If you and your partner already have kids together, or if either of you is bringing kids from previous relationships into the marriage, it’s a no-brainer that you’ll want them included in this special day. After all, a wedding is really about the joining of two families into one. How you include your kids will depend on their personalities, comfort, and age, but here are a few ideas on how you can include them in this special moment!
Create DIY Crafts
Are you planning on doing any DIY for your wedding? This is the perfect chance to cross a few things off your wedding checklist and have a fun activity with the kids. Crafts and kids go hand-in-hand! They can help with simple things like stuffing guest gift bags, stuffing and stamping envelopes, and maybe even creating a special welcome card.
Bring Them to Tastings
What kid doesn’t love cake and free food? You’ll win major parent points by bringing your kid along on your tasting trips. This is a good chance to show that you value their opinions, plus they’ll love telling guests they helped pick out the wedding cake. Also, if you do plan on having other children at your wedding, this is a good way to test whether the food will suit them or not since kids tend to have simpler pallets.
Give Them a Special Gift
You’ll be so busy on your wedding day, it’s a good idea to carve out a little time on the morning of the wedding and make your kids feel special by giving them a little gift. Maybe it’s a piece of jewelry they can cherish for years, or maybe it’s a cool, non-distracting toy that can keep them entertained throughout the day.
Take Pictures with Just Them
One thing parents often ask our wedding photographers for is a few shots dedicated to just them and their kids. Maybe you want a few solo shots of the kids, or maybe you want to take the chance for a new family portrait. Focusing on the children and snapping a few shots of them is a great way to make them feel special and included, especially since these wedding photos will probably be displayed for years to come.
Share a First Look
First looks aren’t just for the groom these days. Many brides now do first looks for their bridal party, their father, and yes, even their kids! There is nothing more heartwarming than seeing a child’s face light up when they see how radiant and beautiful their mother looks in her wedding dress.
Have Dedicated Kids Dances and Games
Are you planning on doing any special dances or games at your wedding reception? Include a few for the kids! Maybe do a dedicated daddy-daughter or mommy-son dance. Or even just play their favorite song and jam with them on the dance floor. If you plan on wedding games like the shoe game or lawn games, you can also add some that kids can participate in as well.
Include Them in the Wedding Party
It’s not uncommon for kids to be included in the wedding party as flower girls or ring-bearers. If you want to make your kids feel a little more special, or if they’ve outgrown those roles, you can always include them as junior groomsmen or bridesmaids. This is especially great for kids that are 10 and older.
Mention Them in Your Vows and Speeches
When you’re bringing kids into a marriage, it’s important to recognize it’s not just two people uniting, but two families merging. Including special vows such as “I promise to always cherish your child as my own” is a great way for new stepparents to commit to their children as well as their partner. If you want to keep the vows just between you and your SO, you can always give the kiddos a special shoutout in a wedding speech to let them know how much they mean to you as well.
Are you looking for a wedding photographer or videographer to capture your special day? Contact AGI Studio today! Our team of award-winning photographers would love to shoot your wedding day, including your little ones!
