Make your Children a Part of the Wedding Contributed by Nily Glaser
Congratulations! You are getting married! Have you decided how, where and when to let your children participate? It is essential to let children know that they are a most important part of the new family created by your union.
Following are a few ideas you may wish to consider.
1. Let your children (if they are old enough) be involved in the preparations as well as the wedding ceremony and reception.
2. Consult with your children about simple things such as colors they like for your wedding, a favorite flower they may wish you to consider, what color dress your daughter wants for the occasion? What color tie your son would like to wear etc... Let them know that you appreciate their contributions.
CEREMONY
1. Are you going to have a unity candle? Instead of a "Unity Candle" why not make it a "Family Candle". Make your wedding family oriented. Let the kids walked down the aisle together and light the tapers with or without help from the grandmas.
2. When you go shopping for your rings, why not purchase a ring for each of the children. Right after you have been pronounced husband and wife, invite the kids to join you and put a ring on each child's finger. Some clergy will be glad to bless the kids.
3. Another way to incorporate the kids in the ceremony is to ask the officiant to sign a decorative family license. You may prepare it in advance and have it ready for a signature. You must discuss this with the officiant ahead of time and get an approval.
4. And, why not include your children in your vows?
5. A flower girl and a ring bearer are also wonderful ways to have your children as a part of the ceremony.
6. Have you considered having your children walk you or walk with you down the aisle?
In conclusion, put in as many loving touches as possible. Let the kids know that they belong in this new union.
RECEPTION
Include your kids in the reception. Ask them:
1. To ask each guest to sign the guest book.
2. To make sure each place setting has a wedding favor.
3. To seat the guests.
4. To make sure that the gifts table is well organized.
Also:
1. Make a toast for the children immediately after the toast for the bride and groom.
2. Follow the first dance that is reserved for the bride and groom with a dance reserved for mom and dad and the children.
3. If you have a candle lighting ceremony at your reception, don't forget to invite the kids to light one of the candles.
4. When you thank your bridal party, don't forget to thank the kids for their help and tell them how important they are and how proud they have made you.
