How To Incorporate Your Family Into Your Wedding

Your wedding day is a true celebration of two lives becoming one, but it’s also about two families joining together. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime event that holds sentimental value for not just you and your partner, but also your loved ones. Naturally, your family members will want to be involved in the planning and execution of this special day, and finding ways to incorporate them can make the day even more meaningful. To help inspire you, The Tate House is sharing wedding planning tips to incorporate your family into your wedding and honor their presence on your big day!

How To Incorporate Your Family Into Your Wedding

Brides & Grooms

While one of you may be tackling a majority of the wedding planning, don’t forget to give your fiancé opportunities to have their say. Weddings reflect the personality of the couple, and your partner’s preferences deserve to shine too! Here are some simple and fun ways to involve them in the creative process:

• A signature item: Craft a signature cocktail, choose a playlist for the reception, or have fun dreaming up a late night snack with their favorite flavors.
• Plan a DIY element together: Assemble personalized favors for guests that reflect your shared interests, such as mini bottles of hot sauce if you both love spicy food. The possibilities are endless!
• Guest experience: Collaborate on fun surprises for your guests, like a choreographed first dance, a surprise design element, or even a fireworks display. Planning these together can be a lot of fun and keep the excitement alive during the wedding process.

For more ideas, see our post “Wedding Ideas Your Fiance Will Love Too”

Mother of the Bride & Mother of the Groom

Mothers play a pivotal role in weddings. From lending emotional support to helping with planning, their involvement makes the day extra special. It’s a sentimental time for moms, and adding thoughtful moments to honor them will create lasting memories.

Here are a few ways to include your mom(s):

• Invite them to accompany you dress shopping. Their excitement and support during this cherished experience will mean the world to them.
• Customize the mother-son dance or mother-daughter moment with songs that hold personal significance.
• Instead of tossing your bouquet, consider gifting it to your mom as a heartfelt gesture of love and appreciation. Imagine her surprise and joy as you thank her publicly for all she has done to shape who you are.

Father of the Bride

While walking you down the aisle is a cherished moment for fathers, you can create even more special memories with a “first look” between you and your dad before the ceremony. This intimate moment gives you a chance to share heartfelt words and emotions away from the crowd. Plus, it makes for beautiful, tear-jerking photos!

You could also involve your dad in other unique ways:

• Have him deliver a short welcome speech or toast at the reception.
• Ask him to help with a symbolic wedding tradition, like a unity ceremony or candle lighting.
• Dance to a song that carries a personal connection to your father-daughter bond.

Your Siblings

Siblings often hold a unique and irreplaceable role in your life, so including them during your wedding festivities is essential. While having them in your bridal party is the most traditional approach, there are plenty of other ways to incorporate your family into your wedding:

Here are some ideas:

• Invite them to help you with specific planning tasks, such as cake tasting or designing DIY decor.
• Dedicate your “something borrowed” to a sibling, such as a piece of jewelry or a keepsake that holds sentimental value.
• Assign brothers as ushers to escort guests to their seats or sisters as greeters to welcome guests and hand out ceremony programs.
• Ask siblings to be readers during the ceremony, giving them the opportunity to share a meaningful passage or verse that resonates with your relationship.

If you and your siblings share a love for music, consider involving them in your entertainment. A sibling who plays an instrument or sings could perform during your ceremony or reception, adding a personal and memorable touch.

How are you incorporating your family into your wedding?

Every wedding is unique, and the ways to incorporate your family are endless. From small gestures to meaningful roles, these moments create bonds and memories that last long after the big day. We’d love to hear how you plan to celebrate with your family. Share your ideas and stories in the comments below!

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