Whether you and your partner have children together or from separate relationships, your children mean the world to you. Naturally, when planning something as meaningful as a wedding, you want to include them in the process. It’s a great way to build a stronger connection as you prepare for a new phase in your life. It’s also an effective way to make your kids feel like they’re part of the festivities. If this sounds like something you’d like to try, here are some fun ideas to consider. 

Photo by Arno Senoner on Unsplash

Your Big Helpers

If there’s one thing that children love doing, it’s being a big helper to mom and dad. Believe it or not, there are several things on your wedding planning checklist that your kids can assist with. They can help you shop for wedding fashions, floral arrangements, or centerpieces. You can get their opinion on reception menu options or cake tastings. Plan on making your own wedding decorations, bouquets, or favors? Kids love getting their hands dirty with arts and crafts. Need help picking out a song for your first dance? Your hip teens won’t have a problem giving you a hand. Kids are so tech-savvy these days, they could even help you design and manage your wedding website. 

Photo by Hannah Rodrigo on Unsplash

Give Them A Role

If you want to go beyond including your kids in the wedding planning process, you can always give them roles in your bridal party. While younger children are best as flower girls and ring bearers, older children can be junior bridesmaids, groomsmen, and ushers. Help them feel like part of the occasion by allowing them to go for fittings and attend rehearsals. 

Photo by Bernard Tuck on Unsplash

Selecting Wedding Fashions

While you may have a general idea of color and style for your bridal party, give your kids a bit more freedom with fashion selections. Allow your teenaged son and daughter to select their own dresses and suits for the wedding that compliments their personal style. For smaller children, allowing them to choose between two or three options is ideal for cutting down on confusion. 

Photo by KYLE CUT MEDIA on Unsplash

Entertainment

If you have talented children, your wedding is the perfect occasion to show them off. As wedding ceremonies and receptions need lots of entertainment, your kids could take center stage. Whether they sing a song, play an instrument, recite a poem, or choreograph a dance, they’ll be delighted to do something for their parents’ big day. Be sure to ask them in advance and don’t pressure them if they’re a bit shy. Allow them time to practice alone and in front of a small crowd so that they’re prepared to wow your guests. 

Kid-Friendly Activities

If you are inviting other children to your wedding, chances are you want to keep them occupied throughout the event. This is where your kids can come in handy. They can come up with activities that the children can try. Whether they have a separate dance section where kids can learn the latest dance moves, a photo booth with props, arts and crafts table, or an ice cream sundae food station, they’ll have a blast. Simply ask your kids to be “in charge” of coming up with the ideas and showing them to their friends and family on the wedding day. 

Write Their Vows

Husbands and wives aren’t the only ones that can write and say vows to one another. Your children are also celebrating a new family milestone. Why not make it a family affair by including kids in your wedding vows? Parents can include children in their vows. Older children, however, may want to write their own. Allow them to express how they feel. Some parents even exchange gifts like promise rings, necklaces, or watches with children as a token of their love. 

Photo by Justin Clark on Unsplash

Whether you have a blended family or had children before walking down the aisle, your kids would love to be a part of your wedding. Help them feel appreciated, loved, and included by giving them tasks or roles like those listed above that appeal to their interests.