20 Unique & Fun Ways to Include Your Siblings in Your Wedding at The English Barn Near Kansas City, MO
Planning a wedding involves countless decisions, from the venue and catering to outfits and invitations. However, one of the most meaningful aspects of your big day is finding ways to include your loved ones—especially your siblings. Your siblings have been there through thick and thin, and your wedding is the perfect opportunity to honor that bond. In this wedding planning blog we will share 20 Creative Ways to Include Siblings In Your Wedding.
Whether you’re hosting your celebration at a picturesque location like The English Barn, near Kansas City, MO, or elsewhere, we’ve gathered ideas to help you thoughtfully include your siblings in your wedding day.
Before we begin we would like to officially welcome you to The English Barn and invite you to visit us for a wedding venue tour. As a locally owned venue, we’re passionate about creating magical experiences for engaged couples and their loved ones. With its cozy charm and timeless elegance, our space is the perfect backdrop for your once-in-a-lifetime celebration.
Ready to get inspired? Take a peek at our dreamy weddings in the gallery to spark your imagination. When you’re ready to bring your vision to life, contact us to schedule a tour—we can’t wait to show you around and help you plan your perfect day.
For even more inspiration, let’s connect on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. We’re excited to meet you and make your wedding truly magical!
20 Unique Ways to Include Your Siblings in Your Wedding
- Ask Them to Be in Your Wedding Party
A classic yet meaningful way to honor your sibling is by asking them to be your maid of honor, best man, bridesmaid, or groomsman.
- Allow Them to Officiate
If they’re comfortable speaking in front of guests, having your sibling officiate the ceremony is a heartfelt way to involve them.
- Have Them Walk You Down the Aisle
If you want to deviate from tradition, ask a sibling to accompany you down the aisle.
- Give Them a Toasting Role
Include them in one of the toasts during the reception. Their speech will be personal and emotional for all.
- Feature Them in a Special Dance
Plan a sibling dance! Whether it’s groovy or sentimental, it’s a beautiful way to celebrate your connection.
- Include Them in Your Music Choices
If they’re musically inclined, ask them to perform a song during the ceremony.
- Designate Them as Ushers
Give them the important role of helping greet guests and escort them to their seats.
- Include Them in Portrait Sessions
Plan for sibling-only portraits during your photo session. These make for timeless keepsakes.
- Assign Them a Fun Responsibility
From coordinating the bouquet toss to acting as your “day-of DJ,” fun tasks can add to the celebration.
- Give Them a Ceremony Reading
Ask your sibling to recite a meaningful poem, religious passage, or personal letter during the ceremony.
- Create a Joint Family Table
Sit your sibling(s) and their plus-ones at a special table for family during the reception.
- Make Them a Ring Bearer or Flower Sibling
Have fun breaking tradition by having an adult sibling act as the flower-sibling or ring bearer. (Hint: This elevates the laughter in your ceremony!)
- Dedicate a Slideshow Section
Share photos of moments you’ve shared with your sibling during the reception slideshow.
- Have Them Manage a Guest Book Table
Put your sibling in charge of creating memories at the guest book station.
- Design a Signature Cocktail in Their Honor
Name a cocktail after them, and toast to your family!
- Create a Role in the Ceremony Procession
Siblings love walking in the procession, setting the stage for your big entrance.
- Write Letters That Acknowledge Your Bond
Exchange letters with your sibling before the ceremony to preserve the sentiment of the day forever.
- Plan a Sibling Pre-Wedding Celebration
Spend a special sibling-only evening or morning before your wedding to connect.
- Feature Their Talents
If they’re a great baker, ask them to contribute cookies to the dessert table. If they’re crafty, have them design some decor elements.
- Honor Them During Your Vows
Give a heartfelt nod to your siblings in your vows as a way to highlight your love for family.
Including Family in Your Wedding Party
Planning your wedding party isn’t always simple, especially with family dynamics involved. Here are a few tips for balancing family roles in a gentle and thoughtful way.
- Set Clear Expectations: Discuss roles and responsibilities upfront to avoid misunderstandings.
- Honor Every Sibling Equally: If you have multiple siblings, try to involve all of them in some capacity to prevent feelings of exclusion.
- Ask for Their Input: Make siblings feel seen by asking how they’d like to contribute to your big day.
- Understand Their Strengths: Play to their unique talents or personality traits when assigning roles.
- Design Conflict-Free Zones: Avoid overlapping responsibilities to reduce any potential tension among your siblings.
How to Choose a Maid of Honor or Best Man
One of the most significant roles in your wedding party is that of the maid of honor or best man. If you have siblings, choosing one of them can be a meaningful way to honor your family bond. Here’s how to approach the decision thoughtfully:
Factors to Consider:
- Relationship Strength
Think about the sibling you feel closest to or who has played a central role in your life. This role often goes to someone who knows you best and can support you during the planning process.
- Practicality:
Keep logistics in mind. Does a sibling live far away, or have a packed schedule? If so, consider whether they’ll have the bandwidth to fulfill the role effectively.
- Equal Representation:
If both you and your partner have siblings, it’s a nice gesture to involve a sibling from each family in major roles. One could serve as the maid of honor, while the other takes the best man role, creating harmony among families.
