Family dynamics can add stress to your wedding day – and one of the most questioned is how to deal with step-parents. We have some tips on how to handle this delicate situation.
A place of honor. If you are close with a step parent, it is natural to honor them on your wedding day. You may walk down the aisle with both of your “dads”, ask a step mother to do a reading during your wedding ceremony, or include them in your wedding day family photos. If they will be in attendance on your wedding day, it is customary to present them with a boutonniere or corsage.
Exclusion. You are not obligated to include a step parent in an official role if you do not have a close relationship. You should be aware, however, that excluded them from the day’s events could be hurtful to your parent. At a minimum, it is likely that your parent will want them included in a formal photograph. You can always do one with and without step parents.
Be open. If relations are strained between your parents and step parents, it is important to be open with both parties. You should explain how important they all are to you, particularly on your wedding day, and that the inclusion of each of them is a reflection of the love you have for each.
Special dances. It is common to share a special dance with your step parent at your wedding reception. You may choose one song, and change midway, or a unique song for each. When choosing a song to dance with your step parent, it can be more challenging to find the song with the right sentiment. Some popular choices are:
Bette Midler – “Wind Beneath My Wings”
Celine Dion – “Because You Loved Me”
Elton John – “Blessed”
Josh Groban – “You Raise Me Up”
Joshua Kadison – “Beautiful In My Eyes”
Louis Armstrong – “What A Wonderful World”
Nat King Cole – “Unforgettable”
James Taylor – “How Sweet It Is”
Jackson 5 – “I’ll Be There”
Tom Petty – “Wldflowers”
Natalie Merchant - “Kind and Generous”
Van Morrison – “These Are The Days”
Stevie Wonder - “Isn’t She Lovely”
The Beatles - “In My Life”
Israel Kamakawiwo Ole’ - “Somewhere Over The Rainbow”
Green Day - “Good Riddance”
Other considerations. Your step parents may choose to host a shower, rehearsal dinner or engagement announcement party. They can also act as hosts for wedding luncheons or day after brunches. If they are helping to pay for any event or hosting it in their home, their names should be included in the invitation. For the wedding invitations, your mother and her spouse appear first, followed by your father and his spouse. They are typically also listed in the wedding program.
No comments:
Post a Comment