It's a beautiful thing when two people come together and decide to walk the journey of life together as man and wife. Sometimes, however, they don't join their beloved on the journey alone, and they bring a child or children along. Blended families have become so commonplace, that it's a good idea to incorporate the children of both spouses in the wedding as not only two people become one, but two families become one too, and new siblings are created. Giving the children a role in the wedding makes them feel wanted and involved, and creates a special bond between every member of the new blended family. There are ways to get the children involved in the ceremony to make it special and memorable.
Vows
It's expected that the bride and groom will make vows to each other in the ceremony, but if one or both of them have children, it could be really special for the couple to make vows to the children as well, promising to love and cherish them and treat them as their own. The children will love hearing that reassurance, and any anxiety over their parent having someone else in their life will be assuaged.
Rings
The bride and groom will exchange rings as a symbol of their commitment to each other. What better way for the couple to show their commitment to their new blended family than to give the children a token of their commitment to them. Buy cute rings and string a necklace through them. After the bride and groom have exchanged rings, the families could present the children with the necklaces to wear around their necks as a constant and beautiful reminder that they are an important ans special part of a new family.
Candle lighting ceremony
Lots of couples are opting to light unity candle at the wedding, where the bride and groom hold separate lit candles, and together hold them to the wick of one larger candle to light it, signifying a new unit. if the couple have children, they could take part by having their own candles and joining the couple in lighting the unity candle. Not only will it hold special meaning to the children, but the guests will love it, and it will look great in pictures.
Bride's little helpers
Everybody knows children love feeling useful and important. Have the kids be the ones to hand out the programmes, or have them hand out the confetti to be tossed at the couple, or they could hand out the wedding favours. Having them feel like an important part of the wedding will make them fee secure about their importance and their role in the new family.
Watch Our Perfect Wedding on Mzansi Magic every Sunday at 19:00. Join the conversation on social media by liking the official Facebook page and following @OPWMzansi on Twitter with the hashtag #OurPerfectWedding.
