These days, families are becoming more complex. Second marriages, stepparents, blending different traditions…planning a wedding isn’t quite as simple as it once was. Couples who want to incorporate family members into their ceremony in a special way might consider some of these lovely ideas, courtesy of Birkat Elyon. For over three decades, Birkat Elyon has provided elegant, high-quality cubic zirconia wedding rings to couples who want an affordable alternative to super-expensive diamonds. So think about these creative ways to add family to your wedding ceremony.
TAP THEIR TALENTS
If you have family members with a special gift, consider asking them to incorporate it into your wedding (though this doesn’t mean asking for “freebies’). If someone is a great singer, invite them to perform a song. Do you have a musician in your clan? Maybe they could play the guitar. If a family member is an awesome baker, perhaps they’d be interested in making the cake? Again, don’t pressure them – but they’ll be flattered to have been asked.
GIVE THEM SPEAKING ROLES
You might ask someone special to “officiate” at the ceremony. Getting the appropriate license isn’t that difficult (it can even be done online); just don’t leave it until the last minute. Likewise, you can invite parents and grandparents to offer a short blessing – a nice touch when blending divorced families or those of different faiths.
FIND NEW WAYS TO “BLEND”
For couples with younger kids from previous marriages, a “sand ceremony” is a sweet way to symbolize this new blended family. Pour some colored sand into a bottle, then ask each child to pour some into a bowl. You can also honor the mothers in the family by giving each a red and white rose or lighting a “unity” candle to showcase this new chapter in the family story.
MAKE THE ENTRANCE SPECIAL
Members of the bridal party don’t have to be the only ones to walk down the aisle. Couples are including family members in the processional, setting their entrance to fun music with special meaning. This is a great way to give members of big families their own special place of honor.
UTILIZE SYMBOLISM
Loved ones – even those no longer here – can play a role in your big day. Both the bride and groom could wear/carry a sentimental object, like a piece of jewelry. The bridal bouquet can include flowers significant to someone special (Lillies typically represent the departed, but you could choose a bloom that person really loved). Have family members light a remembrance candle, or place flowers on your wedding altar in someone’s memory. You can feature family photos at the “welcome” table, or play a song at the reception that has special significance. You’ll want to note the meaning of these symbols: have the officiant make mention or put it in the program.
There are so many fun, new traditions to consider for including family in your wedding. Another new tradition? Choosing affordable, “sustainable” cubic zirconia over pricey, ethically-sketchy diamonds. Let Birkat Elyon show you their full, dazzling line.