A marriage is much more than your signatures on a legal contract. You are promising, in front of all the people you love, that you want to be with each other for the rest of your lives.
You are also promising to be a family with your children, whether that's blending children from two families or creating a family with children from one partner or tying the knot for the first time, so finding special ways to include your kids in your wedding will make them feel even more excited about their new family status.
Here’s 12 tips on how to ensure your kids feel part of the celebration:
(1) Name the kids in the early part of the ceremony – as your celebrant, this is my job! Maybe even list them in age order.
(2) Ask your kids how they'd feel most comfortable taking part. It's vital to find an age-appropriate way to include them. What works for a 6 year old may not be appreciated by a 13 year old!
(3) Give your photographer the heads-up you want photos that capture the whole family - united as one!
(4) Put your kids first - literally... by letting them lead your wedding procession.
(5) Give your kids official duties is a great way to get them involved in your big day, whether its ushering guests to their seats, walking the bride down the aisle, or serving as bridesmaid/best man, flower girl, page boy, ring bearer.
(6) Children could also light a unity candle with you (under supervision), read a poem, make a speech, sing a song/play an instrument - depending on where their talents lie.
(7) Children could also light a unity candle with you, read a poem or even perform a song, play an instrument, make a speech - depending on where their talents lie.
(8) Include your kids in the exchange of vows - with bride and groom saying special vows to the kids, pledging to cherish, love and protect their future.
(9) Create a kid-friendly unity ritual by incorporating everyone's favourite sweets instead of the usual sand ceremony.
(10) Make a handprint piece of art to treasure for always and to display at home.
(11) End with a family blessing and a group family hug!
(12) Give the kids their own table at the reception with some age-appropriate activities to keep them entertained and ensure there is kid-friendly food.
But most importantly, relax and enjoy the celebration with your kids. If the logistics for the day don't go exactly to plan, just smile and carry on!