Blended Families
Families come in all shapes and sizes and finding ways to incorporate them in a unique way into your wedding can be a challenge. Whether yours is a second marriage or simply one where you or your fiancé are bringing a child or children from previous relationship into the marriage, the family you create with your vows is one that should be honored.
The children of your families should be included in your vows to the future. Just be careful that you do not offer to become the other's parent or to be a good "mom" or "dad" to them, especially if they still have another parent who is active in their lives. Simply make the promise to them, that they are now a part of your family, and that you will love, honor and cherish them as well.
It is also a good idea when customizing your vows to have the officiant add at the end of the traditional, "I now present to you Mr. and Mrs..." to tack on the words "and family" at the end. You also may wish to have your officiant end the ceremony with a blessing for the family all together.
Following the ceremony, you may also wish to incorporate a twist on the traditional sand or unity ceremony, by inviting the children to take part as well. Sand is probably the preferred method for those that may be too young to handle fire.
Giving each child a different color, pour each vial of sand into the receptacle at the same time. Once completed, this unique blending of colors can sit in a place of honor in your household to remind you all of the vows you made.
The reception is another place where you can openly declare that you have blended your two families.
As centerpieces on the tables, you might want to have photo trees or frames showing you as a couple interacting with the children. Or a slideshow presentation that shows just how much fun and joy you share not only as a couple but as a family.
Presenting children (again dependent on their ages) with a small gift or favor to symbolize their role in their new family is also a good way to include them. Whether it be a charm bracelet for a girl, that starts off with a charm that symbolizes the wedding and gets added to with every passing occasion, or a specially designed family medallion given to a male child or older children as a special symbol of the new family you have created together.
The commitment you make to each other and to your children as you blend your two families is a lifelong one. Make it a special one and add a special part to your day that celebrates that blending.
©2008 Weddingstar Inc.
