Your wedding day is a celebration of your love, but also a celebration of the families that made you into the people standing at the end of the aisle. For many people, finding a way to include and honor your families on the wedding day is important, but it also comes with challenges.

Rather than waiting for the big day to involve your family, bringing them in during the planning process can be a way to make them feel special, and take some pressure off of you. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying you need to run every single decision by the entire committee! Please don’t do that! However, you can delegate tasks that utilize your family members’ strengths and talents. For example, maybe your mom is super crafty and would love to make robes for your bridesmaids. Or, your siblings are creative and have a knack for creating beautiful centerpieces and wedding decor that can exactly meet your style without blowing the budget.

You can also ask family members to participate on the wedding day - just be sure to give them plenty of time to prepare! I’ve photographed many weddings that included an aunt as the scripture reader; a talented sibling that sings during the ceremony; or a cousin as the officiant. You can also include the kiddos, like having your nieces or cousins be the flower girls. You can also delegate family members to be responsible for all the small, but important, tasks like setting up the guest book or making sure your getaway bags are ready to go at a designated time.

Involving family doesn’t always mean giving them a job to do - sometimes it means just making sure they feel included and special on this big day! Invite the parents to hang out with the groomsmen or bridesmaids while getting ready before the ceremony, This is a great time for them to spend time with you in a relaxing atmosphere and enjoy some special moments together.

As much as your wedding day is about you marrying the love of your life, it’s also about this wacky, wonderful entourage of people who have been by your side every step of your journey. Sharing your day with your family can make this day even more special!!