Proposals and Vows

When coming into a blended family marriage (one where there are children involved), often times family vows are said. Family vows are where parents and step-parents recognize each member of the family (both current and new members) and where children and step-children do the same. The purpose of the family vows is to include everyone in the unification process, to promise things to each other as a family, and to recognize the individual’s role in the family. But… what do you do if the child/children are too young to know what is going on?

If a child is too young to participate in family vows, ask your pastor or clergy (if using one) to perform a family blessing right after the ceremony. This is the time when it is usually done, or in some churches, when a family unity candle is lit.