If you're getting married and you're a parent, you're probably wondering how to make the wedding day feel just as special for your child. After all, they're a central part of the family, and you want them to have special memories. Giving them a meaningful job to perform on the day is a lovely way to help them to feel included, but of course their involvement depends heavily on their age, attention span and confidence levels.
That's why we've rounded up 23 great ideas for you to choose from, for both the lead up to and on the wedding day, with options to cover kids of all ages and abilities. Of course many of these can be used to include any children in your wedding - not just your own. So without further ado, here are our favourite ways to include your children in your wedding!
1. Have them do a reading or prayer during the ceremony
Ceremony readings are a great way to include children in your wedding, but if they're not old enough yet or are nervous speaking in front of a crowd, you can also choose a ceremony reading that is inspired by them. If your child is willing to take on the task though, there are plenty of adorable children's readings out there and pairing them up to read it with a grandparent or other family member they feel comfortable with is a great way to put them at ease!
2. Have them perform during the ceremony
If your child absolutely loves to sing, or plays a musical instrument, get involved in your wedding by preforming. Picking out what song or piece they are going to do and practicing for their big performance is also a great way for them to get excited in the lead up to the big day. There won't be a dry eye in the audience!
3. Walk up or down the aisle with them
Including your child in your wedding can be as easy as walking hand in hand up or down the aisle together, dancing optional! Sharing this very special moment with your child will not only be a special memory and but will make for great pictures to look back on when they're older.
4. Have them stand beside you during your vows
What better way to get your child involved in your special day than by having them front and centre when saying your vows. Sharing this incredibly sentimental moment is very simple, as all they have to do is stand beside you and your partner and look adorable! You can also get someone from your wedding party to hold your baby or toddler so they can be there with you during your vows. Mentioning your children in your vows is also a sweet way to ensure they feel included in the promises you are making to each other.
5. Ask them to give a speech
The task of giving a speech can unnerve even the most confident of adults, so this is certainly the opportunity for your teenagers or confident older kids to shine! Including your children in this way is quite the responsibility, but can lead to some incredibly endearing results. Appointing an older family member to help your child in writing their speech can make this a really fun and simple project in the lead up to your wedding.
6. Include them in a ritual
Including your children in a ritual or custom is an engaging and oftentimes fun way of getting them involved on your wedding day. You could have them pass around the rings for a ring warming ritual, or write a letter for the time capsule ritual. Check out our ideas below or we also have a comprehensive guide to wedding rituals and traditions.
7. Do a sand or salt pouring ritual
This ritual involves taking two vessels of different coloured sand or salt and pouring them into one vessel to signify the union. To get your children involved, choose sand or salt that's sentimental to you as a family - for example, the salt you use to cook family meals with, or sand from a beach you like to take walks on. A little bit of food colouring and you're good to go!
Your children can also decorate the vessels beforehand and stand beside you while you both pour the salt or sand into the final vessel. Check out our full guide on how to include a sand pouring ritual in your own wedding.
8. Do a hand-fasting ritual
This ancient Celtic tradition involves you and your partner standing face to face as a celebrant or family member binds your hands together with ribbon or cord as a symbol of your commitment. Giving your child or children the task of tying your hands together is a great way to get them involved in your wedding. Just make sure to practice with them a few times beforehand. Alternatively, the colour or design of the ribbon or cord you use can be significant to your family, or you can use an individual colour to represent each of you. Check out our full guide on how to include a hand-fasting ritual here.
9. Throw Confetti or Blow Bubbles
Throwing confetti or blowing bubbles is fun for guests of any age but it's an especially engaging activity for children. There are lots of confetti DIY ideas (we have a whole post on sustainble confetti alternatives) that they will love getting stuck into. Ask your little ones to hand out bags of confetti or pots of bubbles to get them involved, and it will make for great pictures in your wedding album. Just make sure to check your ceremony venue's rules regarding confetti!
10. Do a first look photo
The first look photo isn't limited to just your partner - parents, grandparents and your children can all be involved in this special moment. If your child is old enough they can have their very own first look with mam or dad dressed up in their finery, with either them waiting to be surprised or you - just make sure the photographer is on standby, as these will be pictures you’ll treasure forever!
11. Include them in a special dance
Save a dance for your kids or even have them join you at the end of your first dance. Alternatively you can have a second dance with just you, your partner and your children, which would be a lovely moment to share as a family.
12. Have them lend a hand to DIY projects
Children absolutely love to craft and with all the DIY projects that can go into weddings, this is the ideal opportunity for them to get really hands on and in include your children in your wedding in the lead up to the celebrations. Get your little helpers to write place cards, cover mason jars in gold paint, make miles of bunting, make confetti or give them a special DIY project you know they’ll enjoy.
13. Give them a special role within the bridal party
Giving your children a special role within the bridal party is a sure fire way to make sure they feel included, whether they're junior bridesmaids, junior groomsmen or your adorable flower girls and page boys. You could also invite them to some pre-wedding events, like an afternoon tea or a trip to get your nails done for the big day.
14. Make them feel part of a team
Handing out a team badge or pin is a sweet idea to make everyone in the family feel part of a special group and is an especially lovely idea if you're bringing together a blended family.
15. Give them a special gift
Giving your child a thoughtful gift on the morning of your wedding is a great chance to pause and take a moment to spend with your child in the midst of all the chaos!
16. Include their names on the invites
Kick start the wedding as a family affair by adding your children’s names to the wedding invite, for example X & X (your children’s names) invite you to celebrate the marriage of their parents X and X (your names).
17. Place family photos around the venue
Dotting a few photos around your venue space as a little nod to your relationship milestones is such a lovely décor idea and you can include some adorable pictures of the kids too.
18. Have a fun family cake topper
Have a cake topper made in honour of your little family, we love personalised caricature cake toppers that reflect each member of your gang.
19. Let them cut the cake
This will be one for the photo album. Extra bonus marks if you let them lick some of the icing off or give them the first slice.
20. Introduce the new Mr & Mrs as a family
When it comes to your reception entrance, make it a family affair and have them all walk in with you. You could even get the kids to help pick a fun entrance song!
21. Have them make a card you’ll cherish forever
This would be a lovely keepsake for you in years to come if your little one makes you a special card.
22. Include them in the toasts
Make sure to give them a special mention during the speeches so they feel really special!
23. Include something they love
Whether that's socks featuring a character they love, fun table names chosen by them, a novelty cake topper or even a special cake just for them.
Looking for tips on how to keep the little ones entertained on the big day? Check out more great ideas and be sure to follow us on Instagram!
