Children are so excited about any upcoming event, and a wedding to a small child is just about the biggest deal there is! Especially when it involves one or both of their parents. It feels like their day, too, which is just beautiful.
Of coure we all know you could have them in your wedding party and photos, but here are some other simple ways to honour your little people on your wedding day and make them feel included.
1. Let them get ready with you
If you have a boy, send him off with the groom for their day of golf and chilling out with the blokes. He will love the man time, and feeling like he’s one of the boys. And I bet a bit highlight of his day will be having his tie tied and his buotonniere fastened by the groom; whether he’s dad or stepdad-to-be, this is an important bonding moment.
For the little girls, getting in the thick of the pampering is a dream come true, and something she will remember for life! Have her hair done by your professional hair stylist, give her a champagne glass with OJ in it, let her have her nails painted. And even if she only gets some clear lip gloss, let her sit in the makeup artist’s chair and be fussed over! Often the makeup artist will happily do this free of charge.
2. Let them make a speech or presentation
Have a trusted family member or friend work with them to “surprise” you with a speech, a poem, a song, or an artistic creation to present to you at your wedding ceremony or reception. They will be so proud!
Do your kiddies have musical talent? Why not have them perform a song a la Lennon and Maisy on Nashville.
3. Give them their own dance
At the wedding reception, dedicate a special dance to have with your children! They can swap between mum and dad, and make sure it’s a beautiful meaningful song (that’s not too long.) Here are a couple of suggestions:
Songbird – Eva Cassidy
Michael Buble – Everything
Pharrell Williams – Happy
The Beatles – I Will
Elton John – Tiny Dancer
Bob Marley – Three Little Birds
Sheryl Crow – Sweet Child o’ Mine
Shrek Movie – I’m a Believer
Ray Charles – Ain’t That Love
The Temptations – My Girl
James Taylor – You Can Close Your Eyes
James Taylor – How Sweet It Is
Michael Buble – Daddy’s Little Girl
Nancy Sinatra – It’s For My Dad
Lennon & Maisy – That’s What’s Up (or the original by Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros)
And my favourite, which I sing to my son… Ben Taylor – Nothing I Can Do. The son of legends, James Taylor and Carly Simon, Ben Taylor wrote this song for his mum! Aw!
4. Represent them in your cake topper!
Find a cute figurine, or have an icing cake topper made to their likeness. You can have them on top with the bride and groom, or on a lower cake tier.
5. Let them ride in your car
There may only be this short window of time throughout the day for you to take a moment to rejoice and reflect privately as a family. Both prior to the ceremony, and on the way to your reception are two great opportunities to have a little heart to heart. Plus they will love the fancy wheels!
Photos by Lindy Photography
Flowers by Willow Bud
