How to include friends that aren't bridesmaids

How about having them do a reading? Be a greeter?

Have them get ready with you and do a reading.

You could have them do a during the ceremony!

I've always suggested to stay away from asking them to hand out programs or be ushers because to me it's saying: "you didn't make the cut to be in our wedding party, but you can hand out programs or show people to their seats."

I had the same issue, I have two very close friends but I had a lot of family in my bridal party so I couldn’t fit them in.
As far as the actual wedding day, I have no ideas how to include them, without making it seem like I just want them to do my work for me.
However, I will be including them in my bachelorette party weekend , which I think is a super way to include them without asking them to do stuff for you. As far as getting them involved in other ways, see if they offer to help with anything. My friends have offered help constantly as far as DIY projects, wedding shopping, opinions and listening to any wedding drama. It really just depends on how involved they want to be , and go from there !

View Quoted Comment We are not doing a religious ceremony, so there won't be readings. My worry is that asking them to be an usher will offend them. Like "Hey you can't be a bridesmaid but can you greet our guests?" Idk, maybe I'm over thinking that!

View Quoted Comment Not all readings are religious. You can find tons of options with a quick Pinterest search. I do agree though on being a greeter or an usher, it’s more of a job than an honor.

Inving them to the wedding is a huge honor in itself and not everyone wants the financial/emotional responsibility of doing a job such as a bridesmaid. Let them enjoy themselves as guests.

Agree with Caytlyn that most jobs (readers, greeters) are not an honor.

View Quoted Comment Agree with this. They will be just as happy with being a guest. Not everyone needs a title to feel special or included.

Have them do readings! There are some beautifulllll (tear jerker) poems and non-religious readings that I wish I could use, but can’t because I’m getting married in the church and we have to pull from the Bible. You can also have them hang out with you the morning of!

I agree that asking them to do a reading would be great, as well as getting ready with you! We're having a non-religious wedding but are incorporating two readings into our ceremony that we'll ask friends or family to read.

I would include them in all the festivities running up to the wedding, like the bachelorette. Although, uneven wedding parties are the norm now, so you could always have them be bridesmaids (although you aren't obligated to ask someone, of course! )

Something I saw at a friend's wedding was that an important friend was the "ring bearer". He didn't walk down the aisle, he just sat in the front row and presented the rings when asked.

Also, are you doing a wedding party table for the reception? If there's room, seat them there!

Another idea would be to offer them speeches during the reception or include them in the "grand entrances" with the rest of the bridal party if you plan on doing that.