Your wedding is such a special day, but it can be difficult for your children from a previous marriage. You’re probably wondering what to do, but don’t worry, here are some great ways you can help your kids enjoy your wedding day almost as much as you do.
1. Start on the right foot
Kids want to feel included and making them a part of the process from the start is a great way to do this. If you are planning to propose, whether they are your kids or your partner’s, speak to them about it. Whether its just bringing up the subject to see how they feel about it, asking their permission, or even including them in the proposal, they will warm up to the idea, and maybe even get excited.
2. Include them in the planning
The worst thing you can do is make the kids feel like they aren’t involved with the process. When you are planning the wedding, simply asking their opinions on invitations, flowers, or the cake goes a long way. It’s also a great way to make a decision if you and your partner are stuck between two options. Kids know their minds; they will have no problem making the decision for you!
3. Make them part of the wedding
The easy solution is to make the kids part of the wedding. Depending on their age, there are a few different ways you can do this. If they are slightly younger, ask them to be the flower girl or page boy. If they are a bit older, asking them to be a bridesmaid or groomsman will almost always go down well. If they are part of the day, they will feel more involved and important!
4. Take them outfit shopping
One of the most exciting parts of the wedding planning is the outfit shopping. Whether it’s shopping for your dream dress and a suave suit, it’s a key part of any wedding. Take the kids with you! It’s an important bonding time during the wedding planning, and if the kids are part of the wedding, this is a perfect time to find their outfits too. Make the moment about them and let them have a say in what they wear.
5. Wedding size matters
You might not have considered this one, but it really does make all the difference. Sometimes it’s better to have a smaller wedding when dealing with these tricky situations. If there are too many people, kids might start to feel lost, and you will be unable to spend as much time with them as you both might like. Particularly if the kids are a bit younger, they will probably need a bit more of your attention.
They will probably feel more comfortable at a small wedding, as they are likely to know most of the guests. Not only is this great for the kids, but if they know most of the guests at your wedding, you will get a bit more time with your partner and other guests as they will be preoccupied by their other family members.
6. Give them some responsibility
This one is more for older children, but if they feel they are responsible for an element of the wedding, they will have something to focus on. Perhaps you ask them to make a speech or put together a playlist for the evening party. Anything that shows them they are important and just as much a part of your special day.
7. Wedding photos
Wedding photos are the part of the day when the guests who are closest to the couple go off and capture the moment. Usually, this is family, bridesmaids, and groomsmen. This is a great time to really involve the kids. Get some photos of them alone, with you and your partner, and maybe even a photo with each of you separately. By simply giving them their moment during this part of your wedding shows how important they are to you and the whole day. They will also have a great way to remember the day and how much fun they had!
Excellent read – simple steps to make sure the day goes well
A little thought and planning goes a long way where children and special occasions are concerned. These are really good suggestions for a wonderful day.