How to involve children on your wedding day

Increasingly by the time people get married there are children already around that may need including in the wedding ceremony. It is important for a lot of people to ensure that this large part of their relationship is reflected in their ceremony. Luckily as a Humanist celebrant I am used to working out a way to make these moments special and memorable. Here are some tips for getting the kids involved in the day.

• Make them part of the ceremony. Children can be flower girls, ring bearers, or even readers. They can also be part of the wedding party, such as junior bridesmaids or groomsmen.

• Give them special roles at the reception. Children can help to serve food, hand out programs, or even DJ the reception. They can also be involved in the cake cutting ceremony or the first dance.

• Create a special space for them at the reception. This could be a kids' table with age-appropriate activities, such as coloring books, games, or snacks. You could also hire a babysitter to watch the children during the reception.

• Personalize your wedding with children's artwork. You could use children's drawings on your invitations, programs, or even on the wedding cake. This is a great way to incorporate the children into your wedding and make it even more special.

• Write them a letter or poem. This is a personal way to express your love for your children and how much they mean to you. You could read the letter or poem during the ceremony or reception.

• Give them a special gift. This could be a piece of jewelry, a gift certificate, or even a new toy. It's a way to show your children how much you love them and how much they mean to you on your special day.

  
  No matter how you choose to involve children on your wedding day, make sure it is something that they will enjoy and remember for years to come.

• Consider their age and interests. What activities do they enjoy? What are their favorite things to do? Make sure the roles you give them are age-appropriate and something they will enjoy.

• Be flexible. Things don't always go according to plan, so be prepared to make some changes if necessary. For example, if a child is feeling shy or tired, you may need to adjust their role or find something else for them to do.

  
  Most important is have fun! This is a special day for everyone, including the children. Make sure they have fun and feel included in the celebration.