Best Ideas For Your Blended Family Wedding
- Liz Lindsay
- Jun 10, 2024
- 3 min read
10 Symbolic Unity Ideas for Blended Weddings
For modern couples combining families through marriage, finding meaningful ways to symbolically celebrate the joining of separate clans into one unified unit is incredibly important. From symbolic unity ceremonies to creative visual representations, these ten blended family wedding ideas, provide unique yet popular ways to joyfully mark the transition into a beautifully bonded new family.
Unity Sand Ceremony A tried-and-true unity ceremony concept takes on added significance for blended families. Having each family member pour in their own colored sand creates a visually stunning layered design, with the different hues representing the distinct individuals coming together. Many couples choose to display the final layered vase as a keepsake of their big day. You can assign certain colors to each person or have everyone select their own shade.
Family Vows Rather than just the couple exchanging vows, a deeply meaningful option is to have children and stepchildren also make promises and commitments to their new blended family. These vows allow the kids to have a voice and formalize their role in the newly formed unit. They can vow to support, love and respect one another as gained siblings or make promises to their new stepparent about being caring family members.
Braided Unity Ceremony Drawing inspiration from the strength and beauty of intricately woven strands, some families choose to literally braid together different colored ribbons, cords or strips of fabric - each color representing a member of the new blended clan. As the officiant weaves the pieces together, they create a stunning keepsake while symbolizing how the individuals are becoming inseparably intertwined.
Family Tree Display A creative visual representation, craft a displaying showing how the two original families are coming together as one through the marriage. Use photos, names, quotes and meaningful imagery to map out your new family tree. Display it at the ceremony or reception for all to see and appreciate the long-awaited unification.
Special Wedding Party Roles From carrying the rings to joining the couple under the chuppah or archway, having children and stepchildren actively participate in ceremonial roles reinforces their new status as foundational members of the modern family. Assign a role that is age-appropriate yet still meaningful to build belonging and investment.
Custom Family Crest Tap into your artistic talents and design a new custom family crest, logo or monogram that visually reflects the newly formed family's identities, backgrounds and united spirit. Commission an artist or graphic designer to create something you can proudly display at the wedding and incorporate in future branding. Seeing the crest makes the new family officially feel like an established clan of their own.
Memory Table While looking ahead as a new family unit, don't forget to honor the pasts that led you here. Set up a special memory table showcasing old family photos, keepsakes, heirlooms and other mementos from the two original families. This recognizes the histories coming together as one through the marriage. Let guests interact with the sentimental display.
Unity Cross or Puzzle Sculpture These sculptural art pieces use interlocking or intersecting pieces to symbolize the separate families joining as one through unified lines and forms. Many can be customized with names, dates or colors specific to your family members. Assemble the piece together during the ceremony for a moving group ritual.
Family Dance The revelries at the reception offer another chance for unity displays. Consider a choreographed family dance number that incorporates all members of the new clan, perhaps using signature moves or songs with special meaning. Let the children and stepchildren have a voice in the planning so they feel excitement over this bonding experience.
Tailored Wedding Vows While making promises to your spouse, gift your new stepchildren with tailored vows of their own. These outline your loving commitments as their new bonus parent, promising to wholeheartedly support and care for them as a fully vested family member from this day forward. Few gestures are as powerful for kids as making these vows before your community.
With imagination and heartfelt intention, modern blended families can beautifully mark their long-awaited formation through joyful ceremonies rich in symbolism, inclusion and excitement for their future together.
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