What is the best way to involve a child into a blended family wedding?

I am marrying the man of my dreams in July. He was previously married once before and has a five (six when we marry) year old daughter from that marriage. I want to involve the child into our wedding in July to make it a special day for her as well. I don't want to sound at all selfish but I still want the day to be about us and not her but I think it is imporant for us to make her feel loved and involved as well. Not only am I marrying her dad but I am also in a way "marrying" the child by becoming part of her family. I will probably make her the flower girl but besides that are there any ideas that you have heard of where the child plays a special role in the wedding?

What is the best way to involve a child into a blended family wedding?
This is what we did - we had the officiant read this for us at the end of the ceremony before we did the kiss.



"A marriage is usually viewed as the joining together of a man and a woman. In reality marriage is much more then this. It is the joining together of two families to create a new family. The new family is enhanced, but the old family is not diminished.

As part of the family nature of this marriage NAME AND NAME wish to recognize and honor their children (Names), and their importance to the family relationship."



And then we gave each of my children a hug.

It was a very cool thing and the kids were very happy to be included. They were 9 and 11 at that time and we gave them the titles of Jr. Maid of honor and Jr. Best man. We did include them in the ceremony but also wanted it to be special for the 2 of us, since it was my hubby's first marraige he wanted a lot of focus on how we felt about each other. This worked out well and everyone was happy.

Congrats to ya!
Reply:I was 5 when my dad remarried for the 1st time. I was a flower girl and felt like the most special, beautiful girl at the entire wedding. 5-year-olds are not difficult to please!



I was 16 when he re-married for the second time. This time I was a bridesmaid, and I felt honored.
Reply:My husband had a son who was 11 when we got married. We had him as a jr. best man and we also had something engraved for him and presented it to him before we exchanged rings. You could have the officient pronounce you husband, wife and family. It is important that you include the child and good luck.
Reply:You could have her be a flower girl, and then also have a small part in the ceremony where something is read about the union of family, and you could give her a locket or some other type of necklace. Congradulations and good luck :)
Reply:http://www.familymedallion.com/weddings....
Reply:When my husband and I married, my children from my first marriage were 6 %26amp; 7. My daughter was our flower girl, my son was our ring bearer. My family, husband and I included my children with all decisions concerning the wedding, and I let my daughter decide how she wanted to wear her hair, what kind of flowers to put in her hair, etc.



Although there was no special role for my children, they felt included, even to the point that they considered it their wedding, too.



Your wedding is going to be an exciting day, not just for you, but for your future daughter as well. Excitement can be very stressful, you may not want to add more stress to such a young child.



Best wishes and congratulations!
Reply:The day of your wedding symbolizes more than the bond between two people; it is the day a new family is created. If you or your fiance have children already, then your wedding day should mean the same thing to them, a day when they become part of something new.



The Family Medallion ceremony is a meaningful way to integrate your children or stepchildren into the wedding of their parents. Family medallions are a simple yet profound way to show them that your thoughts and commitment extend to them. The Family Medallion ceremony (or family medallion wedding service) gives a small token, a family medallion, to all of your children to represent that they are part of the new family and marriage.



The family medallions themselves have a symbol of three interlocking circles, representing the new commitment between you, your spouse, and your child. Like the wedding ring between husband and wife, the family medallions are a reminder to your child that they are a loved and integral part of your life and your family.
Reply:let her help with li stuff and maybe u and her dad can take her out for her dress and a special dinner
Reply:I'm sure you've heard of the Unity Candle Ceremony. There is also something called a "Sand Ceremony" based on the same principle and was created for exactly your type of situation. Instead of the couple lighting a candle, the couple and each of their respective children (in this case his daughter) all pour colored sand into a glass vase to represent the blending of the families together. This might be something you want to consider :)
Reply:She is including in one of the first dances with the two of you. She is given the first peice of wedding cake after the bride and groom.
Reply:I think that the flower girl is a good idea, sometimes i have seen them bring the little girl up after you guys have exchanged your vows and give her a necklace and say something about this being your way of showing her that she is a big part in all this and you want her to know that she is part of the "new" family too.
Reply:I think flower girl is enough. Her mother may not appreciate anything more than that. The wedding is not about you as a family. It's about you and her father.
Reply:The flowergirl idea is perfect. My son is going to be the ringbearer in ours. Maybe buy her a little gift for her part in the wedding.
Reply:I saw a wedding on tv recently where the groom had 2 daughters from a previous marriage %26amp; they had them involved by presenting them with rings. This took place after the bride %26amp; groom exchanged vows %26amp; rings. Then together, they recited vows to the girls %26amp; placed rings on their fingers. The vows could be something you %26amp; your fiance write together about creating a new family %26amp; just saying how you feel to have them be a part of your new union. Short %26amp; sweet, it was really beautiful %26amp; very special. Everyone watching was crying!
Reply:flower girl was what i was gonna say,
Reply:instead of letting your be the flower girl why u dont make her your mini bride??????
Reply:If she's the only daughter, you could have her be your maid of honor or the flower girl.
Reply:i have been to a wedding where they give the little girl a necklace or a ring, to say i am comitted to you too... and we are family they had the minister explain it while they gave it to her
Reply:Quit over thinking, just throw the child in, where it fits in.