How to Include Family in Your Wedding: Unique Roles and Special Moments

Photo Credit: Brides.com

Your wedding is a celebration of your love story, which wouldn’t be possible without the amazing support of your family. They cheered you on, offered advice, and even played a role in you and your partner meeting each other. Getting them involved in your big day is a chance to show your love and appreciation for them. Discover fun ways to involve your nearest and dearest throughout your wedding.

1. Walk With People Down the Aisle

Walking down the aisle is one of the highlights of a wedding ceremony. Traditionally, brides walk with their fathers, but you can challenge the custom. Consider walking with both of your parents or other significant family members. For those who may not have living parents or a close relationship with parents, consider someone else who was prominent in your childhood, like a grandparent, aunt, uncle or stepparent. It’s a nice way to acknowledge the support system that has brought you to this point.

2. Incorporate Family Heirlooms

You’ve probably heard the saying, “something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue.” Brides have incorporated these items on their wedding day because it was believed to bring good luck and happy marriages.

Incorporate family heirlooms, like a piece of jewelry from a loved one, to participate in this tradition. You can also use your family’s old china to decorate tables. Let your guests know where the dishes came from to add a sentimental layer to your celebration.

3. Ask Siblings to be Readers

While readings are a typical part of a religious ceremony, they can be added into any kind of event. Instead of traditional scripture readings, ask a sibling, cousin or a beloved aunt to read a piece of personal significance to your relationship or family. It could be an excerpt from a poem, a book you both love or a meaningful verse that resonates with your relationship. This adds a personal touch to your ceremony and creates a special moment with one of your family members.

4. Let Your Grandparents Shower the Aisle

Photo Credit: Ashley Elizabeth Photography

Seeing little girls adorn the aisle with flowers and cuteness is adorable, but not everyone chooses to have children at their wedding. If you don’t have a young cousin, niece or family member to fill the role, consider your grandparents. They are an important part of your life, but

they don’t always have a role in wedding ceremonies. Giving them the opportunity to join the procession shows them how much you love them.

5. Perform a “Family Recipe Unity” Ceremony

Many couples partake in a unity ceremony to represent the union of two individuals. If this is a nonnegotiable for your wedding day, consider a “family recipe” unity ceremony. Choose a few representatives from each side of the family to bring an ingredient representing a cherished family recipe or a wish for your marriage. For example, there’s honey for sweetness and flour for foundation. It’s a unique way to show the merging of both families.

6. Do a Family Dance

Photo Credit: Winmock.com

Does your family love to dance? Surprise your guests with a reception performance — groove to an upbeat song with a special meaning to your family. For a spontaneous presentation, enlist the help of outgoing family members from both sides who aren’t afraid to get the party started.

Make sure to include little ones in the party, whether they be your children, nieces, nephews or cousins. Children who are 2 or 3 years old love to be the center of attention. Carve out a special spotlight just for them on the dance floor. Let them show their moves and steal everyone’s hearts with their irresistible cuteness.

7. Let a Family Member Showcase Their Talent

Have a talented family member perform at your reception. Maybe your cousin is a singer or your uncle can play the violin. Ask if they’d be comfortable sharing their talent on your big day. Choose a ceremony song together or a musical interlude during the cocktail hour.

Make sure to offer any necessary equipment or space they may need for rehearsals. Don’t forget to inform the emcee to introduce them to the guests.

8. Get Older Children to Take Photos

Give a few responsible older kids disposable cameras and let them capture moments on your wedding day. It’ll keep them entertained and engaged in something creative and fulfilling. Plus, they are charming enough to make guests comfortable in front of the camera.

Ask them to capture moments on your shot list, like pre-wedding preparation, the first look, the first dance, and even your guests’ reactions to your first kiss. Who knows, they might snap some of the most hilarious moments your official photographer may otherwise miss.

9. Get Creative With Speeches

Typically, wedding speeches are given by the maid of honor, best man and one or more of the couple’s parents. However, not all weddings have the same lineup of people, and some people may be too shy to give a speech. Your parents and siblings also have a lot on their plate already, so asking another relative to speak will help spread out the responsibilities.

Anyone who knows and loves you can say a few words during the reception. It could be a godparent, a cousin or another close relative.

10. Perform a Group Vow

Instead of having the bride’s father give his blessing to the couple, make it a communal blessing where your nearest and dearest get to show their love during your ceremony. Your officiant may ask family members to surround you and your partner, say the vow line by line and have your loved ones repeat each phrase. Do it after sharing your personal vows and before you’re declared married.

Make Your Family Feel Extra Special

As you take on a new journey together, consider how your family has helped you get into this chapter. Making them feel special on your big day will make your wedding more meaningful. Consider adding these ideas to your wedding plans to give your loved ones a chance to shine.

Author bio: Cora Gold is a wedding writer and editor of Revivalist magazine. She aims to inspire couples to achieve the wedding of their dreams. Connect with Cora on LinkedIn, Pinterest and Twitter.