Junior Rasmussen
There are many ways to include parents in your wedding reception. You could ask your parents to perform a reading or share a blessing at your reception, or even give a speech. If your parents have a talent, such as baking or music, you could ask them to showcase this. For example, if your dad is a musician, you could ask him to play a song during the ceremony. You could also include a memory table with pictures of your parents, grandparents, and other family members, or reserve a memory chair during the ceremony. If you're having a receiving line, you could include your parents in this, too.
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What You'll Learn
Include parents in the wedding planning process
There are many ways to include parents in the wedding planning process. Firstly, you can involve them in the wedding ceremony and reception. A traditional way to do this is by having your father walk you down the aisle. However, you can also include both parents by having them escort you down the aisle together. If you would like a more formal role for your parents, they can join the wedding party processional and walk in with the wedding party, usually first or last, before the couple. You could also include your parents in the recessional, which is a good idea if you want them to exit the ceremony early for pictures. Many couples also choose to include their parents in the receiving line, where the couple and members of their wedding party line up to receive and greet guests. This is a great way to honour your parents and also makes practical sense, especially if your parents have contributed financially to the wedding.
Another way to include your parents in the wedding planning is by asking them to share their talents during the ceremony. For example, if your dad is a talented musician, you could ask him to play a song during the ceremony. Or, if your mom is a hairstylist, you could ask her to do your wedding hair. You could also showcase your parents' talents by asking them to bake a groom's cake or provide edible wedding favours. If your parents are good speakers, you could ask them to perform a reading at your ceremony or share a blessing at your reception.
Involving your parents in the wedding decorations and displays is another way to include them in the planning. You can display pictures of your parents and other family members at the wedding reception. A memory table or a "memory chair" during the ceremony, complete with photos and flowers, is a beautiful way to honour someone's memory and have their presence at your wedding.
Lastly, you can include your parents in the wedding invitations and programs. Traditionally, wedding invitations include the parents' names, such as "Mr. and Mrs. So-and-So request the honour of your presence at the wedding of their daughter Whatsherface to Thisguy". You can also include your parents' names in the wedding programs as the hosts of the wedding or list them as wedding party members.
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Invite them to get ready with you on the wedding morning
The bride typically spends the wedding morning with her bridal party and closest female relatives, including her mother. The groom usually spends the morning with his groomsmen, best man, or other male relatives, such as his father. However, there is no rule saying that the bride and groom must be separated on the morning of their wedding. If you have a close relationship with your future in-laws, you may want to invite them to join you as you get ready for the big day.
If you're the bride, consider inviting your mother-in-law to get ready with you and your bridal party. This can be a great opportunity for bonding and can make her feel included in the wedding festivities. Traditionally, the groom's mother stays with her son on the morning of the wedding, so don't be offended if your future mother-in-law prefers to spend the morning with her child. However, if she expresses interest in joining you, it's a good idea to extend an invitation.
If you're the groom, you can invite your father-in-law to join you and your groomsmen. This can be a great opportunity to spend quality time with your future father-in-law and include him in your special day. You can also invite your own father to participate in any pre-wedding activities and final preparations. Take some time to thank him for his role in your life and present him with a gift if you wish.
When inviting parents to get ready with you, consider the dynamics of your relationships and the space you'll have available. If you have a tense relationship with your future in-laws, spending the morning together may cause unnecessary stress. In this case, it's perfectly fine to spend the morning with your own parents and bridal party or groomsmen.
Remember to include your parents in the scheduling and preparations. If they want to have their hair and makeup done, be sure to talk to your vendors about including them in the schedule. The morning of the wedding is also a great time to give your parents thank-you gifts and spend some quiet moments together.
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Showcase their talents, such as cooking or music skills
There are many ways to showcase your parents' talents at your wedding reception. Here are some ideas:
Cooking skills
If your parents are talented cooks or bakers, consider asking them to prepare some dishes or treats for your wedding. This could be a special family recipe or a dish that has a meaningful history. For example, you could ask your mom to make her beloved cookies for a cookie table or request your dad to bake a groom's cake if he's a talented baker. Alternatively, you could ask your caterer to recreate a family dish as part of your wedding menu or serve it during your rehearsal dinner.
