Wedding Roles for Children
Wedding roles for children are varied, but it’s important to select the role that fits the child or children. Traditional role for children are as flower girl and ring bearer, but you’re really only limited by your creativity and the children themselves.
For those selecting the traditional roles, consider your child’s age and temperament. Children younger than four often balk at the last minute. You’ll want to have a parent or caregiver with the child at the back of the aisle in case they need to be whisked away. Another friendly face at the front of the ceremony space can help a shy or overwhelmed child make it down the aisle to the safety of those loving arms. The key word if you’re going to have very young children in your processional is flexibility. Not theirs, but yours. As long as you understand that everything may not live up to your vision of perfectly spread flower petals on the aisle, little ones can be adorable and may even steal the show.
Beyond the traditional roles, older children can offer a simple reading, or hand out ceremony programs, or participate in a family unity ritual. It’s fine for you to make promises/vows to your children in a blended family situation, but I suggest you don’t ask the children to speak unless they really want to. It’s important to be respectful of conflicted feelings the children may have as this new family unit is formed.
Adult children may walk you down the aisle, stand with you as best man or maid of honor, offer a reading or participate in a family unity ritual. Even as adults, they may have complicated feelings about your marriage, so make sure you speak with them ahead of time and let them set the level of involvement that is right for them.
Wedding roles for children should always take their personalities and preferences into account. You want your ceremony to be a happy time where everyone is comfortable and able to celebrate with you.