Want to include children in your ceremony? Read how Jenna and Lewis went about it.

Hi I'm Jean, I am a celebrant and help couples with their wedding ceremony - the way they want it. This blog is all about ways to include children in your wedding ceremony and how Jenna and Lewis ensured their adorable son Harris played a key role.

Jenna and Lewis knew from the outset that they wanted their adorable little boy Harris to play a role in the ceremony. They just weren't sure how to do this. That's where I came in as I had a head full of ideas. We worked together to be mindful of his needs and his young age and agreed ways to make Harris a special part of the wedding ceremony. On the day Harris played a key role and despite his young age, being just two, he took each of his roles seriously and tackled each role with gusto.

Harris pouring his yellow sand. photo credit alansnellingphotography

Sand Unity Ceremony. - Jenna, Lewis and Harris performed a unity sand ceremony with a container of different coloured sand representing Jenna, Lewis and Harris's life to this moment. As they blended the sand so they blended their life's experience, love, and commitment for each other. Harris poured his yellow sand which was symbolic of the sunshine, energy and fun he brings to the family. He then helped his mum and dad pour their sand and boy did he enjoy it.

Once poured those sands can never again be poured into separate containers. Like the sands their lives are joined forever and can never be separated. The heart shaped keepsake vase they blended together will serve as a reminder of their special day.

Harris dropping petals to create the Circle of protection .Photo credit Alan Snelling photography

Caim - Jenna and Lewis asked that we create a sacred circle for the handfasting, vows and ring exchange. Harris and the flower girl Harper walked round the couple creating the circle while the guests infused the circle with love by joining me in a blessing for the happy couple by repeating the blessing words after me. Lewis did a sterling job and together with Harper they created a perfect circle.

photo credit Alan Snelling photography

Harris ring bearer. photo credit Alan Snelling photography

Ring Bearer. Harris, like all the other roles he played on the day, took his role as ring bearer seriously and behaved impeccably on cue. He was a little star and fitted into the ceremony seamlessly providing a deeper context to every role and brought big beaming smiles from the guests.

Other ways to involve children include:

• walking down the aisle announcing the arrival of the bride with a sign or a banner. look at how Harris rocked it.

  

  Here comes mummy. Image by Alan Snelling photography

• Ring security officer. Give them a 'mission' Have them carry the wedding rings in a little briefcase, often wearing sunglasses, a badge and a hat.

• Handfasting. Have a handfasting tie representing a child or have the child come forward with a handfasting tie.

• candle unity. Have a child holding a taper candle to light the pillar unity candle

• reading a short verse or blessing

• unity ceremony painting a canvas together

• Unity ceremony creating a cocktail for Bride and groom unity shot to seal the deal

• Have them as maid of honour or best man and if pre school age have them stand by your side.

• make a family vow. Use the opportunity to take a family vow

• rose presentation. The couple present a single rose to the child as gesture of love and gratitude.

  
  

  

  Mr and Mrs Dodds. Photography by Alan Snelling photography

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