Today’s modern love stories come in all shapes and sizes. The days of mixed families being seen as strange or abnormal are long gone. Finding out your romantic partner has a child or two from a previous relationship no longer immediately counts as a deal breaker for many. As a result, the number of weddings involving future stepchildren has skyrocketed. Your wedding is a chance to announce your commitment to a new family, and what better reason to incorporate your future stepchildren into your vows than that?
Claddagh rings offer a perfect way to work your future stepchildren into your vows in a truly meaningful way, especially if you are marrying into an Irish heritage (or wish to bring in your own Irish heritage). The Claddagh’s symbolism of love, friendship and family can demonstrate that your marriage is creating a family of which your stepchildren are an important part.
Start by creating vows that you will make to your stepchildren specifically. The vows should reinforce how much you care for their parent and how much you look forward to being part of the family. Incorporate the Claddagh’s symbolism into the vows by explaining how the hands symbolize friendship and the heart stands for love, and these are feelings you have for them. Give your stepchildren their own Claddagh rings as part of the ceremony to represent the creation of a new family.
Then exchange the more traditional white or black diamonds with your fiancé.
