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In many ways, weddings are an adult function. Between ceremony components that children may not understand, to the open bar at receptions, weddings aren't necessarily kid-friendly. However, especially in today's society, children are often a huge part of a couple's life, whether the kids are their own, cousins, godchildren, or close friends. And you may want to find a way to incorporate children into your ceremony or engage their interest at the reception. This week let's talk about the different ways you can include these all-important people in your special day.

Ask children to help you with your DIY projects. Most 4 year olds (and older) can easily help with crafting decorations and favors for a wedding, provided of course they are properly supervised. For younger children, asking them to help pick out or hand you specific items (if you are sorting jewels, feathers, or candy) not only makes them feel included, but also helps them learn their colors and shapes. Younger children can also help do non-detailed painting. For example, if you are making wooden magnets as favors, ask the kids to paint all the pieces a solid color before adding the details yourself. Obviously older children can be given more responsibility. When it comes time to make your programs, be sure to include a special thank you to all your little helpers. They'll love getting to show off their work to guests.

Give each child a "job" or "purpose" in the ceremony. Most everyone has heard of the ring bearer and the flower girl. Both are roles in the processional set aside for kids. Ring bearers are traditionally boys selected to be a part of the groom's side of the bridal party. They are (again, traditionally) dressed to match the groom and are responsible for carrying the rings down the aisle to give to the best man. Flower girls, then, would be the counterpart to the ring bearer.

Traditionally, the flower girl would toss rose petals (hence "flower" girl), lining the aisle before the bride walks down. If you have multiple children, you want to incorporate into your ceremony, it could be difficult to assign them all as flower girls and ring bearers.

For starters, many venues don't allow you to toss flowers any more. Then to make matters worse, deciding which "bearer" gets to carry the rings could end in a battle. If this is the case for you, consider splitting up different details of the ceremony. Older children who can be trusted to accomplish simple tasks with minimal supervision can hand out programs before the ceremony and bubbles or flower petals for afterward. Younger children who you want incorporated into the processional can carry different items. For example, a popular trend right now is for ring bearers or flower girls to carry banners or signs down the aisle with cute sayings such as "Here comes your bride!" If you will be using special props such as for a candle lighting, hand-fasting, or sand pouring, you can ask different children to bring those down the aisle before the processional begins. Giving each child a specific task helps make the child feel special and important, and also helps keep him or her occupied.

Include a special children's song or dance in the reception. If you are having a kid-friendly reception, consider asking the DJ to play the hokey pokey or similar "action" songs for the children. Even though the songs themselves may call to mind 1980s wedding singers, the kids will love getting to own the dance floor for once. Have the DJ announce that you want all the special children in your lives to meet on the dance floor and to join you in a dance.

Provide alternative party favors for children, which include activity packs. First, you should do this for any and all children invited to your reception. It will save you money on the more expensive adult favors, plus it will occupy the children during the blessings, speeches, and dances that kids tend to find boring. You should consider including crayons, coloring books, Legos, puzzles, and word games. Most of these things you can find online or at the dollar store for extremely low prices. Many websites even offer free downloadable PDFs specifically for children at weddings. Simply type "free wedding activity book for kids" into your search engine. Make sure that you provide coloring or writing utensils at every table that has children or in every packet.