Unique Ways to Recognize Your Parents and Other Special People at the Wedding

Articles on Parenting | Topics: parenting, parent, parents

by Bruce Knapp

Recognizing your parents and other loved ones during your wedding is an important aspect when planning your big day. You must make certain that you include your family from the very beginning. Nothing is more emotional than watching a teary-eyed dad give away his little girl during the ceremony. However, there are other ways that you can incorporate your loved ones in your wedding.

First, if you want to include your parents as a part of your wedding, start by including both sets of parent's names on the wedding invitation. It doesn't matter how old the couple is because this practice is still acceptable. It is both traditional and shows your respect for the parents. If your parents are footing the bill for your wedding, this is also a way of telling them thank you. Your parents will appreciate your kind thoughts and everyone will know that they are an important part of your new life.

Also, when planning your wedding, it is traditional for the father to give his daughter away during the ceremony. However, both the mother and the father can do this. This is a nice way to recognize your mother, too. Let her walk you down the isle. When it is time for the reception, make sure you honor your father by giving him the first dance. Make sure the groom's parents are a part of this tradition. Remember, they are saying goodbye to their baby, too. If your father is no longer living, allow your stepfather, grandfather, close family friend or uncle to do the honors. It is also perfectly acceptable to allow your mother to give the bride away alone, too.

If you have a large family and want to show your appreciation, consider having family members serve as part of the wedding party or as ushers. This is a nice way to include cousins or aunts and uncles that are very special to you. They will feel honored and you will feel good knowing that you have made them very happy during your wedding. You can also ask small children to help pass out programs and wedding favors. If you are giving the guests' bubbles or birdseed after the wedding, young family members will have fun being a part of your ceremony. You can also find little jobs for young nieces and nephews during the reception. Give them disposable cameras and ask them to take pictures of the guest. You will always enjoy seeing your wedding from their perspective.

Bit of History

A concern with parenting...must direct attention beyond behavior. This is because parenting is not simply a set of behaviors, but participation in an interpersonal, diffuse, affective relationship. Parenting is an eminently psychological role in a way that many other roles and activities are not.

—Nancy Chodorow (20th century)

Do not forget about your grandparents during this very special day. If you are having a unity candle lighting before your ceremony, instead of asking the ushers to light the candle, have grandparents from both sides light the candles. This shows you care about your grandparents and signifies a true union of both families.

Another sweet way to remember your family is to use something that has been used for generations or has been handed down to you during your ceremony. Perhaps you can wear your great aunt's string of pearls or your grandmother's wedding cake topper. How about using your mother-in-law's sterling cake cutter for the cake cutting ceremony. There are so many ways to honor your family during this special time.

Pictures and videos are another great way to show your love and appreciation for your beloved family and friends. Make unique reception table centerpieces by framing photos from your family member's weddings. You can have them all made into black and white and place alongside a candle for a beautiful effect. How about making a slideshow of family photos to show during the reception. Include photos of weddings, honeymoons and just family snapshots. Now, it is easier than ever to purchase a program for your home computer that can help you make these slideshows easy. Add your favorite music and you have a sure-fire way to not only entertain your guests, but also add some memories.

You should always remember that your wedding day is for the new couple. However, your family is there to support you and if you have a good relationship with your family, you will want it to shine. Let them be a part of your ceremony and you can be certain that your wedding will be both unique and memorable.

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Please note: All personal opinions expressed in the "Unique Ways to Recognize Your Parents and Other Special People at the Wedding" article belong to the contributing author and are not necessarily shared by FamilyBabyKids.com.

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