A second marriage frequently involves blending families with children and step-children, which can sometimes cause stress for all family members. Many encore couples are choosing to involve their children in not only the wedding activities, but sometimes the honeymoon too. The idea of a new step-mom or step-dad can sometimes be difficult for children to digest and adapt to, so it’s important to keep them involved and make them feel they, too, are important members of this new union.
Not only does involving the children make them feel important, it will also give them a better understanding of their role in their new family. New symbolic elements can be added, such as family medallions, family rings, and unity candles with multiple tapers. Vows can be modified to include lines for the children, and many sons will walk their mothers down the aisle.
Many new blended families are opting for ‘familymoons’ as opposed to the traditional honeymoon. The familymoon is a wonderful opportunity for all family members to spend time together and form those important new bonds. With almost half of the weddings in the United States being second weddings, this means there’s a high number of blended families being created each year. The travel industry has taken notice and many destination resorts now cater to the familymoon, and offer great deals where children stay, play and eat for free.
