Have you considered everyone in your wedding plans? There’s you, your partner, close family, and the bridal party, right? But how do you include your kids if you’re about to become a blended family? And what about those you’d like to include in your wedding day, but the bridal party is jam-packed.

Okay it is your special day. But, making it special for those most important to you will make it totally memorable – for everyone. Take my hand and let me guide you through a whole heap of ways to make your wedding a celebration that will leave a loved-up impression on all your VIPs. 

And we’ll also find ways to feel close to our loved ones who can’t be with us on our wedding day.

But first, we’ll visit the inclusion of the children. Making every fully grown adult feel like they are an important part of the day can be challenging enough – but kids, they are another bridge to cross entirely. If you have a small football field of little tackers to give pride of place to, and you know you can’t make them all flower girls or ring bearers, here are a few ideas to keep the little ones happy (and occupied).

Ask them to be ushers

Okay, before you tell me that 4-year-old Tommy is way too young to take Aunt Peggy by the arm and escort her to her allocated seat, I fully understand. But this role can be filled easily by an older child, one that likes the responsibility of an important task. And Tommy can play assistant to the older kids – until he gets distracted.

Speaking of Tommy. Other important roles younger kids can play include:

• Handing out programs

• Handing out rose petals or confetti (confetti could leave the box early, but hey – if it keeps them occupied)

• Walk you down the aisle

• Carry your train

• Or ask guests to sign the guest book

But just remember, kids have short attention spans so have a backup older child or adult there in case little Tommy gets tired or distracted.

How to include your non-bridesmaids

You might be one of the lucky ones who finds choosing bridesmaids really easy. But if you don’t there’s bound to be a couple of extras, the ones you had in the running but had to eliminate because there was someone you just couldn’t do without. You want all your BFFs around you on your big day but only some can be BMs. 

So, how about you invite your non bridesmaids out to an exclusive girl’s pre-wedding lunch or cocktail night? 

YOU COULD ALSO INCLUDE YOUR GAL PALS BY…

• Having special flowers made up for them to wear or carry

• Have them drive you to your wedding location

• Invite them to the bridal suite

• Include her in the pre-wedding preps (just because she’s not in the wedding party doesn’t mean she can’t be there to help on the day)

FOR EVEN MORE WEDDING TIPS AND INSPIRATIONS LOOK BELOW:

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Loved ones from afar

What about those you wish you had by your side but can’t, because sometimes life just doesn’t permit. Weddings are supposed to be happy celebrations and if you’re missing someone who you’d love to share it with, it can leave your loved up heart feeling a little bit heavy inside.

Gone but not forgotten.

There are many ways you can make your dearly departed a special part of your big day.  

Something old. I’m sorry to hear if you are missing someone close. But you can keep a part of her with you and feel her close to your heart all day by wearing a piece of her jewelry. Or if there is no heirloom like this available you could have your own locket engraved with her name and insert a photo if you wish. 

You could also…

• Hang a ring she wore on a necklace or bracelet 

• Carry a small keepsake under your dress, such as a piece of cloth she wore (maybe even on her wedding day)

• Have a photo of her on the welcome table. You might even have a pic of her on her wedding day to share.

Men are not as inclined to have the things a bride might re-use, so if your dearly departed is male, you could still used the locket idea and most definitely have your photos on display.

I can’t bring those dear back to you, but I hope my suggestions will make you feel closer to your loved ones on your big day.

Okay, so we’ve sorted the sad stuff. The kids will only fight over the important roles until they become distracted and start climbing the arbor. And your non-bridesmaid besties will be happy to help, I know they will because they’ll just want to share the love.

Just remember that you can’t always please everyone so you must make sure you please yourself.

And most of all have a great day!!!

xx Peta