Including LOVE ONES on your wedding day!

Including family in the wedding day is important to many couples for several reasons:

1. Symbol of Unity: Weddings are often seen as not just the union of two individuals but also the merging of families. Including family members in the wedding day activities symbolizes this unity and reinforces the importance of familial bonds.
2. Tradition and Culture: Many cultures and traditions place significant emphasis on family involvement in weddings. Honoring these customs by including family members in ceremonies, rituals, or special roles holds deep cultural and traditional significance for couples and their families.
3. Emotional Support: Weddings can be emotionally charged events, and having family members present provides much-needed support and encouragement for the couple. Sharing this milestone moment with loved ones strengthens emotional connections and creates lasting memories.
4. Legacy and Heritage: For some couples, involving family in the wedding day is a way to honor their heritage and preserve family traditions. Incorporating cultural customs, rituals, or heirlooms passed down through generations adds depth and meaning to the celebration.
5. Celebrating Relationships: Including family members in the wedding day festivities is a way to celebrate the relationships and bonds that have shaped the couple’s lives. Whether it’s parents, siblings, or extended family, honoring their presence and involvement acknowledges the role they’ve played in the couple’s journey.
6. Creating Shared Memories: Weddings are milestone events that create cherished memories for both the couple and their families. Involving family members in various aspects of the wedding day allows everyone to share in the joy and create lasting memories together.

Overall, including family in the wedding day is a deeply personal choice that reflects the couple’s values, traditions, and relationships. It adds richness and depth to the celebration, creating a meaningful and memorable experience for everyone involved.

How to include family:

1. Invite Virtually: Extend invitations to friends and family members who may not be able to attend in person. Set up virtual invitation platforms or send out personalized digital invitations with details on how to join the celebration remotely. This allows distant loved ones to participate in your joyous occasion regardless of their location.
2. Live Stream Your Ceremony: Set up a live stream of your wedding ceremony to allow virtual guests to witness your vows in real time. Choose a reliable streaming platform and share the link with those who are unable to attend in person. This way, they can still be a part of the momentous occasion and share in your happiness from afar.
3. Switch Up Your Timeline: Adjust your wedding day timeline to include special moments for both in-person and virtual guests. Consider moving key events, such as the cake cutting or first dance, to outdoor spaces where guests can safely gather while maintaining social distancing. This ensures that everyone feels included and can participate in the festivities.
4. Include a Family Recipe: Incorporate cherished family recipes into your wedding day menu to honor your loved ones and their culinary traditions. Whether it’s Grandma’s famous apple pie or Aunt Jo’s signature chocolate chip cookies, serving these dishes alongside your wedding cake adds a heartfelt touch and brings a sense of familial warmth to the celebration.
5. Ask for Love Notes: Instead of a traditional guest book, invite guests to leave love notes or well wishes for you and your partner ahead of time. This allows both in-person and virtual guests to express their sentiments and be a part of your wedding day memories. Collect these notes in a special keepsake box or album to cherish for years to come.
6. Toast and Pour with Loved Ones: Schedule a virtual toast where guests can raise a glass and share their heartfelt wishes for you and your partner. Allow for both in-person and virtual speeches, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to share their love and support. Whether pouring a glass from home or toasting in person, this gesture brings everyone together in celebration.

By incorporating these thoughtful gestures, you’ll create a wedding day that celebrates not only your love as a couple but also the cherished connections you share with your family and friends, near and far.