INVOLVING CHILDREN

About one-quarter of marriages and civil unions are second or third timers, and often involve the blending of families. The weddings of Jenna and Sam (both featured) are great examples.

Giving children a role for the ceremony, depending on their age, can be both fun (because it’s a bit unpredictable) but also engaging and captivating. It’s also a way to make them feel part of the team and not as if they are outsiders.

Some options for children on the day include roles as junior bridesmaids, ower girls, or page boys who hold the rings or present a horseshoe. They could throw confetti, sprinkle rose petals, blow bubbles, and be included in your rst dance.

Before the day itself, they could write letters to include in a time capsule, write place cards, or decorate mason jars for ower on the tables. Giving the children a thoughtful gift on the morning of your ceremony is a way to pause and spend a moment with them in the middle of chaos. Even your cake topper could be made to re ect all the people being joined together in your family.