Preparations to Reception: A Complete Guide to Wedding Performances Inviting Family Participation 【19 Types】

2018.06.12 published

I Want to Have a Wedding to Express Gratitude to My Family ♡

A wedding is an opportunity to express gratitude to those who have taken care of us throughout our lives.

Especially, many brides want to convey their feelings of "thank you" and "I love you" to their family, who have watched over them since birth.

For families, sending off their beloved daughter or son at a wedding is a special event. I want to create a warm wedding that remains in their hearts ♡

@mami

What Are Some Performances That Families Can Participate in at Weddings and Receptions?

However, in a typical wedding, there are not many scenes where the families of the bride and groom, who are the hosts, are spotlighted.

Just watching the smiling bride and groom from a distance can be enough to bring happiness. This is how most families feel...

By incorporating performances that can involve family members, the wedding and reception will become more memorable ♡

@y_wedding_happy

In this article, we will introduce a variety of performances that allow family members to participate, from the classic to the unique.

Couples who are planning a small wedding with just family can also use this as a reference ♩

Family-Participatory Wedding and Reception Performance ① First Meet

The first performance we’ll introduce is the "First Meet" where the couple sees each other in their wedding attire for the first time on the wedding day.

After their First Meet, let’s have a First Meet with the family in the waiting room or chapel where the family is waiting ♡

@nakam_no

Parents may shed tears upon seeing their daughter in her wedding dress for the first time.

It gives them a deep feeling of "She's really getting married now."

Since both the main couple and their families are often busy before the ceremony, it’s essential to carve out time with family to share the emotions of the day.

@beautifulbell22

Family-Participatory Wedding and Reception Performance ② The Red Lip Ceremony

At the end of the bride's preparations, her mother applies lipstick in a "Red Lip Ceremony."

Lipstick symbolizes health and protection from evil spirits, and this ceremony means a mother applies lipstick to wish for her daughter's happiness.

Some brides had their grandmothers apply the lipstick instead of their mothers ♡

Family-Participatory Wedding and Reception Performance ③ Birthday Newspaper and Album

An idea for a surprise for the family is to prepare a birthday newspaper and photo album in the family waiting room.

The birthday newspaper is the newspaper from the day the couple was born. It allows everyone to nostalgically remember what happened on that day.

The photo album should include childhood family photos and pictures of the couple together until now ♡

Creating an album with photos from when they've grown up, which their families have never seen, will surely be appreciated.

➡ Did you know you can print "Birthday Newspapers" at a convenience store for 500 yen?

@kimika4_4

Family-Participatory Wedding and Reception Performance ④ Veil Down

During the bride’s entrance to the chapel, the mother executes the "Veil Down" ceremony where she lowers the wedding veil.

During the Veil Down, it is common for mothers to say, "Congratulations" or "Be happy," which may bring tears to the bride's eyes.

This marks the final preparations for sending the bride toward the groom waiting at the end of the aisle, serving as a special moment for mother and daughter.

@napo_co_wd

Family-Participatory Wedding and Reception Performance ⑤ Jacket Ceremony

Similar to the bride's Veil Down, there is the groom's "Jacket Ceremony."

The groom's father puts a jacket on him, while the groom's mother decorates his lapel with a boutonniere.

Just like the bride's parents, the groom's parents also have the same feelings of sending their child off. This is a new ceremony that allows both families to participate ♡

@a.bride9

Family-Participatory Wedding and Reception Performance ⑥ Escort Down the Aisle

The bride walking down the aisle with her father. The moment when she links arms with her father and walks down the aisle becomes an unforgettable memory.

Also, there is no rule that states the bride must be escorted by her father. This bride chose to walk down the aisle with both parents.

Don’t hesitate to ask grandparents or siblings to take on the role of escort.

Family-Participatory Wedding and Reception Performance ⑦ Unity Candle Ceremony

The "Unity Candle Ceremony" involves the couple lighting the main candle with two candles lit by their respective families.

The merging of the two flames representing separate families symbolizes the creation of a new family together.

This performance is often done during the ceremony abroad, but it is also acceptable to incorporate it into the reception ♩

When including this performance, it is recommended that the emcee explains the significance of the unity candle.

➡ Have you heard of the "Unity Candle Ceremony," a new wedding performance representing the birth of a new family? ♡

Family-Participatory Wedding and Reception Performance ⑧ Kagami-Biraki (Sake Barrel Opening)

The "Kagami-Biraki" ceremony, performed during happy occasions, involves the bride and groom breaking open the lid of a sake barrel with the cheers of guests.

This lively ceremony celebrates the birth of a new couple and the connection between the two families ♩

Surprisingly, there are not many opportunities to take a photo with the couple along with the parents from both families during the wedding or reception.

With Kagami-Biraki, you can capture those memorable photos perfectly ♡

Family-Participatory Wedding and Reception Performance ⑨ Mizu-Awase (Water Ceremony)

The "Mizu-Awase" ceremony involves the couple pouring water they each hold into a single container.

