Deciding to invite children to your wedding is a very personal decision that should be determined by you and your partner. If you plan to have children at your wedding and are looking for ways to make their experience extra special, you can consider incorporating them by giving them a special role. [Photo by Havana Photography]
Flower Girl
Most people are familiar with the flower girl role. This is typically for girls between the ages of 2 and 8 years old. Of course you can go younger or older though, if you’d like! If you are working with a child under the age of 5, we would definitely recommend appointing an adult to help them find their seat when they get to the front of the aisle. Flower girls can walk down solo, with another flower girl or with the ring bearer. They can toss petals from a basket or they can just hold a flower ball!
Ring Bearer
Ring Bearers serve a similar role to the flower girls. The ring bearer can carry a pillow with a fake ring on it or even a sign that says here comes the bride. With a young ring bearer, just like a flower girl, appoint an adult to meet them at the end of their walk- maybe even with a special treat! We wouldn’t recommend having a ring bearer or flower girl stand with the wedding party during the ceremony.
Junior Bridesmaids
Too old to be a flower girl but too young to be a bridesmaid!? These little ladies might be best suited as a junior bridesmaid- typically between 8 and 16 yrs of age. You should incorporate them into as many of the activities as you can to make them feel special, but of course, keeping in mind their age, only give them tasks that will be fun for them!
Junior Groomsmen
Also known as a Junior Usher, these little guys serve a similar role to the Junior Bridesmaids.
Additional Roles
If you have a little one you’d like to incorporate into your wedding but maybe not in as prominent of a role as those listed above, here are a few more to consider:
· Bringing up Communion Gifts in church (recommend ages 5+)
· Handing out ceremony programs (ages 3+)
· Bringing up sand for a sand ceremony (ages 3+)
· Doing a very short reading (ages 7+)
· Saying the blessing at the reception (ages 7+)
· Being there for the first look
· Joining first during the first dance
· Performing a short song or dance themselves
· Walking the family dog down the aisle
Overall, try to remember that kids' moods can be unpredictable. Be ready to roll with whatever they are willing to do when the time comes!