Wedding Forum - How to involve people in your wedding...

It's always a difficult one. I chose the female side and left OH to sort the male side. I did ask him to include my brother's eldest son in his choice as it was really playing on my mind that I'd ask my sister's little girl to be a flower girl, but my brother's kids hadn't been asked. We've made him a Junior Usher and he will also play a part by assisting my OH in giving out the bridal party gifts at the reception - I think he's ended up with a bigger role than the flower girls, but it's lifted my conscience considerably, so understand your dilemma.

You could have more bridesmaid - if that's what YOU want - by asking them to contribute to their shoes/dress which would free you up financially. Short of doing a reading or being a witness I am stumped. Unless she has some talent that you could use her for - ie if she's really creative you could ask her to help make invites etc.

You could have a female usher if you don't have too many ushers. Otherwise witness or reading are the most obvious things. If she is musical maybe she could provide music for the signing of the register.

I'm only having one bridesmaid, my sister. As much as I would love to have my friends as bridesmaids too, it's too much hassle with them being in a different country, plus the cost!
As all my girlfriends will be invited to the entire service and evening, I'm not too worried about involving them in the planning, they can just enjoy the day.
I really want to try to involve my OH's mom and sister though, so I've invited them dress shopping, and we're planning a BBQ with mine and his immediate families when we go home in June!
I'll be hoping to have OH's sis and mom getting ready on the day with the bridal party too, as it's just me and my mom and sister there's plenty of room! Hopefully by then I'll be able to pay for their hair and makeup too as a treat.

As for you LaurenB, it's a difficult one because you have so many bridesmaids! As already mentioned, witness, readings, singing would be lovely. Or if you just wanted to involve more people in the planning aspect of things, you could set up a Book Face page and add all of your close friends and family to it. Invite them to throw ideas and suggestions around, and if any of them want to offer help or services they can! Might be a nice way for everyone to feel like they're contributing, and you don't HAVE to use their ideas!