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Children
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Photo by
Celebrations Photo Studio
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Deciding on whether or not to have children
in your wedding is a difficult one. You may have a niece, nephew, younger sister or
brother that you want to include in your wedding party, however, you need to think twice
before you ask them.
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The thought of a young child dressed in wedding finery makes your
heart melt. However, reality may be that the child will panic and refuse to walk down the
aisle or perhaps throw a tantrum in front of your guests. Children are unpredictable.
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If you can accept whatever happens,
then by all means, have children in your wedding. They will add joy
and charm to your ceremony.
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They may serve as altar boys or girls
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Read a poem or a passage during the ceremony
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Hand out wedding programs
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Greet your guests and seat them
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Hand out flowers to your guests
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Sing a hymn
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Give wedding favors to your guests
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Be in charge of the guest book
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Remember to dress children comfortably. Have
the flower girls’ dress complement your bridesmaids’ dress. Nonskid, comfortable
shoes are important. If the child is uncomfortable, they will let you know!
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Have your
photographer photo the children before they get tired and restless. Candid shots of the
children will look great in your wedding album.
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Have fake wedding rings sewn to the ring bearer’s pillow. Do not sew the real
wedding rings to the pillow or you may just be missing one or both by the time he reaches
the altar!
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Make sure the child knows where his mother and father will be sitting during the
ceremony. This may make them feel a little bit at ease. After the child walks down the
aisle he/she may be more comfortable sitting with his/her parents rather than being with
the bridal party.
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If the child decides not to perform
his/her role, don't push. It may make matters worse!
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The flower girl doesn't have to
carry a basket of flowers. Here are a few alternative items that
she can carry:
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A photograph of a special
relative
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The
Bible
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A small lantern
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Basket of candy
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An arrangement for the altar
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Her favorite toy
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Click to view a variety
of
family medallions.
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If a parent gets remarried after
a divorce or the death of their spouse, they may decide to have a family medallion
ceremony. After the couple exchange wedding rings, their children join them at the altar.
The bride and groom will then place a sterling-silver medal around the neck of each child
and pledge their love to them.
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The Family Medallion symbol includes three
equally merged circles: two circles represent the marriage
union; the third symbolizes the importance of children within
the family.
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When inviting children to the wedding, you
should write the children’s names on the inner envelope. The outer envelope will be
addressed to the parents. If a child’s name does not appear on the invitation,
etiquette states that they are not invited.
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Most people know the rules of etiquette,
however, you may receive a response card indicating that their children will be attending.
If this is the case, you will have to call them and tell them in a tactful, yet firm, way
that their children are not invited. Don’t worry – most people understand that
this is your big day and will honor your wishes.
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