Parents can often insert themselves into the wedding planning process unnecessarily, causing you added stress. However, when it comes to your actual celebration, you may be wondering how to include your parents and in-laws into your wedding day. From asking mom to make her beloved cookies for the cookie table or asking dad to share his musical talents during the ceremony, there are lots of ways to incorporate parents into the wedding without giving away too much control. Here are a few of our favorites!
Get ready together.
As you spend your wedding morning getting ready with your besties, invite your mom and mother-in-law or dad and father-in-law to join. Remember that while this may be your day, this moment for them is just as special and they would love to be a part of it!
Utilize their talents.
Perhaps your father-in-law can play the guitar; have him play a song during the ceremony. Or maybe your mom is a hairstylist; imagine how special it’d be for her to do your wedding hair.
Serve up a family recipe.
If there is a family dish that carries meaning, ask your caterer if they are able to make it a part of your wedding menu. Serving the dish during your rehearsal dinner is another alternative. Also, let’s not forget the beloved cookie table! This display is an automatic honor for all the family recipes it’s hosting.
Create a modern dance.
Instead of doing a traditional father/daughter and mother/son dance, put a spin on it and do a combined parents dance. This arrangement can be however you’d like it to be. But the thought behind it is that it gives the other parents a special moment that they don’t usually get!
Display photos from their wedding.
This is such a simple yet sweet way to honor the love between your parents and the love you have for them.
Ask them to perform a reading or blessing.
If you admire your mom or dad for their eloquent speaking, asking them to perform a reading at your ceremony or share a blessing at your reception is a great option. They will be able to add a personal touch, which makes it all the more better!
Walk as a family.
While tradition typically has dad escorting his daughter down the aisle, there are no rules these days! Mom and dad (or any other family member for that matter) can most certainly walk you down the aisle and give their blessing together.
Incorporate cultural traditions.
If you come from a different background than your spouse, ask your in-laws about ways to include their culture into the day. This could be something as simple as a playlist of songs that have meaning to their family or something larger such as including major cultural aspects.
Wear a family keepsake.
The phrase “something old” comes to mind here! Wearing dad’s favorite pair of cufflinks or mom’s wedding veil will no doubt make them feel appreciated and honored.
