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BreezyBry
Savvy August 2021

Random Roles for 16 year old Niece?

BreezyBry, on June 15, 2021 at 12:23 PM Posted in Wedding Ceremony 0 14

I am having a hard time finding a role for my niece but I really would like her to feel like a part of the wedding. Originally, I thought I would make her a bridesmaid... but realized I'd have to buy her dress and alterations and driver her everywhere (she lives an hour away.) It ended up being more of a financial burden/stress than what I wanted to add because we are already getting married really quickly and under a time crunch.


Then I thought I would have her do a scripture reading, but she doesn't share my beliefs and feels uncomfortable doing this. (She would do a reading if I changed the content, but I'm not willing to do this.)


So I'm having a hard time placing her. She really wants to be involved and I really want her involved but I don't know of a good role to put her in. I'm not having programs to pass out. It's too late for her to be a bridesmaid now. What are some things that you guys have seen?

14 Comments

Latest activity by Christy, on June 16, 2021 at 10:33 AM
  • S
    Super September 2022
    Sarah ·
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    Would she be interested in doing some sort of speech or toast at the reception? Or you could have her be in charge of the rings and bring them up when it's time. Just so she has some special part of the ceremony. Or you could even just have her walk down the aisle, either alone or with someone, just so she is in it, she doesn't have to be a bridesmaid to do that. Those are the best ideas I've got. I hope this helps!

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  • Courtney
    Expert September 2022
    Courtney ·
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    Not sure what settings you have but I've been a candle lighter in church settings several times, so that's an option.

    Honestly I would just let her know as much as you'd like her to be involved in the ceremony there's just not anywhere you can work her in that's appropriate. No one really enjoys being the guest book attendant, so I'd skip that too.

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  • BreezyBry
    Savvy August 2021
    BreezyBry ·
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    I did some digging around and I saw the idea of just letting her walk (like the parents/grandparents would do) and I think that might be good enough. She can assist my wedding coordinator also and I those two things would be enough to make her feel included.

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  • D
    Savvy July 2021
    Dianna ·
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    You could have her be an usher - to greet and help people find seats as needed. You could get her a special flower corsage to wear. Then she could relax and enjoy the wedding once it starts!
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  • Michelle
    Rockstar December 2022
    Michelle ·
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    Outside of being a guest which is a huge honor, I’ve seen guestbook attendant/greeter and ushers.
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  • Michelle
    Rockstar December 2022
    Michelle ·
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    Please do not make her work because she will not be able to enjoy herself with the rest of the guests.
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  • L
    Lady ·
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    Get her a corsage and have her process in with your other important family members (parents or grandparents typically) and sit with them in the front row. I think that would be more than enough to make her feel special but not have to do a made up job like guest book or work like your DOC.

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  • SLY
    Master January 2022
    SLY ·
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    I would avoid having her assist your wedding coordinator, or having her do anything else that feels more like a job than an honor. I like your suggestion of just having her walk with the rest of the wedding party. It ensures that she's included in the actual ceremony, but she also doesn't have to take part in some sort of job like an usher or guest book attendant.

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  • BreezyBry
    Savvy August 2021
    BreezyBry ·
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    She wouldn't assist the coordinator for the whole thing, just leading up to it and helping direct people to their seats. Once the ceremony begins she can just do what she wants.

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  • SLY
    Master January 2022
    SLY ·
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    I get what you're saying, but I still don't think that's a great idea. Your coordinator is hired to be your coordinator, and you niece shouldn't be assisting them.

    Having her as an usher is fine if that's what you want her to do, and have her walk in with the bridal party, but I personally don't think she should be assisting the coordinator.

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  • BreezyBry
    Savvy August 2021
    BreezyBry ·
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    My wedding coordinator is a family friend that is volunteering for free (though I will be giving her a donation). My wedding coordinator offered this role to my niece.

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  • SLY
    Master January 2022
    SLY ·
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    At the end of the day, you do what you want to do. We're all just here to give advice and answer your questions.

    If you ask your niece about it and she's all for helping, then that's fine! I was just saying that she doesn't have to do some sort of job to feel included.

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  • BreezyBry
    Savvy August 2021
    BreezyBry ·
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    Definitely. Thanks for taking the time to write your input.

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  • Christy
    Devoted April 2022
    Christy ·
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    I’m having my 15 year old niece help me with my dress (straightening the train before walking down the aisle; learning how to bustle it). Other young members of the family will be greeters/ushers.
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