How to Include Children in Your Wedding

Children add whimsy and innocence to wedding celebrations. There are several ways to incorporate a child’s personality and charm into the festivities;

Wedding Artist
Younger children may enjoy being assigned the task of coloring pictures of the wedding. Set up a small table in the reception site with paper, crayons or watercolor paints. Tell the child that she is in charge of paining everything that happens during the reception. After she finishes each portrait, have an adult write a description of what it portrays on the back of the painting. By the end of the evening you’ll have a charming depiction of your wedding day as seen through the eyes of a child.

Favor Host
If the wedding reception will have fewer than 60 guests, ask a child to deliver wedding favors to each guest personally. Handing out ‘presents’ is fun for kids and will make them feel important.

Guest Book Greeter
Welcoming guests as they arrive at the wedding ceremony, the Guest Book Greeter invites everyone to sign the Guest Book. Best for children age 12 and up.

Program Attendant
A good project for outgoing children from age 12 and up, the Program Attendant greets every guest and hands them a Program as they enter the ceremony site.

Performer
If a child has fun performing in front of large groups, they may enjoy singing a special song or reading a poem during the wedding ceremony.

Coin Bearer
A coin bearer carries a pillow with 13 gold and silver coins down the aisle during the wedding ceremony. The wedding coins symbolize prosperity and harmony for the Bridal Couple. For more information visit http://lovelywed.com/blog/2006/12/coin-bearer-explained.html

Ringbearer
A traditional role for young boys, the ringbearer participates in the wedding ceremony and carries a pillow bearing a (faux) wedding ring.

Flower girl
The Flower Girl’s walk down the aisle is one of the most charming parts of the wedding ceremony. If she is old enough, the Flower Girl may scatter rose petals. Younger Flower Girls may be pulled in a wagon or simply walk down the aisle carrying a basket of flowers or wearing a garland of flowers in her hair.

Junior Bridesmaid
Pre-teen and teenage girls enjoy being included in the bridal party as Junior Bridesmaids. With dresses that compliment that of the Bridesmaids, they carry bouquets and participate in the ceremony. To learn more about this role, visit http://www.pashweddings.com/content/articles/104/1/Junior-Bridesmaid-Roles-and-Responsibilities/Page1.html

Junior Groomsmen
Pre-teen and teenage boys may be included in the wedding ceremony as Junior Groomsmen. Dressed to match the Groomsmen, Junior Groomsmen may assist the ushers in seating guests and later stand with the Groomsmen for the ceremony.

Bubble Manager
At the end of the reception, have a child pass out bubbles or confetti to guests prior to the departure of the Bride and Groom.

Children will remember being included in your wedding for years. To make them feel special, consider each child’s personality and how it will best be incorporated into the celebration.