Wedding party

I agree with this. You are absolutely entitled to ask whomever you want to stand up with you, and small wedding parties are smart for lots of reasons. But since you are saying you are keeping it small due to "drama and hurt feelings", I can't imagine that giving people consolation prize, "sorry you're not included" titles or tasks would help your situation in any way. Make your decision with confidence and move on with your planning; don't borrow trouble.

That said, it is often recommended not to ask anyone to be in your party until a year in advance at the earliest. You may change your mind about what you want, your relationships may change, your budget could expand or contract. So much can happen between now and next summer, so give yourself the gift of not making these decisions too early.

Save yourself the ongoing headache and don't talk to anyone yet about the wedding party. You really don't have to ask anyone until about 8 months beforehand, which is a the end of the year.

They don't really need a title unless you're also planning on having them walk during the processional.

For example, in our wedding entourage, we have bridesmaids and groomsmen that will stand with us, but we also have "wedding sponsors" that will be walking during processional/recessional that are additional close couples to us for specific wedding tasks in the ceremony. This is something we took from my side (Filipino traditions) to have sponsors for additional wedding ceremony items (veil + cord, arras, unity candle), but possibly something you could take as a title if they are close friends even if you don't have those "sponsor items" tied to them (they won't stand with us, but will be seated). But I'd say only do that if they will walk with you and then you also want formal portraits with them!