Getting married after having children together offers a special and unique opportunity to celebrate not only your love as a couple but also the bond you share as a family. For many couples, including their children in the wedding ceremony is a meaningful way to honor their journey together, and helps the children to feel valued, excited, and connected.

Whether your children are toddlers or teens, there are countless thoughtful ways to involve them in your big day. Here are some creative and heartfelt ways to include your kids in the big day.

Give Your Children a Special Role in the Ceremony

From toddlers to teens, children love being included in events that feel important, and their parent's wedding is by far one of the most important of them all. The key is to find roles that match their age, personality, and confidence level. Traditional roles like flower girl or ring bearer are always charming for younger kids and offer a way for them to walk down the aisle with confidence and joy. Dressing your daughter in a beautifully elegant luxury flower girl dress can help her feel extra special and photo-ready, adding a sweet and stylish touch to your ceremony.

Older kids might enjoy being junior bridesmaids, groomsmen, ceremony greeters, or even co-officiating a small portion of the ceremony if they’re comfortable. You could also ask them to be ushers, ceremony greeters, or helpers with programs and seating. If your child is especially outgoing, they could even act as a co-emcee or help guide the ceremony with a script or reading. The Knot provides great tips on how to assign roles based on age and how to make those duties memorable.

Include Symbolic Family Unity Rituals

Weddings are the perfect opportunity to create shared memories, and family rituals offer a visual and emotional way to bring everyone together. These can be especially moving and memorable when you include your children. One popular option is a sand ceremony, which is where each family member pours a different colored sand into a single jar, beautifully representing the blending of your lives.

Other great options include lighting a unity candle together or planting a tree as a symbol of growth and shared roots. These rituals not only mark your commitment as a couple but also show your children that they are a central part of the bond you’re celebrating. Brides shares ideas and guidance for incorporating meaningful family rituals into your wedding in a way that feels authentic.

Let Your Kids Add a Personal Touch

Children have a unique ability to bring personality and warmth to any event. Encouraging your children to contribute something personal can help make your wedding even more touching. Let them share a short reading, sing a favorite song, or help design a sign or decoration. Even something simple, like walking down the aisle with a message board that says “Here Comes Mom” can add joy and humor to the ceremony. Even having your kids help pick out songs for the reception or create artwork for your program can turn them into enthusiastic contributors.

Disclosure: This is a collaborative post.