make parents part of the wedding ceremony
It's interesting:"I think you'll all agree that it's been a wonderful wedding so far. ... But I never received a formal invitation to the wedding, so I just hope I haven't eaten a meal ..."
A wedding is a joyous occasion, but it can be bittersweet for the parents who are sending a child off to the next chapter. To soften the blow and thank parents for making them the people they have become, the bride and groom can incorporate the parents in the wedding ceremony. Speak with the officiant about modifying the wedding ceremony to include these very special people.
Instructions
1
Have both the mother and the father of the bride escort her down the aisle. Traditionally, the father escorts his daughter, but many brides choose to share this moment with both parents. The mother should process to the right of the bride and the father to the left.
2
Modify the processional to have the groom's parents escort him down the aisle as well. Traditional Jewish wedding ceremonies have the groom and his parents participate in the processional. In many Christian and secular ceremonies, the groom and groomsmen enter the sanctuary before the bridesmaids process. Either way, the groom and his parents can enter down the aisle to mark the start of the ceremony. The mother should process to the right of the groom and the father to the right. Alternatively, the groom can escort his mother to her seat with the father following behind.
3
Incorporate a unity candle ceremony. This tradition has each set of parents light a candle to give to their child. The bride and groom then use their family candles to light one single candle, a symbol of their lives coming together and the union of their families.
4
Include a unity sand ceremony. This modification of the unity candle ceremony is often performed at beach weddings, but can be done anywhere. Each family gives their child a vile of sand, which they pour simultaneously into one large unity vase. The symbolism mirrors that of the unity candle ceremony, and the bride and groom have a keepsake to remember this meaningful part of the ceremony.
5
Have the officiant read a special prayer honoring the bride's and groom's parents during the introduction or opening collect.
6
Ask the parents to read from the Scripture, a poem or special message during the ceremony. Scripture readings for weddings can be personalized, and some ministers may allow the addition of another type of reading. These are wonderful ways for the parents to borrow from literature or express their own messages as their children unite in marriage.
Tips &- Warnings
If stepparents are involved, consult everyone on their roles during the ceremony to avoid hurt feelings. The bride or groom may want the spotlight on just their biological parents, or they may want to incorporate stepparents into the ceremony. Either way, be sure everyone is comfortable with their roles.
Tags: bride groom, groom parents, wedding ceremony, candle ceremony, down aisleSource: www.ehow.com
