Weddings aren’t just about two people, they often bring together families, children and even our much-loved pets. Including them in your ceremony is a beautiful way to celebrate not just your relationship, but the life you’ve built around it.

Involving Children

Children bring a wonderful mix of love, laughter and (let’s be honest) unpredictability to a wedding day. Depending on their age and personality, there are lots of ways they can be part of the celebration:

Walking Down the Aisle: Flower petals, confetti, or even holding a sign announcing the bride or groom.
Ring Bearers: A traditional role that’s always a crowd favourite.
Joining a Ritual: Pouring sand into a unity vase, planting a tree, or adding soil to a pot alongside their parents.
Special Mentions: A few words woven into the ceremony to honour their place in your story.
The key is making sure it suits them, some kids love the spotlight, while others prefer something small and low-key. Either way, it’s about making them feel included, not pressured.

Involving Pets

For many couples, pets are family too! I’ve officiated for a farmer whose beloved cattle dog was part of the ceremony. The dog sat patiently at the back with the handler until the groom gave a whistle, then came bounding down the aisle with the rings! It was such a perfect reflection of who they were as a couple.

Some ideas for including your pets:

Ring Bearer or Escort: Your pup can trot down the aisle with the rings or walk alongside a member of your wedding party.
Greeters: Have your dog meet and “welcome” guests before the ceremony begins.
Photo Moments: Pets can join you for portraits before or after, even if they’re not present during the ceremony itself.

If you’d love to include your pet but don’t have a family member or friend to help on the day, my Love & Confetti Guide – Friends of Jen includes links to wonderful professional pet handlers who make the whole process stress-free. Or check out my Friends of Jen page here.

Why It Matters

Children and pets add personality, connection and heart to your ceremony. The laughter, surprises and heartfelt moments they bring are often the things couples remember most.

Making It Yours

Whether it’s your kids sprinkling petals down the aisle or your dog sitting proudly beside you, these touches make your ceremony truly personal. I’ll help you find the perfect way to involve them so it feels natural and stress-free.

I want to create a ceremony for you that celebrates not just your marriage but the family you’ve built around it.

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