The Child Acknowledgement Ceremony
Meaning - The Child acknowledgment Ceremony is an endearing way to incorporate the couple’s children into their ceremony.
Time - About 2 to 3 minutes in length
Supplies - Nothing required but can incorporate a gift to the children
Placement - This ceremony is usually included where the parents are saying their Wedding vows to one another or with their Ring Ceremony
Example of the wording for this Enhancement:
Spoken by the Officiant
Child and Child will you please set forward? Come stand next to your _____ and _____ (will use whatever the title the situation dictates; mother, stepmother etc) and join hands with them.
Your parents have asked me to have you come up here with us to recognize that today they not only unite in marriage but that all of you unite to make a family. They wish to present you with a gift to represent their love for you.
Action
The gift is brought forth and the parents present it to the children.
Your parents would like you to know that they feel like you are their precious gift.
_____ and _____, do you both promise to try to protect Child and Child? Will you always do your best to provide for them, guide them, listen to them, and most of all love them with all your hearts all the days of your lives?
“We Do”
Now Child and Child, I would like to let you know that being a member of a family can not be one sided. All members of the family must participate for the love to remain strong between you. So now I ask you to make a promise to your parents.
Child and Child, do you both promise to do your best to be respectful to your parents? Will you try to remember that they only want to keep you safe and do what is best for you? And will you most of all love them with all your hearts all the days of your lives?
“We will”
_____, _____, Child and Child please take a moment to share a big family hug.