Planning a wedding is a massive job, but when you’ve already got kids in the picture, it becomes about more than just two people!
By including your children, the wedding is now about your whole tribe. It’s a decision that helps create those core memories that’ll be talked about for years to come. It might be a little more complex to pull off, but it will be worthwhile.
Sharing your wedding with the kids strengthens your family bonds and makes certain everyone feels like a part of the magic on your big day. Here’s how to get it right.
Give them a special role
Most kids love a bit of the limelight, so why not give them a proper job?
Traditional roles like flower girl or ring bearer are classics for a reason, but you can always mix it up. Older kids might prefer being a junior bridesmaid or a groomsman. There’s nothing more adorable than seeing their faces smiling next to your best mates.
Letting them look after the wedding bands or escort a grandparent down the aisle makes them feel valued. When they realise they have a specific responsibility, they’ll stand a bit taller and take the whole event more seriously.
Create kid-friendly wedding activities
Let’s be honest, a long ceremony and a three-course meal can be a bit of a snooze-fest for a six-year-old.
To keep the peace and keep them smiling, it’s a great idea to set up some activity stations. Think about something like a craft corner with heaps of textures, or maybe some lawn games like giant Jenga if you’re outdoors.
Having a dedicated and fully supervised play area means the kids stay entertained and happy. The adults can relax and enjoy the speeches without any mid-reception meltdowns.
Involve them in your vows or rituals
The ceremony is the heart of the day! Involving your children in your vows is a beautiful way to show your love and connection.
You might want to include a few simple promises to them or invite them up for a unity ritual. For example, you could try a sand pouring ceremony where everyone adds a different colour to a jar. These can then be taken home as souvenirs to keep forever.
Joint activities like this make the ceremony feel more personal and highlight a commitment that involves every single one of you.
Let them help with the reception
Finally, after the ceremony, the party is where the kids can really shine.
You could have them greeting guests at the door with programmes or maybe helping with some of the décor before the guests arrive. Some couples even bring the kids onto the floor for a special family version of the first dance.
These little moments can create opportunities for the best photos and an unmatched sense of connection. By finding ways to pull them into the celebration, you make the day just as much about their joy as it is about yours.