Special 'role' for special sister!

Canadianna

hi ladies.

I would love some suggestions- maybe with some atypical things you've seen done at other weddings (or your own).  

Context: I have a 20 year old sister who is special needs. I am getting married on her birthday, and she is very excited (for both reasons!!). I've been trying to figure out a way to give her a special role -- my mom would like her to be a bridesmaid... but I'd like to honor her in a bit of a different role-- I've ordered her a special bouquet (rather than a corsage) already ....

I was thinking of having her walk down the aisle first...I don't want her to act as a flower girl- we're not having one.... but maybe have her light some candles at the front and then stand with the rest of the wedding party? Part of me is nervous to let her do that for safety reasons.... do you have any other suggestions of other special 'tasks' she could do in this sort of role?

thanks so much!

Canadianna

Thanks Trix (and MourningMist)....that's  a great idea!...I actually can't believe I didn't think of it.

In my request for asking for different 'tasks'-- ick I don't like that word but oh well-- is because we are not really the unity candle/sand etc tradition type....and this would be best put on a different board NOW of course. So it's really not a 'silly' task I'm looking for...i'm looking for some other alternatives to the norm.

ANYway.... i need to get back to work.. *groan*

CA2MT4EveR

I was thinking the same thing- a birthday cake and EVERYONE singing happy birthday to her.

mbcdefg

I hear what you're saying. I'm just pointing out that sometimes, the made-up stuff that's made up just to give someone a role/task/job/honor/whatever you want to call it seem more out of place than if you just asked them to be a bridesmaid or an honored guest. Like, instead of someone being touched that you included your sister, they might be scratching their heads and saying, "Why is this in the ceremony?"

What kind of ceremony are you having? Do you have a layout yet? Is it a standard ceremony from a certain religion, or a ceremony that you're writing yourselves? I'm just curious because maybe if it's a ceremony layout that some of us are familiar with, we can suggest more specific roles for your sister.

The only thing I'd classify as "atypical" during my ceremony was when my cousin/godmother brought up a basket of things that we later donated to an animal shelter. We met with the priest before the wedding and he said that in that parish, they were (re-)introducing a "Gift to the Poor" that would be part of the ceremony when the Communion was brought up. Some of his suggestions were teddy bears to give to the police department (to give to children who had to be removed from their homes), blankets to give to people in the hospital, books for a needy library, etc. The priest also suggested that we make a donation every time we hit a positive milestone in our lives, as a reminder of our community (buying a house, promotion/raise, new baby, etc.).

If there's a charity that benefits something close to your heart, especially something that ties in with your sister's special needs, perhaps you could something along those lines? Have her bring up a basket or an envelope and your officiant can say that you're doing something to help your community and honor your sister/family in celebration of your marriage.

momofayden

Is it possible for her to do a short poem or verse for you and Fi during the ceremony?