Here’s a secret you might not have considered: your parents have secretly been dreaming about your wedding ever since the day you were born. Including them in your special day will not only honor their dreams but also create cherished memories for everyone involved.
While the traditional choice for many brides is to have their father walk them down the aisle, there are many other meaningful ways to include your parents in your wedding. For example, consider trusting the men’s wedding bands to your mother before the ceremony so you don’t lose it. Many brides find that in their nervousness, they forget simple things that they would remember on another day.
Ways to Include Parents in Wedding
From pre-wedding planning to the final moments of the reception, there are countless opportunities to involve your parents in your wedding.
Wedding Planning Tasks
You have a long list of things to accomplish before your wedding, so stop and think about the skills of each set of parents. Then, utilize them to make the days leading up to your wedding less hectic. For example, if his mother is great at decorating, ask her to decorate your wedding venue, or if your Dad is outstanding at logistics, then assign him the task of making sure everyone arrives at your wedding safely. On the other hand, the bride’s mother may be great at creating seating charts, while the groom’s father may be a marvelous cook.Letting them help you plan your big day shows that you appreciate their input and can also be an excellent way to get to know your partner’s parents better.
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No one knows the bride and groom better than their parents. Therefore, letting them help select the groom and bridal jewelry is a marvelous idea. For example, the groom can take the bride’s mother along while shopping for eternity rings for women. The groom’s mother will know if he is allergic to a particular metal or prefers a modern ring, which can be particularly helpful for grooms as they may not be used to picking out jewelry.
Wedding Ceremony
Your wedding ceremony should reflect the values your parents have instilled in you. Different cultures have unique traditions, and there are many ways to incorporate these elements into your wedding. By doing so, you can show your appreciation for the values they have passed on to you.
While getting dressed for your wedding, the bride’s mother may want to be in the dressing area. This can be a special time for both mother and daughter as she transitions from being the mom’s daughter to someone’s spouse.Likewise, the groom’s father is often in the dressing room where the guys are getting ready. Many men find this a very emotional experience as the day’s importance dramatically impacts them.
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Walking Down the Aisle
Most brides will want their father to walk them down the aisle. If you are blessed with more than one Dad, consider letting them both accompany you during this momentous occasion. If your father has already passed, consider asking a man who is important to you to walk you down the aisle. Then, carry a special memento that represents your father, such as a white rose to represent his passing.
Readings
Some couples ask their parents to give a special reading during their wedding. For example, at a Christian wedding, the bride’s father may read a meaningful passage from the Bible or the groom’s father may read a particular poem.
Wedding Reception
When many couples look back on their wedding day, they fondly recall memories from the reception. This is equally true for the bride and groom’s parents, so ensure you include them in the festivities by asking them to dance and give speeches.
First Dances
Traditionally, the bride and groom share the first dance at their wedding, followed by a father-daughter dance and then a mother-son dance. In some receptions, the wedding party also enjoys a special dance before the dance floor opens to all guests.
Traditionally, the father dances with the bride on the wedding day. It’s your wedding, so you can choose any song you want. “Butterfly Kisses” and “Isn’t She Lovely” are popular choices.Many couples also incorporate this in reverse, with the groom dancing with his mother. Traditional choices include “The Way You Look Tonight” and “Wind Beneath My Wings.”
Speeches
Wedding reception speeches are different from those given at the rehearsal dinner. At the dinner, the groom’s mother usually thanks everyone for attending. The couple’s grandparents may also want to give a congratulatory speech. During the wedding reception, the bride’s parents usually give a speech thanking everyone for attending, while the couple gives their own speeches during the reception along with the best man.
Remember, it’s your wedding, so you can invite whomever you wish to give speeches. Just be sure to give them ample time to prepare. The speeches don’t have to be long, but they should reflect the joyous occasion and add to the celebration.
Personalize Your Choices
Consider the ideas in this article as general guidance, then personalize them to reflect your unique personalities as a couple. Take a deep breath and relax, knowing that when the wedding and reception are over, you will be married to your best friend. You should enjoy the moment and cherish the time spent with the people who have supported and prepared you for this special day.
