Need ideas so you can include older kids in your wedding? You’re not alone.
It can be tricky to include older kids in your wedding. You know the ages I’m talking about. The kids who are too old to be a flower girl or ring bearer, yet too young to be in the actual bridal party. Often our relationships with these kids make us want to include them. It might be that they are your kids. Or, you’re just very close to them. Either way, if you want to include them, you need ideas.
The great news is that there are lots of ways to make “older” kids feel included in our weddings. Of course, it all depends on the kid, and the situation. However, if you are intentional about it, there are surely ways that you can involve older kids in your wedding, and feeling very excited about it.
How To Include Older Kids In Your Wedding
The key with including older kids in your wedding is finding ways that are age appropriate, and appealing. You may have to think outside the box a little. To get your creativity going, I’m laying out some tips here in this post. Pick and choose what works for you, the kids in your life, and your wedding.
Here we go!
HAVE THE KIDS DECIDE THE COLORS OR THEME
This tip can be a tricky one to implement, but if done right, can be really easy and fun.
When you pick out your wedding colors or theme, gather input from the older kids around you. Ask them to help you decide. Give them a couple options that you are narrowing down and see what they say. Many kids are into colors and creativity, and you never know what they will get excited about. They may even have unique ideas about how to showcase your theme around the wedding.
INCLUDE OLDER KIDS IN YOUR WEDDING TASTINGS
One of the best things about planning a wedding, in my opinion, is tastings.
Tastings are an excellent way to include older kids in your wedding. It doesn’t really matter if it’s tastings for your main meal, appetizers, or cake. Of course, for most kids, they will prefer cake tasting. But, to each their own. If you’re able to bring a few people, see if the older kids want to come. Chances are, they will. Especially if there is sugar involved.
To learn more about how to prepare for your wedding tastings, check out this post.
INCLUDE OLDER KIDS IN YOUR WEDDING DIY PROJECTS
Kids love crafts. Heck, adults love crafts, too. And crafty wedding DIY projects are a great way to include older kids in your wedding.
All you need to do is figure out what makes the most sense for them to help with. Older kids can be great at painting, cutting, and tracing. Depending on the kid, they may also be handy with a hammer and nails, or screws. Don’t be afraid to delegate and get them involved. They will enjoy the process and feel proud to see their work at your wedding.
INCLUDE OLDER KIDS IN YOUR WEDDING DRESS SHOPPING
If the kids in question are the kind who can sit still during a shopping trip, add some insight, and are into wedding dresses, include them as you shop for yours.
This can be a great way to get older kids excited about the wedding. Plus, if you end up choosing a wedding dress that they voted for, even better. The key here is to bring along another adult, so you don’t leave the kid, or kids, alone while you are in the dressing room. Have fun with it. Give them a sign that indicates if they like a dress or not. And snacks, always snacks.
For more tips about wedding dress shopping, check out this post.
MAKE THE KIDS A JUNIOR BRIDESMAID OR GROOMSMAN
Okay, the junior bridesmaid and junior groomsman. Let’s get some things clear about these roles.
Essentially, these are roles for kids who you are confident can stand still for the duration of your ceremony. They will probably dress similarly to the bridesmaids and groomsmen in your wedding, if you’re having a wedding party. These are roles that do not entail planning any pre-wedding events, and may not even require attendance at most pre-wedding events, either. They are simply for show, but they are still honorable, and can be a very sweet way to include an older kid in your wedding.
HAVE A FIRST LOOK WITH THE OLDER KIDS IN YOUR WEDDING
First looks are all the rage right now. And, not just with your future spouse.
There are bridesmaids first looks, Dad first looks, groomsmen first looks. . . why not have a first look with the older kids in your wedding? It can even go both ways. For example, have the kids debut their look to you. It can be a very sweet moment, if it’s the right situation, with the right kids.
INCLUDE OLDER KIDS IN YOUR WEDDING UNITY CEREMONY
Are you having some sort of unity ceremony? They are very special, if done right.
If you need more information on unity ceremonies, check out this post. For the most part, they are when you and your significant other do some sort of symbolic act during your wedding ceremony. For example, you could light a candle together, or pour sand into a vessel.
To include older kids in your wedding unity ceremony, simply have them help with the act. They could pour a special color of sand. Or, tie off a braid that you and your partner complete together. They can even help paint a picture, if you’re brave enough to do that. Choose what feels right!
MENTION THE KIDS IN YOUR VOWS
If you are especially close to the older kids at your wedding, you may want to mention them in your wedding vows.
It could be that your partner is their father, or becoming their stepmother. And, you love how they care for the kids. Just mention that. If you’re about to become a step-parent, mention how you will love them as your own. Say what makes the most sense for the situation, and feels authentic.
WALK DOWN THE AISLE WITH THE OLDER KIDS
It is so cute to be given away by someone who is younger than you. Seriously.
This is a good way to include an older kid in your wedding, if you are their parent. And it’s an easy enough task. Simply have them walk with you as you go down the aisle. They don’t have to officially “give you away”, or anything fancy. Have them walk, and then stand with you, or sit. It’s that straightforward.
HAVE A FIRST DANCE WITH OLDER KIDS IN YOUR WEDDING
Now, this tip depends on the kid. Not all kids are into dancing. Especially in public.
However, if you have older kids at your wedding, and you want to have a significant moment with them, have a first dance. Just like a mother/son dance, or a first dance with the newlyweds, this is along the same lines. Pick a song that means something, and work the dance into your wedding day schedule.
GIVE OLDER KIDS A RING
If you’re joining a family together, and each partner is getting a wedding ring, why not give a ring to the kids as well?
It doesn’t have to be fancy. It doesn’t even have to be the kind of ring you wear all the time. All the ring has to be is symbolic. It could even be another kind of jewelry or token. All that matters is that the ring, or gift, is to help the older kids feel part of the bond that is being created when you get married.
LET THE KIDS PICK SOME SONGS THAT WILL BE PLAYED AT YOUR WEDDING
This one is so easy, it’s almost a no brainer to implement.
If you are playing music at your wedding, let the kids pick some songs. This can even be done at a wedding that doesn’t have much dancing, as songs can be played in the background, before the ceremony, and during significant dances. Simply ask the kids what they want to hear, or ask their opinion as you choose your music. Easy peasy.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
There are lots of ways to include older kids in your wedding. It’s all about deciding what’s best for the kid in question, and what works with your wedding. Be open minded, and let them into some of the wedding planning. You never know what ideas they have that will end up working well. Don’t forget to give them age-appropriate tasks. Kids can be a big help, in the right setting! Happy wedding planning!
More From Hummingbird Wedding Advice
Coordinating With Parents Of Kids Who Are In Your Wedding
Kids At Your Wedding, No Kids, Or Somewhere In Between?
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