How to Use Wedding Vows Including Children

Sometimes a wedding is not only the joining of a man and woman, but a blending of families. Many brides and grooms choose to include their children while taking their wedding vows to show that they promise to love not only the parent but the child as well.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Decide at what point in the wedding ceremony that you would like to say the vows to the children. You can place them before,during, or after the vows between the bride and groom.

2. Once you decide on the time, you will need to decide if you want the children to stand at the alter with you, or only come up during the vows. If the children are older, they will more than likely be able to stand at the alter the entire time. If the children are younger, you might want to have a family member bring them up at the appropriate time.

3. Make your vows. There are no traditional vows that include children, so you will probably need to write them yourself. There are some websites that can help you (see resources below). It is important that you promise to love, protect, and respect children and let them know that you are not replacing a parent, but that they are lucky enough to have several people in their lives who love them and will be there for them no matter what. Try to keep them simple, sweet, and age appropriate. A younger child will not understand a verbose vow. Work together with your fiance to make vows that their child will understand and appreciate.

Tips & Warnings

• When the rings are exchanged, you might want to give the children a gift during this time like a ring, necklace or arm band.
• Consider doing a family unity candle.

Resources

• Vow ideas
• more vow ideas