This is a traditional Japanese performance that embodies the hope that "the groom and bride, who grew up in different environments, will overcome difficulties and build a new household together."

Although this is typically performed by the couple, doing the Mizu-Awase ceremony with family members is recommended ♡

Each family member would pour water into a decanter, with the bride finally pouring water onto the olive tree held by the groom.

It’s a beautiful experience representing the "first collaborative effort" between the two families.

Family-Participatory Wedding and Reception Performance ⑩ Color Change Exit

An idea to have family escort the couple during their color change exit.

When nominating, sharing unforgettable episodes or messages of gratitude toward family will make the exit even more moving.

Many find surprise nominations leave family members pleasantly shocked and delighted.

@beautifulbell22

During the color change exit, it’s also common for the groom to read a letter to his family.

While letters from brides are standard, letters from grooms are rare, right?

However, the groom’s parents want to hear the groom's honest feelings.

This surprise performance will surely be appreciated by the groom’s family ♡

@beautifulbell22

Family-Participatory Wedding and Reception Performance ⑪ Profile Movie

An idea where family members appear in the profile movie is also fantastic!

While it’s customary to display childhood photos of the bride and groom in sequence, having family members share stories about their childhood adds a personal touch.

Hearing their life stories from family will create a more impactful profile movie ♡

It will become a memorable movie that families will want to watch together again and again.

Family-Participatory Wedding and Reception Performance ⑫ Last Bite

The "Last Bite" is a performance where the groom and bride are fed cake by their mothers ♡

It carries the meaning of "the final feeding/nurturing from parents to child."

Many mothers get emotional remembering those times of feeding their children with a spoon ♡

After the "Last Bite," it's recommended to perform a "Thanks Bite," where they return the gesture by feeding cake back to their mothers with the sentiment of "thank you for all you've done."

@ts_wedding_

Family-Participatory Wedding and Reception Performance ⑬ Sample Bite

The "Sample Bite" allows the parents of the couple to show their example before the couple's first bite.

The mother feeds the father cake with an "aa" gesture. This expresses the good relationship between the parents and creates a cozy atmosphere ♩

Many parents, while feeling shy, find joy in making memories during this moment ♡

@0308_wedding

Family-Participatory Wedding and Reception Performance ⑭ Onigiri Bite

The mothers from both families prepare rice balls and offer them to the couple with an "aa" gesture in the "Onigiri Bite" ceremony!

Guests will be surprised and delighted to see the moms appear in their aprons.

Many brides cherished their mother's rice balls. The Onigiri Bite is a wonderful way for children to be pampered by their mothers one last time ♡

Family-Participatory Wedding and Reception Performance ⑮ Surprise Plate

If your parents are not very fond of being in the spotlight but you want to express gratitude during the wedding, preparing a "Surprise Plate" is recommended.

On a dessert plate, using chocolate, you can have your planner write a message like:

☑ I’m glad to have been born to you two

☑ Thank you for all your love

Writing heartfelt gratitude messages will bring a tear to their eyes.

@beautifulbell22

Family-Participatory Wedding and Reception Performance ⑯ Bride's Letter

A classic performance during the end of the reception is the "Bride's Letter."

It’s a reading of a message of gratitude addressed to the parents from the bride ♡

There aren’t many opportunities to earnestly convey feelings to your parents in life.

Don’t be shy; make sure to express your gratitude in your own words.

Many brides tend to procrastinate, so it's wise to start early to avoid last-minute panic.

@tomomi_wedding1210

If you’re nervous and worried about speaking well, it’s recommended to play a slideshow of childhood photos during the reading ♡

The attention on the video will help you relax a bit while you read.

@yy_wd_0722

Family-Participatory Wedding and Reception Performance ⑰ Thanks Movie

The "Thanks Movie" is a video created to express gratitude to family. Many couples play this instead of reading the bride's letter toward the end of the reception.

Share heartfelt messages alongside nostalgic photos with family.

With the BGM, the atmosphere will be filled with tears of emotion.

Family-Participatory Wedding and Reception Performance ⑱ Parents' Letters

A rare reading of letters written by parents.

Letters expressing the feelings of the parents as they send off their children will undoubtedly touch the hearts of not only the couple but also the guests.

It’s wonderful for families to express feelings to each other during a milestone like a wedding.

Family-Participatory Wedding and Reception Performance ⑲ Bouquet and Commemorative Gifts Presentation

Finally, we introduce the presentation of bouquets and commemorative gifts to both families.

Some brides break down in tears and embrace their parents.

Popular commemorative gifts include caricatures, wine from the year of their birth, and "weight rice."

Discuss with your partner about what will be appreciated by your families.

➡ Check out the list of gift ideas for parents ♡

@chiii_wedding.33

Create a Wedding That Everyone in the Family Will Remember ♡

We introduced performances that families can participate in during weddings and receptions.

Since family members have always been there for you, they are the ones to whom you want to express the most gratitude at your wedding.

Let’s foster deeper bonds with beloved family through wonderful performances.

@sonokinu_0718