Blending a family has its trials and tribulations, but when it comes to the wedding it can be a beautiful moment for everyone involved. Whether you’ve been divorced, widowed or have children from a previous relationship, there are a lot of various ways that the mixing of two families can happen. And when it does, it’s important to include the kiddos from both sides.
We’ve found several charming ways and ones that make it enjoyable for all parties. Have the children get involved but also use this celebration as an opportunity to make each of them feel special on the big day.
Four Ways To Involve Kids Into A Blended Family Wedding
1. Lead The Procession
Allow the kiddos to lead the ceremony processional. This will be a nontraditional way to begin the celebration and signify the importance of each and every one of them. Include a VIP seating area for them as well and let them to carry a “Here Comes Mommy” sign as well! Create a portion of the event where they feel important.
2. Include Them In The Vows & The Ring Exchange
It’s an absolute must to mention the children in your vows. But also, ask the children to be a part of the ring exchange. Give the kids new pieces as well. Rings for the girls and watches or medallions for the boys, they become a part of the vows and promises as well.
3. Family Sand Ceremony
Have a glass jar filled with sand that represents each of the children as well as the bride and groom. Give them each their moment pouring their own sand into the bigger bottle signifying the blending of the entire family as one.
4. Dance With Them
Instead of a first dance as a couple, create a first dance as a family. Not only will the photos be come to be the most memorable of the night but the kids will love feeling as though they are center stage with you.
Vow Examples For Blended Family Wedding
- “I,____, take you, ____, to be my lawful wife/husband, to have and to hold from this day forward. For better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health…for all eternity.”
- I, _______, take you now, in the presence of God and these witnesses, to be my wife/husband. I promise to love you, to hold you and to honor you, in good times and in bad, to enjoy you, to communicate with you always, and to console you when you need consoling. I will give thanks for you each and every day, and cherish you with all of my heart until our time together on earth has ended.”
- “________, I promise to be a good and faithful husband/wife to you, and also a patient, loving father/mother to (children’s names), caring for them and providing for them as my own. I promise to be their strength and their emotional support, loving them with all my heart forever.”
- The children—now part of a loving blended family—can then repeat “We do” after these words:
- “And now, (children’s names), do you promise to love and respect your parent’s new husband/wife? Do you promise to support their marriage and new family? Do you promise to accept the responsibility of being their children, and to encourage them and support them in your new life together?”
Other Small Ways To Pay Homage To The Kids
- Add them into your Save-the-Date or Engagement photo sessions.
- Serve their favorite dessert at the reception. Whether it’s Grandma’s chocolate chip cookies or mini milkshakes.
- For our less shy of the little ones – or older children – let them give a toast to good ol’ Mom and Dad!
- Create a “family” cake topper that includes not only the bride and the groom but the kiddos too!
