How to Include Kids in the Wedding Ceremony

Children represent purity and novelty - what better way is there to complement your wedding day?

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Musical Instruments
• Birdseeds
• Candles
• Flowers
• Wedding Programs

1. Put younger children (ages 4 to 8) in traditional roles as flower girls (and boys) and ring bearers.
2. Ask the verbally gifted to read a poem, biblical verse or prose piece in the ceremony.
3. Get the artistic tykes involved: ask them to sing, play an instrument, create the program design, or simply turn the pages for a musician.
4. Sign on the older kids (ages 8 to 14) as junior bridesmaids and groomsmen.
5. Have children help out at the reception by passing out favors and serving cake to guests.
6. Enlist the help of kids who want to participate, but not in the limelight, to decorate the getaway car, pass out candles, or toss flower petals or birdseed for your departure.

Tips & Warnings

• When appointing children to ceremonial duties, keep in mind their age and maturity.
• Seat parents of kids who are participating in the ceremony in a convenient spot to wave them in when the time comes.
• Sew fake rings onto the ring bearer's pillow - or hand over the real ones just as he or she heads down the aisle - to avoid catastrophe.
• Keep in mind that kids will be kids: expect the unexpected, and remember - that's part of their charm.