They say never work with children or animals BUT having children (and yes even animals) at your wedding ceremony can be lots of fun! There are many ways to include children, both young and older, in your ceremony. Here are just 5 ways you can do it.
1. Ring bearers – this traditional role us one that younger children really enjoy. The excitement and responsibility of giving the rings can be a real highlight, enjoyed by the child, the couple, and the ceremony guests in equal measure. One or more children can be responsible for bearing the rings, and you can even include the family pet in this part of your ceremony! One couple I recently worked with had a gorgeous team of goddaughter and the pet golden doodle to bear their rings! Melting hearts and lots of photos all round!
2. Blending families in a unity ritual – Uniting yours and your partner’s children from a previous relationship in a unity ceremony is a fantastic way to mark the blending of your two families. There are many unity rituals that you could choose from, such as lighting unity candles, mixing sand of different colours, or blending wine (for older children!). You can even adapt the traditional handfasting ritual to include your children – using different coloured cords for each child.
3. Leading the ring warming – before you exchange your rings, and as part of the opening of your ceremony, your wedding guests can each hold the rings in their hands and make a wish, or silently say a blessing for your wedding. A lovely way to start the ring warming ritual is to ask one of your youngest guests to do so! Just as with bearing the rings, this is a moment that younger children in particular find exciting and special.4.
4. Reciting a poem or song – Not all children like to be the centre of attention or feel comfortable standing up in front of people to speak, but for those who do like the limelight, asking them to recite a poem or perform a song is a great way to include them in your ceremony. Children, younger or older, can perform this role in your ceremony making for a really memorable moment.
5. Creating a time capsule – This can be done as part of your ceremony or even at the end of the day after the children have collected mementoes and keepsakes. When the time comes open the capsule (be that at your vow renewal ceremony, on an anniversary or whenever you like!) you will have a fantastic treasure trove to look back on and re-discover.
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Extracts from this blog were first published by Suffolk Wedding Shed – the wedding experts who are Inspiring free spirited engaged couples across the East of England