you next week.

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