Parentology

How to Include Your Children in Your Wedding Day to Make Them Feel Special and Loved

Including Children in Wedding

Involving your children in your wedding is an integral part of your love story and the new family you are creating.

While you and your partner are the focus of your most important day, you should take this opportunity to honor your little ones and revel in your accomplishments as a unit. To that end, here are a few ideas that will help you plan a wonderful wedding celebration.

Creating unique roles for your children in your wedding can make them feel like VIPs and help avoid drama or hurt feelings.

As more spouses marry after they have had kids or enter second marriages, many arrive at the altar with children. And I think that is absolutely wonderful – especially when stepchildren enter the picture! After all, parenthood is all about unconditional love and not DNA – much like weddings. Of course, having children participate in the wedding just adds to the celebration and significance of the day and the overall union.

The purpose of your wedding, indeed, is to commit to a lifelong partnership with your partner. But it’s also about spending quality time with your loved ones, which naturally involves the kids. Simply put, you’re not just marrying; you’re forming a brand-new family!

If you are already thinking about a couple of ways to include them, I am happy to say that I have a few heartwarming suggestions to make them feel super involved. In essence, involving children in weddings is not quite challenging as it may seem. For instance, they can be part of your bridal party and photographs! However, here are a few more options to make your loved ones feel extra special and cherished on your big day:

Giving kids input during the planning of your wedding makes a big difference.

One idea to get your kids excited about your special day is to make them feel like they have a hand in planning it. Involving children in weddings is important from the beginning itself.

There are many enjoyable moments in the preparation where children’s input would be invaluable. For instance, if your youngster enjoys shopping, taking them to look at bride and groom attire may be a fun afternoon activity. Or, you may have them over for cake tasting. Who doesn’t have a soft spot in their heart for some delicious cake? 

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Children of more mature ages can also contribute to the wedding website’s creation by choosing which family images to feature or adding their own touches to the design. They may also help with the grunt work by licking stamps and sealing envelopes.

All efforts should be made to make your children feel included. DIY crafts are another fun way to show your young guests how much you appreciate them being a part of your wedding.

Lastly, let them be a part of the fun stuff! Involve your child in the whole planning process by asking for their input on the color scheme, menu, and flowers.

Think of creative ways to include children in your wedding ceremony.

When we attend weddings, our focus is on the ceremony, right? This is the moment when the bride and groom officially tie the knot – always so meaningful and emotional! To add extra significance to the occasion, include your youngsters.

Many tasks may be assigned to children to help them feel more like a part of the family and understand the value of their participation.

The traditional roles of flower girl and ring bearer are charming and easy ways to involve them in a more formal wedding. If they are of legal age in your state, they can also sign the marriage license as witnesses.

Young people can perform a variety of literary and musical acts. How about them singing your favorite song? Maybe reciting your favorite religious passage or poem? And how about the idea of them holding wedding bands?

Also, if you choose, they can walk down the aisle with you or your partner. Children will be proud of playing this unique role if you decide to break the tradition of the bride’s father to do so.

When it comes to creative ways of involving children in weddings, creating a unity ritual is another fantastic idea. Collect everyone’s favorite sweets in separate mason jars, then have them all add their contents into one large “Family” jar. Let them know that everyone has a special taste to share and that family is the best ingredient. You can also create a stunning and meaningful piece of art to hang in your house. Have each member splash a different paint color during the ceremonial act, and trust me; you will all cherish the painting as a meaningful keepsake for decades to come.

How about involving your children in the wedding reception?

Involving children in weddings often means inviting them to the reception, where everyone can kick back and enjoy themselves.

A perfect way for kids to engage in the festivities is to make a toast or give a speech at the reception. It’s a wonderful moment for everyone involved, and it can be prepared for in advance.

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Children who aren’t old enough to deliver a full speech may instead recite a poem or utter a few words into the microphone. You may also deliver a speech and make it a “thank you” for them – they will feel like stars!

Everyone knows that the reception’s highlight is a couple of the hour’s first dance together. What about sharing your first dance with your kids, though? This is a wonderful opportunity to honor your children with a meaningful part of your reception party. It’s okay to play music of their choosing, too. It might also be fun for them to have a slow dance with your significant other or a fast dance with the whole family!

Danielle Martin

Danielle is a freelance writer who has has her work published at more than a dozen major media outlets over the past decade. She has two kids, two cats, and an unhealthy addiction to succulent gardening.

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