How to Use Wedding Vows Including Children

Include your children at key moments in your special day.

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 children as well.

Instructions

1. Decide at what point in the wedding ceremony you would like to say the vows to the children. Schedule them before, during or after your own vows.

2. Plan for the children to stand at the altar with you or have them come up during the vows. Older children may be more able to stand throughout the ceremony; younger children may need a family member to bring them up at the appropriate time.

3. Write vows that include the children. Keep them simple, sweet and age-appropriate; a younger child will not understand a verbose vow. Seek help from wedding websites and emphasize that you promise to love, protect and respect the children. In your own words, let them know that they are lucky to have several people in their lives who love them and will be there for them no matter what.

Tips & Warnings

• When you and your partner exchange rings, give the children a gift, too. Consider lighting a family unity candle during the ceremony.

References

• The Knot: Remarriage: How to Include Children in Wedding Ceremony?