9 Ways to Include Your Children in Your Wedding
Want to include your son(s) and/or daughter(s) in your big day? Here are a few little things you can do.
Yes, your wedding is all about you and your S.O. , but you don’t want to forget about your little one. Remember, you’re not just getting married on your big day, you’re becoming a family. From asking them to walk the aisle as your flower girl or ring bearer to letting them give a toast at your reception, there are plenty of ways to get your kid(s) involved in your wedding. Bonus: if you want to make them feel even more welcome, read this.
Here are a few ways to include your children in your wedding.
Offer them a role
In the market for a flower girl, ring bearer, junior bridesmaid or groomsman? Enlist the help of your little one. No, they won’t be joining you for your wild bachelorette or bachelor party, but they will be an adorable addition to your wedding party. Don’t forget to have them rehearse a few extra times before the wedding so they know exactly what to do when the big day rolls around.
Have them participate in the processional
Your processional includes the most important people in your wedding, so letting your kid(s) be a part of it is essential. If they’re too young to take on a role like flower girl or ring bearer, have one of the older wedding party members carry them down the aisle.
Enlist them as your wedding planning helper
No, their services won’t be nearly as valuable as your wedding planner’s, but hiring them as your wedding helper will get them feeling involved (which is a must). Ask them to help put stamps on your wedding invitation envelopes, hit up to fittings with you or help choose your flowers.
Let them get ready with you
Getting ready for your wedding is like the party before the party. You and your bridesmaids (or groomsmen) will gather together to get primped and prepped for the day ahead. While you may not want your child around for the whole time - they’ll probably get a bit antsy - ask them to join you when you’re almost finished getting dolled up.
Do a first look
Your little one will probably be stunned to see their mom (or dad) dressed to the nines, so capture that first look! It’ll be a precious addition to your wedding album.
Give them a mention in your vows
Yes, your vows are for making promises to one and other, but you’re now a family unit, so don’t forget about the kids. If you’re about to become a stepparent, why not make a promise to always look after and love your new stepchild? It’ll make them feel extra special and included.
Give them a seat at your table
Opting for something bigger than a sweetheart table? Don’t forget to save a seat for your son or daughter (there’s a good chance they won’t love being seated with strangers). Note: If you think they’d prefer a seat with other youngins, go ahead and place them at the designated kids’ table.
Save them a dance
You’ll want to spend most of the evening spinning around the dance floor with your partner, but you should definitely save a dance for your little one. Add their favourite song to your wedding playlist and bust a move with them. This is the perfect time to sample embarrassing moves like “the sprinkler”.
Let them give a toast
Ok, so maybe they’re a touch too young to hold up a glass of champagne, but give your little one(s) the opportunity to deliver a small speech about you and your new wife or husband when your reception kicks off. Even if they don’t say much, nothing is cuter than a kid holding a microphone (as proven time and time again by Ellen Degeneres). Tip: if you’ve got a shy little guy or gal, don’t push it - the speech may end in tears, and not the happy kind.
