Role for Stepdaughter

How old is she?

What 033118 said.

14

Get her a pretty dress, let her pick it out. Get her hair and makeup done, or help her with hers if you aren't getting your professionally done. You could have her walk down the aisle, then take a seat in a reserved chair. Include her in pictures. Make a toast in her honor.

Obviously you don't have to do everything I mentioned, just thought streaming.

Why not have her as a bridesmaid?

Oh sorry didn't see you weren't having a WP. What about getting her a wrist corsage?

I'm going to have the same thing possibly happen, but younger child. My FH's ex moved his daughter out of state a few months back and we are unsure if she will be attending or not. If she is, I'm not sure how we are going to include her. She will be 6-years-old, so FG is a possibility but I don't want to plan for anything official because her mom is good at backing out last minute. Suggestions??

If they're 6 or 14, a girl loves to be pampered so like mani-pedi, hair, jewelry, etc. I would put her in the table closest to you if you are not having a WP and have her come to the rehearsal dinner. For the other parent who has to bring the child to the wedding, they 1. should have common sense that this is a wedding and meals, plans, gifts, etc need to be planned. but 2. Let them know how you want to include the child so that they know the child has things she will need to be there for and the time frame it involves.

If she is able to attend, I am thinking obviously nails, hair, jewelry, a pretty dress and shoes. Day-of planning though, I really wouldn't do anything because in my particular situation it's just not worth it because honestly the day before the wedding her mother could call and say "she's not coming." She has done this before to us, so I don't want to have it down that we're doing a FG and then she doesn't get to come. I honestly think that even buying her an outfit would have to happen the week of the wedding if she was already with us and definitely coming to the wedding. Example: We planned a cruise vacation for us, including my step-daughter. Paid for everything, bought her clothes and things for the trip, and booked excursions. Her mother moved and told us she couldn't come on the cruise maybe 2 months before we were leaving.

I agree with PPs about the hair and dress. are you having any other family or VIP as part of your procession in, or having your family seated specially before you process? if so you could include her in that.

Dress and hair are a done deal. I think those were squared away before we confirmed her attendance. We have a FG so I guess she can walk with her?? Or she too old for that? Thanks for the suggestions.

What about having her walk her dad down the aisle? I've heard lots of moms having their son from a previous relationship escort them down the aisle - that could be a special time for the two of them, then she could sit after the got to the end?

Hair, makeup, dress, corsage (as PP's have said).

I also really like @LindaG idea of walking her dad down the aisle, if that's something they were both interested in.

Put her on your "must have" photo list. Make sure she's photographed with her Dad, then you and her and then all 3 of you. I think that's cool you are wanting to highlight her presence. She will remember that for the rest of her life.

I think it would be nice to have her walk in with her dad and maybe even stand by him during the ceremony. Just because you don't have any other bridal party doesn't mean she couldn't stand up there with you. Do you have any kids who will be there?

I had the same thought process and think she should walk her father down. Maybe not stand by him but have VIP seating after bringing him to the front.