Musical talents
Musical performances by family members can add a unique and sentimental touch to your wedding. If your parents play instruments or have beautiful singing voices, you could ask them to perform during the ceremony or reception. Imagine your dad playing the guitar and singing a special song for your first dance or your mom playing the piano during a meaningful moment. If your parents aren't comfortable performing solo, you could also invite them to join you for a combined parents' dance, giving them a special moment to shine.
Public speaking
Some parents have a way with words and would love the opportunity to speak at your wedding. Whether it's sharing a blessing, saying grace before dinner, or simply expressing their love and pride during a heartfelt speech, giving your parents the microphone can be a wonderful way to honour them. If your parents are nervous about public speaking, you could also ask them to write a letter that someone else can read aloud, or include a surprise note from them in your wedding program.
Remember, it's important to communicate clearly with your parents about their involvement in your wedding. Be open about your plans and give them time to adjust, and always remember that their talents and participation should enhance your special day, not cause added stress.
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Have them walk down the aisle as part of the processional
Including parents in the wedding processional is a great way to involve them in your wedding celebration. The processional is a much-anticipated part of the wedding, as it is the first time guests will see you and your VIPs. There are many ways to incorporate parents into the processional, and you can customise it to make it unique to you.
In a traditional wedding processional, the bride is escorted by her father, who walks her down the aisle to meet her husband-to-be for the first time. However, you can choose to walk with both your parents, or just your mother, or even with your own child. If the mother of the bride is taking part, she is usually escorted by a close male relative, like a son or brother, or her partner if she is divorced.
In some cultures, the wedding processional includes more family members. For instance, in Hindu weddings, the parents play a more significant role in the processional, with the bride's parents even sitting with the couple during the service. Similarly, Jewish weddings include both sets of grandparents walking down the aisle.
If you want to include your parents in your wedding processional, you can discuss the best ceremony entrance order with your officiant. You can also decide on the specific roles you would like your parents to play. For example, your father could walk you down the aisle, and your mother could enter ahead of you or with other family members.
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Ask them to perform a reading or share a blessing
Asking your parents to perform a reading or share a blessing at your wedding reception is a great way to involve them in your special day. This option is perfect for parents who are good public speakers or who are comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings with others. It can also be a wonderful way to honour your family's religion or culture.
If your parents are religious or spiritual, they may want to share a blessing from your faith or a prayer that holds special meaning for them. For example, they could offer a traditional blessing, such as an Old Polish blessing where bread and salt are presented to the couple, along with wishes for abundance and a happy marriage. Alternatively, they could share a prayer or reading from your country of origin, or even a reading from your favourite childhood book.
If your parents prefer a non-religious approach, they can still perform a meaningful reading or share a secular blessing. For instance, they could share words of wisdom about love and marriage, offer well-wishes for a sweet marriage filled with friendship and strength, or deliver a heartfelt message about the importance of family and the role your parents have played in your life.
When asking your parents to perform a reading or share a blessing, it's important to consider their comfort level with public speaking. If they are nervous, you can suggest a shorter reading or blessing, or even ask them to sign your marriage licence instead. You can also involve other family members, such as grandparents or aunts and uncles, to share readings or blessings if your parents prefer a more minor role.
Involving your parents in this way is a beautiful way to honour them and create a memorable moment during your wedding reception. It gives them the opportunity to express their love, pride, and excitement for your future, and it's sure to be a cherished memory for years to come.
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Frequently asked questions
You can introduce your parents in the reception entrance, but it is not necessary if they are already at the reception when you arrive. You can also include them in the receiving line, which is a wedding tradition where the couple and members of their wedding party form a line to receive guests.
Your parents can walk down the aisle as part of the processional, either with the wedding party or separately. You can also have them join you in the recessional. If you are having wedding programs, you can list your parents' names as the hosts of the wedding or include a surprise note to them.
You can showcase your parents' talents by having them perform a reading, share a blessing, or play music during the reception. You can also display pictures of them and other family members, or set up a memory table or chair to honour those who cannot be there.
If your parents have a special talent or skill, you can ask them to use it during the wedding. For example, if your mom is a hairstylist, you can ask her to do your wedding hair, or if your dad is a good baker, you can ask him to bake your wedding cake. You can also include meaningful family recipes or dishes in your wedding menu or ask your parents to help you get ready on the morning of the wedding.
