Involving the couple’s children in the service

• If the couple already have children, involve them in one of the preparation sessions and discuss any ideas they might have of being involved in the service
• If the couple have young bridesmaids, pageboys or ring-bearers, place a marker on the floor so they know where to stand when they are the front of the church
• If a young child is acting as ring-bearer, it’s best to tie the rings to the cushion
• Older children of the couple can also walk Mum down the aisle, or be involved in reading or writing prayers for the service
• By inviting the couple’s children to stand with their parents during the prayers or blessing, you will be creating a wonderful moment to remember, and emphasising that this wedding marks a new beginning for the whole family

Another idea may be to invite the children to stand during the service (just before the vows) and ask them:

“Do you, the children of x and y, entrust them to each other as they come to be married?”

Works really well. Also invite children of the couple to come with them when I do the prayers. I have also asked them to write their own prayer.