Here we are, it’s your very special day! You’ve grown up from your pains, laughs, tears, joy and finally you’re about to take the next step. With you loved ones by your aside, you feel like in a movie.
PHOTO BY LORRAINE DALEY WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY
Showing your appreciation for your parents during your wedding day is a sweet token of gratitude that your parents deserve. These are the people who made you who you are; and without them, you probably wouldn’t be standing up at that altar. Their hard work and dedication to raising you earned them something extra special during your wedding.
PHOTO BY DAVID SCHWARTZ
Whether living or deceased, there are numerous ways for you to honor both sets of parents at your wedding. This celebration is a wonderful time to say thank you for everything they have done for you.
We know that every relationship is different, so we’ve rounded up a couple of creative ways to honor your parents (and mother-in-love, father-in-law/parent figures) for the introverted, extroverted, and sentimental parents in our lives.
In no particular order, here are some awesome ways to incorporate parents into your wedding day or do special things for them.
Carry a Heart from Daddy’s Shirt
To honor your father, take one of his old shirts and have it sewn into your dress in the shape of a heart. You can put this addition on the inside of your dress to keep it hidden. Even though it isn’t seen by the average guests’ eye, a little piece of your dad will be with you throughout the whole celebration, and he will surely appreciate it.
Lace From Your Mom’s Dress
If you don’t want to add details to your actual dress, there are lots of other ways to incorporate it. For example, you can use it as the flower girl’s dress, wrap the lace around your bouquet, or add it into jewelry such as earrings or a necklace. This honorable idea not only shows appreciation to your mom while simultaneously honoring family traditions.
PHOTO BY JENNIFER MOHER
First Look
First looks have become a popular way to share those giddy and emotional first moments when you first see your partner before your ceremony, but we’d like to think that your parents would be equally as anxious to see you before you walk down the aisle. Having a First Look with your parents is not only an adorable photo-op, but also a wonderful way to share a couple of private moments together before you say, “I do.”
PHOTO BY HEWITT PHOTOGRAPHY
Arrive Together
Riding together is another way to have a couple of private moments together before the ceremony. Give them a chance to share some advice, simply spend some time, or talk through your possible wedding jitters together.
PHOTO BY SCV IMAGERY
Ask Them to Speak at Your Ceremony or Reception
There’s no reason for speeches to be limited to the wedding reception – if your parents have a meaningful poem or passage in mind, include it within your marriage ceremony or ask them to read something that reflects your relationship with them.
Walking Down the Aisle
It is a very traditional part of the wedding. The father is walking you down the aisle to present you to your future husband. While that is still a tradition, it doesn’t have to happen that way. You can have both of your parents.
Celebrate Their Marriage
Anniversary dances are a quickly growing trend. The MC or DJ has all the couples come together on the dance floor to celebrate each of their marriages. They will slowly eliminate couples by asking those under 5 years to sit, then 10 years to sit, and so on. If your parents have been together for an especially long time, this is a great way to honor them on the floor.
Thank Them
In whatever ways you decide to honor your parents at your wedding, be sure to take the time and effort to really show them you care. They have played a huge role, if not the biggest, in getting you where you are today. Without them, you likely wouldn’t be marrying that special person. Incorporate some creative ways to honor and appreciate your parents with gestures big and small.
HEADER IMAGE CREDIT MORNINGWILD PHOTOGRAPHY