Having kids before marriage has become more common nowadays, with a Pew Research report indicating that one in four parents living with a child in the US today are unmarried. But at some point in their lives, some couples choose to tie the knot as they want to celebrate a different stage in their relationship. Moreover, they also choose to have their children take part in the wedding ceremony to show their friends and relatives that they're all in it together as a family. If you and your partner have kids together, or if one or both of you have children from a previous relationship, it's only natural that you'd want them to be a part of your special day. To make them feel included, here are a few special ways to get your kids involved in your wedding.
Create roles and tasks for your kids
One of the easiest ways to embrace children at your wedding is to create roles for them so that they can feel that they're truly a part of it. But this goes beyond making your daughter a flower girl or your son a ring bearer. Apart from giving them these important roles, you can create tasks for them that are appropriate for their abilities and age. For instance, your teenage child who has excellent taste in music can be tasked with helping out in compiling a playlist for the reception. Meanwhile, your pre-schooler can help by distributing wedding favors to your guests. Letting them have these tasks can make them feel that they're truly part of the celebration.
Give them a specially designed family token
Strengthen the bonds of your blended family by giving the kids a special token that they can wear that signifies their connection to you and their stepsiblings. Think of it as a modern day version of the coat of arms, and it can be anything like a pin, a necklace, or a ring. Make it a part of the wedding ceremony by giving the children their tokens after you say your vows.
Involve them in the cake tasting
Children love cake, so what better way to include them on your special day than by having them help you choose the flavor of your wedding cake? If you happen to like a different flavor, have the baker make one or two layers with the flavor that your child picked, and the other layers can be the one that you picked. As a special touch, request cake toppers that reflect everyone in the family. The bride and groom figures can be on the top, and the figures depicting your children can be placed on the different tiers of the cake.
Allow them to showcase their talents
If your kids love to sing, dance, or play an instrument, why not have them perform at the wedding? A child who's proficient on the piano or violin can play a song during the ceremony, while another who's a skilled dancer can perform a special routine at the reception. If they're feeling shy, perhaps you can choreograph a family dance that you can perform after your first dance as a couple, or perform a song as a family band or a choir.
Letting your kids be a part of your wedding is a sweet way to start your new life as a family. Consider these tips to involve your children in your wedding, and have fun celebrating as one big, happy family.