If your sibling is not able to step into these roles, there are still plenty of other ways to involve them lovingly in your special day. Keep reading to explore some options!
Roles for Siblings Who Aren’t Maid of Honor or Best Man
Not everyone can be the maid of honor or best man, but that doesn’t mean your siblings can’t play a significant role in your wedding. Kansas City couples have plenty of creative options to include their siblings in other meaningful ways:
- Bridesmaids or Groomsmen:
This classic role ensures your siblings stand beside you as you say “I do,” even if they’re not filling the top position.
- MC or Toast Giver:
Allow a sibling to host your reception, introduce speeches, or deliver their own toast. This lets their personality shine while celebrating your relationship.
- Ceremony Roles:
Whether reading a passage, lighting a unity candle, or walking you down the aisle, your siblings can be involved directly in the ceremony.
- Personal Touches:
Have your musical sibling perform a song during the wedding, or ask the artistic one to design a part of your décor, like signs or seating charts.
By creating pivotal, personal roles, you ensure that your siblings feel appreciated, regardless of formal titles.
Managing Hurt Feelings
Wedding planning can sometimes stir emotions, especially if some siblings or loved ones feel left out. The key to navigating this is through open communication and thoughtful gestures.
Tips for Addressing Sensitive Situations:
- Have an Honest Conversation:
If a sibling expresses disappointment, sit down with them privately to explain your decisions with clarity and love.
- Create Specific Roles Just for Them:
If they aren’t in the wedding party, assign them meaningful roles, like greeting guests at the ceremony or helping with DIY projects.
- Show Appreciation Throughout the Process:
Make your siblings feel valued by involving them in small, meaningful ways, from pre-wedding celebrations to special family photos.
- Reach Out Early:
The sooner you communicate roles and responsibilities, the more time everyone has to adjust expectations.
Making siblings feel like an integral part of your story—even if they aren’t wearing a specific title—is the ultimate sign of love and thoughtfulness.
Celebrate Kansas City Style
Kansas City couples are fortunate to have incredible venues, vendors, and local touches to enhance their weddings. Why not highlight your sibling bond with a nod to your shared history?
- Local Spots Tie-In:
Take pre-wedding photos at places that hold sentimental value for your family, like Loose Park, Union Station, or the River Market.
- Family Traditions:
Include any family wedding traditions that have been part of your sibling’s life too. Whether it’s a cultural dance or a secret handshake, elevating nostalgic moments fosters a sense of togetherness.
- Sibling Shout-Out During the Ceremony:
Have your officiant incorporate a brief acknowledgment, celebrating the role your siblings have played in your life to date.
Nothing says “Kansas City love” like centering your family in one of KC’s beautiful surroundings!
Why Choose The English Barn for Your Wedding Near Kansas City, MO?
At The English Barn, we understand the importance of family and offering a venue built to make your day unforgettable. Here are 10 reasons to host your wedding at this stunning venue near Kansas City, MO.
- A Breathtaking Scenic Setting
Located in beautiful Missouri countryside, The English Barn offers a rustic yet modern aesthetic perfect for weddings.
- Spacious Indoor and Outdoor Facility Options
Enjoy flexible spaces, whether you’re planning an indoor ceremony or outdoor reception beneath the stars.
- Plenty of Room for Your Loved Ones
The barn can accommodate weddings of various sizes, ensuring all the special people in your life can attend.
- Rustic Elegance Meets Modern Comfort
The venue combines the charm of a vintage barn with modern amenities to make everyone—including siblings!—feel at ease.
- Unforgettable Photo Opportunities
Capture magical moments in their beautiful gardens, open fields, and charming barn space.
- Experienced Team
The English Barn’s staff brings years of expertise to make your wedding day stress-free.
- Getting-Ready Suites for the Whole Party
Spacious, comfortable suites for the groom, bride, and even siblings to prepare for the day.
- Family-Oriented Atmosphere
The venue is designed to feel warm and welcoming, perfect for celebrating familial bonds.
- Convenient Location
Just a short drive from Kansas City, your venue will be easy for friends and family to access.
- Customizable Packages
Tailor your wedding experience with The English Barn’s wedding packages, built to fit your unique vision.
Your wedding day is about more than just saying “I do.” It’s about celebrating love, friendships, and family bonds that have shaped your life. By finding creative, heartfelt ways to involve your siblings, you make your day even more special—for everyone.
And remember, the venue you choose is the foundation for all these meaningful moments. If you’re in Kansas City or Missouri, The English Barn may just be your perfect backdrop for an unforgettable wedding.
And if you’re still searching for the perfect venue to host your next Kansas City wedding, consider The English Barn. With its stunning charm and outstanding service, your guests will leave with smiles as big as yours.
Secure your date today—don’t delay! Contact The English Barn to schedule a tour and discover why so many brides and grooms highly recommend our venue. With a beautiful setting and this checklist in hand, you’re well on your way to planning the Kansas City wedding of your dreams. Cheers to your happily-ever-after!
Interested in seeing our beautiful wedding spaces for yourself? Visit our gallery for wedding inspiration. Ready to move forward? Contact us to schedule a tour—we’d be delighted to show you around. Stay connected and inspired by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. We look forward to meeting you!
