A wedding day is, at its core, a celebration of two people coming together—but it’s also about the friends and family who have been there every step of the way. Your wedding party isn’t just there to hold bouquets and give speeches; they’re part of the fabric of your story. So why not make their involvement feel personal, meaningful, and uniquely you? Whether it’s reimagining the role of your bridesmaids during the ceremony or creating moments that let the groomsmen’s talents shine, their participation can be just as special as the day itself. With insights from wedding experts, THE WED has curated 10 thoughtful ways to seamlessly (and creatively!) incorporate your wedding party into the celebration.
Photography: LA76 Photography, Valerie Thompson
Set the Tone with a
Relaxing Group Moment
Few moments on a wedding day feel as intimate and grounding as the quiet time spent with your closest crew before the whirlwind begins. Dallas-based photographer Valerie Thompson believes that the hours before the flurry of hair, makeup, and outfit changes are a golden opportunity for connection. She explains, "In my opinion, the preparation part of a wedding day can be one of the most meaningful times spent with loved ones. It is an opportunity to slow down and share space with one another before the formal festivities begin. A walk in the garden or a dip in the pool with your wedding party, before getting ready, can be a lovely moment to pause, reflect on what brought you all together, and set the tone for the celebrations ahead."
Get Ready Together
Break the mold and make getting ready a shared experience! The energy and excitement your wedding party brings during these precious moments can shape the entire atmosphere of the day. Wedding photography duo Tipos, based in Mallorca, emphasizes the power of this collective spirit, saying, "In the getting ready hours, both for the groom and the bride, the wedding party will be in charge of providing the energy and vibe, which will create spontaneous moments to capture as memories."
Photography: Mert Alas & Marcus Piggott, Bayleigh Vedelago
Weave Your Friendship into the Details
The bridal and groom's party is more than just a support system. They're a close-knit group, united by shared memories and a long history with the couple. To celebrate this special bond, Sabrina Zeile, founder of Moon Realm and expert in personalized wedding experiences, recommends incorporating bespoke touches with a nod to your inner circle. “Add custom elements representing your wedding party to your seating chart," she suggests. This could mean naming tables after meaningful moments, cities where you first met, or even inside jokes. Sabrina also shares a fun idea: include photobooth props dedicated to your squad, reflecting their favorite hobbies, playful thought bubbles with inside jokes, and more.
This sense of connection can be woven into the smallest, most meaningful details. Romana & Mariano, the creative force behind LA76 Photography, recall a touching moment: "A bridesmaid, who had been a friend of the bride since they were babies, kept a bracelet that the bride had given her when they were 7 years old. On her wedding day, the bridesmaid handmade an ornament from that bracelet and tied it to the bride’s bouquet." Small details like these create a sense of belonging and make your wedding party feel truly valued.
Walk Down the Aisle as a Team
Rethinking the processional is a great way to make the most anticipated moment of the day even more meaningful—while giving your wedding party a standout role. Instead of the traditional single-file entrance, where the couple walks separately, consider a more unified approach. One beautiful idea is for the nearly-weds to walk in together, flanked by their closest friends. You can pair bridesmaids and groomsmen, not just for tradition’s sake, but as a symbolic nod to the blending of families and friendships coming together in celebration.
Photography: Tipos, LA76 Photography
Making the Ring Exchange a Shared Moment
Why stick to traditions when you can make your own? Instead of having just a ring bearer, invite your wedding party to play a special role in this big moment. As the rings make their way to you, each member of your crew can pass them along, blessing the rings with their love and well wishes as they pass them on. It’s a meaningful twist that adds layers of emotion and significance to the ritual. Not only does it give everyone from the wedding party a significant role in the ceremony, but it’s also a fun and heartfelt way to honor the connections that brought you all to this moment. And, of course, it’s a beautiful scene to capture in photos!
Gather for a Circle of Love
Just before the vows, after the rings are exchanged, or during a special blessing, invite your wedding party to gather around you in a symbolic circle of love. Think of it as a visual 'love hug' with even deeper meaning. Each person can place a hand on your shoulder, share a few heartfelt words, or simply stand together, offering a powerful reminder of the support surrounding your marriage. It’s a beautiful way to honor those who have been by your side throughout this journey—and who will continue to cheer you on as you step into this new chapter together.
Moon Realm
Photography: Blake Hogge, Valerie Thompson
Share a Private Post-Ceremony Toast
After the ceremony, when you finally get a moment to catch your breath, gather your wedding party for a private toast. As photographer Valerie Thompson puts it, "Sharing a private toast with just your wedding party following the ceremony is a great way to honor them, especially if they might not be walking down the aisle or standing up at the altar with you." It’s a perfect chance to sip, laugh, and remind each other that the real party is just getting started.
Let Your Wedding Party Run the Show
Skip the hired emcee (who definitely doesn’t know you as well) and let your wedding party take the reins. Hand them the microphone to host different segments of the reception. From trivia games and storytelling to a dance-off that’ll have everyone gasping for breath, having your crew lead the entertainment brings energy, inclusivity, and a whole lot of fun to the celebration.
Photography: Tipos, Valerie Thompson
Showcase Your Crew's Talents
Your wedding party isn’t just a group of loved ones—it’s a gathering of creatives, storytellers, and experts in their own right. Celebrate their unique talents by weaving them into your day in a way that feels personal and meaningful. Take cues from LA76 Photography, who shared a sweet moment from their own wedding: “For our wedding, our friend who is a mixologist created a signature drink for us, inspired by our favorite flavors and drinks.” If a friend is a talented baker, have them contribute a special treat to the dessert table. If someone has musical talent, invite them to perform a song that adds a heartfelt touch to the celebration. Showcasing the unique gifts of those closest to you makes the day feel even more personal and unforgettable.
A Wedding Playlist Created by Your Nearest & Dearest
Music has the power to set the perfect tone for your day, and who better to curate the soundtrack than the people who know you best? Invite your wedding party to contribute songs that hold special meaning or bring back memories for you and your partner. Whether it’s a playlist to get ready to, an upbeat mix of recent hits to fuel the energy at the reception, or a selection of heartfelt ballads to accompany your ceremony, their musical picks will add a personal touch that makes your celebration even more memorable.
Moon Realm
Photography: Dias de Vino Y Rosas, Kaley from Kansas
