Fun Ways to Recognize Family and Loved Ones in Your Wedding Ceremony

Your wedding is your special day. It is also a special day for your relatives and loved ones. Recognizing your parents and other loved ones during your wedding ceremony is an important aspect when planning your wedding day. You must make certain that you include your family from the very beginning. Every dad dreams of the day when he is given the opportunity to give away his little girl. Every mother thinks about the day when her child will wed in that special ceremony. Moms and dads are almost always a special part of a wedding, but did you know that you can also include other relatives and loved ones? Here are some creative ideas to recognize your loved ones during your special day.

First, consider including both sets of parent’s names on the wedding invitation. Many older couples or those who are paying for their own wedding shy away from this practice. Many formal and traditional weddings only include the names of the bride’s parents. However, both the bride and the groom’s parents are important. It doesn’t matter how old the couple is because this practice is still acceptable. This is a perfect and thoughtful way to recognize and show your respect for the parents. If your parents are footing the bill for your wedding, this is also a way of telling them thank you. Your parents will appreciate your kind thoughts and everyone will know that they are an important part of your new life.

Also, when planning your wedding, it is traditional for the father to give his daughter away during the ceremony. However, both the mother and the father can do this. This is a nice way to recognize your mother, too. Many women say her mother is her best friend, so let her shine in your wedding, too. Let her walk you down the isle. When it is time for the reception, make sure you honor your father by giving him the first dance. Make sure the groom’s parents are a part of this tradition. Remember, they are saying goodbye to their baby, too. If your father is no longer living, allow your stepfather, brother, grandfather, close family friend or uncle to do the honors. It is also perfectly acceptable to allow your mother to give the bride away alone, too.

If you have a large family and want to show your appreciation for several members of your family do not hesitate to ask other family members serve as part of the wedding party or as ushers. Even the youngest cousin can help pass out programs and seat guests. This is a nice way to include cousins or aunts and uncles that are very special to you. They will feel honored and you will feel good knowing that you have made them very happy during your wedding. You can also ask small children to help pass out programs and wedding favors. If you are giving the guests bubbles or birdseed after the wedding, young family members will have fun being a part of your ceremony. They will delight in having a responsibility and their parents will be happy they are occupied. You can also find little jobs for young nieces and nephews during the reception. Give them disposable cameras and ask them to take pictures of the guest. You will always enjoy seeing your wedding from their perspective.

Grandparents are also very special. Do not forget about your grandparents during this very special day. If you are having a unity candle lighting before your ceremony, instead of asking the ushers to light the candle, have grandparents from both sides light the candles. This shows you care about your grandparents and signifies a true union of both families. It is very touching and your grandparents will love being a unique part of the ceremony.

Another sweet way to remember your family is to use something that has been used for generations or has been handed down to you during your ceremony. Perhaps you can wear your great aunt’s string of pearls or use your grandmother’s wedding cake topper. How about using your mother-in-law’s sterling cake cutter for the cake cutting ceremony. There are so many ways to honor your family during this special time. Not only does it mean something to that family member, you are saving money, as well.

Pictures and videos are another great way to show your love and appreciation for your beloved family and friends. Make unique reception table centerpieces by framing photos from your family member’s weddings. You can have them all made into black and white and place alongside a candle for a beautiful effect. How about making a slideshow of family photos to show during the reception. Include photos of old weddings, honeymoons and just family snapshots. Now, it is easier than ever to purchase a program for your home computer that can help you make these slideshows easy. Add your favorite music and you have a sure-fire way to not only entertain your guests, but also add some memories. You can even think about making copies and handing them out as party favors.

You should always remember that your wedding day is for you and your spouse-to-be. The day is to celebrate your union. However, your family is there to support you and if you have a good relationship with your family, you will want to include them. Let them be a part of your ceremony and you can be certain that your wedding will be both unique and memorable.