Celebrating Love and Family on your Wedding Day: 8 Sweet Ways to Incorporate Loved Ones

Your wedding day is a special occasion that celebrates the love between you and your partner. But it's not just about the two of you - it's also a time when family and friends come together to support and celebrate your love. These are the people who have been with you throughout your life, who have shaped you into the person you are today, and who will continue to be there for you in the years to come.

Whether it’s traditional things like dancing with your parents, thanking family in a toast, or surprising them with gifts or flowers, finding ways to incorporate family and friends into your wedding day can make it even more meaningful and special. It's an opportunity to cherish and honor the relationships that have meant so much to you up until this point, and to create memories that will last a lifetime.

Incorporate Family Traditions

Weddings are a time-honored tradition, and chances are your family has their own traditions that they cherish. Whether it's a special dance, a favorite dish, using a piece of your mom’s wedding dress on your bouquet, a meaningful reading, incorporating these family traditions into your wedding can help make it feel more sentimental and familial. Not only does this honor your family's heritage, but it can also create a sense of continuity and connection between generations.  This can also be a great place to include a family heirloom as your "something old" or "something borrowed.”

Include Family in the Ceremony

Ask family members to do a reading, participate in a unity ceremony, or even officiate the ceremony. This can make the ceremony feel more intimate and family-focused.  Or blend families together with a unity ceremony. A unity ceremony can symbolize the coming together of two families. This can be done through a unity candle, sand ceremony, or tree planting ceremony.

Remember your fur-babies matter to – check out this post for ideas on how to include your fluffy loved ones in your big day as well.

Consider a Family-Style Meal

A family-style meal encourages conversation and interaction between guests, creating a sense of community and togetherness. In this style of meal, platters are served to the center of the table, and guests help themselves from those platters, passing the dishes to each other, creating a sense of community.  Some caterers will even prepare your favorite family recipe as an appetizer or passed hors d'oeuvre.

Dedicate a Moment to Honor Loved Ones Who Have Passed

A moment of silence, lighting a candle, or displaying a photo can be a meaningful way to honor and remember loved ones who couldn't be there.  Maybe even consider saving a seat for them in the ceremony as well.

Create a Kids Area

Keep kids entertained with age-appropriate activities, like coloring books, board games, or a mini dance floor. Not only does this give kids something fun to do, but it also shows their parents that you value their presence and want them to feel comfortable and included. 

If you’re still deciding whether or not to include kids, here are a few pros and cons.

Take Family Photos

Family photos are cherished memories that create a sense of unity and togetherness. Allow plenty of time for family portraits and ask your photographer to capture candid family shots throughout the reception.

Capture your Dad's First Look

Capturing the moment when a father sees his daughter in her wedding dress for the first time can be a very emotional and sentimental moment.  Work with your photographer to capture this moment before the ceremony.  You can choose a special location, such as a garden or a special spot that has personal significance to you and your father.  It's a beautiful way to honor the bond between father and daughter and create a lasting memory that will be cherished forever.

Create a Fingerprint Tree Guest Book

A fingerprint tree guest book is a unique way to include your guests and create a lasting keepsake. Guests add their fingerprints to the tree and sign their names, creating a beautiful piece of art to display in your home.

 When family is important to you, finding ways to include them meaningfully in your wedding days can really show your appreciation for all they’ve done to shape you into the person you are. The most important thing is to create a day that feels true to you and your partner, and to surround yourself with the love and support of your family and friends.

At Eastman Events we understand the importance of family and would love to help you make your wedding day a true celebration of the love you share with your partner and those closest to you.  Learn more about what we do and get in touch if you think we’re the right fit for you!