Family is an important part of a couple’s life, which is the reason why so many include their family members in celebrating special milestones in their relationship, starting with the engagement. According to a recent survey, 26 percent of couples invite family and friends to witness the proposal, and once they’re engaged, they assign 14 percent of all wedding planning tasks to their parents. Family members also get traditional roles in the wedding ceremony, with fathers usually walking their daughters down the aisle, while children get tasked with being a ring bearer or a flower girl for the big day. Although family members can be incorporated in a traditional way, there are other ways that you can include your loved ones in your wedding. Here are some meaningful and lovely ways to incorporate your family in your eco-friendly nuptials.
Assign age-appropriate tasks to the little ones
If you have young siblings, cousins, or children of your own, include young family members in your wedding by giving them age-appropriate tasks so they’ll feel that they’re truly a part of the whole process. Young children can stamp envelopes or pick flowers for the flower girl’s basket, while older kids can make guests’ place cards out of post-consumer recycled paper, or serve as ushers during the wedding ceremony. You can also take them to a plant nursery and have them help you pick tiny potted succulents or miniature plants which can be used for decoration or wedding favors.
Have family members perform at your wedding
If you and your partner have talented relatives, by all means, incorporate them in the wedding by letting them perform at the ceremony and reception. For instance, your aunt who is proficient at the piano can play the wedding march or a special song as you walk down the aisle, while your partner’s cousin can sing a joyful song such as The Beatles’ “All You Need Is Love” or Stevie Wonder’s “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” during the recessional. Meanwhile, a relative who has great taste in current music can serve as the DJ at your reception. Ask them at least two months in advance if they’re willing to perform so they’ll have enough time to practice before the big day.
Include a ritual that merge your families
If you and your spouse-to-be have children from previous relationships, you can create a ritual that will symbolize the merging of your families. It can be something like giving them matching necklaces to wear, or presenting them with your own version of a family medallion. You may also have a sand ceremony, during which you and your partner and both of your parents will pour a bit of colored sand in a big bottle. The sand then gets mixed together to represent the new family formed on the wedding. A water ceremony can also be done if you can’t find colored sand. Simply place a bit of water in a fairly large shot glass, tint it with a little food coloring, and pour the water in a clear bottle. For a pretty effect, consider light red water for the bride’s family, and have light blue water for the groom’s family so that when you mix it all together, you’ll get a lovely bottle of purple-tinted water.
Including your family members in your wedding can make your special day more meaningful. Consider these tips to incorporate your loved ones into your eco-friendly wedding, and celebrate the spirit of love.
