Including friends and family in your ceremony

Your wedding ceremony can be a great way to include the people who’ve supported and loved you throughout your relationship. Involving family and friends in your ceremony not only makes it more personal, but it also creates shared memories that everyone treasures long after the day itself.

Here are some beautiful and meaningful ways to include your loved ones in your ceremony.

1: Invite loved ones to do a reading

A reading is a simple yet powerful way to include someone special. It could be a favourite poem or even song lyrics that reflect your story. Choose readers who are comfortable speaking in front of others and who’ll bring warmth and personality to the moment.

• Tip: Encourage them to practice ahead of time, and remind them they don’t need to be perfect!

2: Ask a family member to be a witness

Every legal wedding ceremony in Australia requires two witnesses over the age of 18. Choosing close family or friends for this role is a lovely way to give them an official part in your day. Many couples select parents, siblings, or lifelong friends as a small gesture that carries great meaning.

3: Incorporate a unity or symbolic ritual

Symbolic rituals like a sand ceremony or lighting a unity candle can be even more special when family members take part. For example, parents could pour sand to represent the blending of families.

4: Include them through music

Music sets the emotional tone of a ceremony. Ask a musically talented friend to sing or play an instrument during your entrance or signing. It’s a heartfelt way to add a personal touch and make your ceremony unique.

5: Honour absent loved ones

Sometimes, the most meaningful inclusions are quiet ones. You could reserve a chair with a framed photo, mention them during your ceremony, or include a symbolic gesture such as lighting a candle in their memory. These moments create connection and bring comfort on such an emotional day.

6: Invite them to share a message or blessing

If you have friends or family who aren’t keen on public speaking but would love to contribute, invite them to share a short written message or blessing that I (as your celebrant) can read on their behalf. It’s a gentle way to include many voices without adding pressure.