My future husband and I are planning a small ceremony in May. We plan to use his 2 kids (son 22 & daughter 24) as witnesses. I am unsure how to integrate my 2 boys, ages 9 & 13, and his grown kids into the ceremony. We plan to have just the six of us present in an outdoor (? nighttime) setting. A casual celebration reception will be later in the summer to include both families and friends.
There are so many loving ways to include the children. Something I highly recommend to my couples. Here are some of the things I have done in my ceremonies:
-You can walk down the aisle with your children.
-They are old enough to share a simple reading.
-You can have all four children stand by your side as the minister gives the final blessing which can include a passage for your new combined family.
-You can present the children with gifts, tokens of your continued love and committment. The family medalion is popular. However, flowers with attached personalized notes are popular with my couples.
-In addition to lighting the unity candle, you can both light a candle symbolizing your love and committment to all your children. Have your officiant make mention of this.
-You can form a circle of light, each family member holding a candle symbolizing the growth of your family.
-You can have the younger children sprinkle rose petals upon you at the end of the ceremony symbolic of their good wishes.
-You can ask the minister to form a family joining of hands and hearts, with lovely words to go along....
-You can have a musical interlude. Play a song dedicated to your children.
There are so many wonderful ways....
Make it blessed---something you and your children will never forget.
Roles for our 4 kids aged 9-24
