Blended weddings bring together more than just a bride and groom; they symbolize the bringing together of two families. When one or both halves of the couple have children from a previous marriage or relationship, including them in the ceremony can help smooth the transition and make them feel like they’re part of the celebration.
These days, it’s not uncommon for couples to add a special moment in their wedding ceremony or find a way to include their adult children in their wedding party. If you’re planning a blended wedding and want your children or your partner’s children involved, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading for five beautiful ways to celebrate your new family on your big day.
1. Include Them in Your Vows
Of course, you’ll write vows to your spouse that promise support and devotion — why not add a few lines about your new blended family too? Think of a favorite memory, something you love about them, or a wish you have for your future together as a family. No matter their age, your future stepchildren will feel the love when they hear your promises to them at the altar before reading your vows to your future husband or wife.
2. Let Them Write Their Own Vows
Do your children or future stepchildren have a way with words? A gift of gab? If so, consider asking them to write vows to read during your wedding ceremony before you read your own vows. Not only does the gesture imply their importance in your life, but it gives them the opportunity to share their feelings about what your new blended family means to them.
3. Give Them a Role in the Ceremony
If they’re up for it, including your children or future stepchildren in your wedding ceremony is a great way to celebrate your blended family. You can give them a traditional role or create one especially for them. For teenage or adult children, ask them to be a (junior) bridesmaid or groomsman or even walk you down the aisle; for younger kiddos, ring bearer and flower girl are great go-tos.
4. Add Them to Your Guest Book
Looking for a more subtle way to include your children and stepchildren in your wedding? Your guest book is a great place to honor them and give guests the chance to impart any wisdom to the family as a whole. Add family photos and pictures of the kids at different ages to your guest book — it’ll be your first official blended family album!
5. Perform a Ritual of Symbolic Blending
You could also add a unique element to your wedding ceremony by including the children in a ritual that symbolizes the blending of two families. Have each member of the family pick a different color of sand and pour it all into a glass vase or jar; or fill an hourglass that you can turn over every year on your anniversary.
Let’s be honest: you don’t have to be the Brady Bunch to make a blended family work.
At the end of the day, the most important factor is love, and including your children and future stepchildren in your wedding ceremony is a guaranteed way to make them feel special. No matter how you choose to celebrate them, your blended wedding will be unforgettable.
