Incorporating the new family into the special day. How are you incorporating your in-laws into the wedding?

I remember on an episode of Four Weddings there was a couple who had a moment in their wedding ceremony where the entire family surrounded the bride and groom for some sort of family blessing. I don’t remember if it was a cultural thing but everyone from the grandmas to the little kids were up there at the altar, all having a hand on the bride and groom (that they could reach) and saying a prayer together with the officiant. I thought that was a really sweet idea. Probably works better with small families.

My husband's sister was one of my bridesmaids and his younger brother was a groomsman. His older brother wasn't in the wedding, but all four of his children were included as flower girls, ring bearer, and walking down the aisle with the ring bearer and escorting my husband's mom into the reception. Both moms were escorted down the aisle and both sets of parents were introduced at the wedding. My grandmother on my mom's side read a poem that she wrote for us during the ceremony. Both of my siblings were also in the wedding.

We are doing a little ceremony where our officiant will ask our parents to stand up and then ask if they promise to help uphold and support our marriage. Then our family members. And finally our friends.

This is the wording we found and we plan to use:

X, X, and X, please stand.

As our sons and daughters find partners and found the homes of the next generation, each family is enlarged. Do you, who have nurtured these two, give your blessing to their union and their home?

Answer: We do.

Would Kate and Greg’s family members please rise?

A marriage is a relationship between two people, but it also has wider ramifications in the lives of both families. Do you here assembled pledge your support to Kate and Greg in the commitment they celebrate today?

Answer: We do.

Would Kate and Greg’s friends please rise?

Do you, who have known Kate and Greg for many years and seen them through times of joy and sorrow, now give your blessing to their union?

Answer: We do.

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This is a really cool idea! That's really nice to have for sure! I think it would work better for a smaller family.

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That's so nice that you had them in the bridal party! That's a good idea to introduce the parents of the bride and groom! That's nice that your grandmother read a poem too! How sweet!

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Awww this is so sweet!! That's such a cool idea!! I love this!!

I don't plan on incorporating them, but neither will my parents be.