How can I incorporate my step-child into the ceremony?

Taking the Child's Age and Gender into account, there are many ways for you to include this lucky person into your wedding. Here's a few suggestions;

1. Ring Bearer,

2. Flower Girl/Page Boy,

3. Walk the Bride down the isle or walk with the groom (If father),

4. Be a bridesmaid or Groomsman,

5. Read a special poem or reading he/she wrote including giving thanks to either step-parent,

Actually, you can include your step-child into any part of the ceremony you feel comfortable with. Bear in mind the child's Mother and what she may have told the young one what she wants as this could cause a rift in the relationship with the Mother and the Child. I have seen this on a few occassions because of the bitterness that may still exist with the father. No cause for alarm, just be cautious and aware. 

Including your stepchild in your wedding is a wonderful way to start a blended family and there are many ways of doing so.

You could keep it nice and simple by including them as a flower girl, ring bearer, best man, reading a poem etc or you could make it really special by saying vows to each other.  

In a similar way to your marriage vows but to your stepchild.  for example  

vowing to respect his/her relationship with his/her parents, yet be aware of the important place in his/her life and treat him/her with interest, care,concern,fairness and respect.

It a beautiful way of validating the child and his/her fears.  Very endearing indeed.

There are many way depending on the age of the children and how involved you wish them to be in the ceremony, There are unique ceremonies within your main ceremony which we call Unity ceremonies and they could participate in the a way suited to their ages.  happy to discuss this further

When I was married a number of years ago the children lit a candle and said something about what they would bring to the family and spoke about their commitment to this new family. 

It was a lovely way to bond us as a family.

Hi there, it will depend totally on the age of the step-child. They can be a page boy, flower girl, ring bearer. If they are over 18 years of age they can be a witness. They can do a reading. Talk it over with your partner and Celebrant and they might have some other ideas for you.

Hope this is of some help.

There are many ways a step child can be incorporated into a ceremony. A sand ceremony is popular where different coulred sand is poured into a vessel which represents each member of the united family.

Carrying the rings is also another way to join in and is quite common.

Being a page boy or girl is also popular but if participants are too young, they can cause a distraction to the ceremony

Lots of great ideas in the previous post. 

One thing I've seen done is presenting your step-child with a gift, maybe a watch, necklace or another keepsake. This was done at my brother-in-law's wedding and it was a really beautiful moment. 

Including your step-child in your wedding ceremony is such a lovely thing to do. It really depends on the age of the child as to how to incorporate them:)

A lovely way (for any age) is to read out vows to them, promising them that you will continue being in their life, being a part of their life, making them personal, just as you would write vows to your spouse to be. I've performed some weddings where vows are made to step-children, and they can be real tear-jerkers (in a good way).

If the child is older, you could ask them to do a reading. You can also ask them to pick the reading. A similiar idea is, if they sing, get them to perform their favourite song.

They could also be flowergirls or pageboys.

Good luck!

Hello, 

What a great question, one that is dear to my heart. My own ceremony spoke about my husband, step daughter (who was 12yo) and I, and it was so meaningful and special to highlight during our ceremony.  

There are so many creative and fun ways to incorporate children after

all, and a marriage ceremony is an opportunity to affirm family structures and relationships. I would encourage you to  choose the most appropriate one which respectfully reflects your family, relationship and age of your child. 

If you would like to discuss the details of your proposed ceremony and talk through ideas for children at different ages. I would be happy to do so. 

Best, 

Kaylene. 

Yes as you would with your own child & it shows that you are embracing all the family

Hello,

Depending on your stepchild's age, you may like to ask he or she to do a Reading, or write something they want to say, I could certainly help with this if you wish, and depending on how close you are, they can be part of the service by giving you away to the groom, bride or partner.  It is not necessary to use just Dad or Mum or brother etc.  Sand mixing symbolised the joining of two families and also candle burning.  These are just some ideas.

I would love to hear from you.

Kind regards,  Hazel:)

Hazel Toomey

authorised Marriage Celebrant