Family Medallion® CeremonyThe Family Medallion is a symbol of family unity and love. Such a symbol is needed in a world where commitment to others is often devalued and where family relationships that bring meaning and continuity to life.
The Family Medallion ceremony is a way to include children in the wedding ceremony. This is a great way to build a bond between step-parents and step-children. The recognition of children offers an opportunity for your guests to bear witness not only to your vows as husband and wife but your family commitment as well. In the Old Testament Book of Ecclesiastes, it is written that "a cord of three strands is not easily broken." The three merged circles on the face of the Family Medallion represent the strength of the family bond... and the enduring love that family members share. The Family Medallion is used to include children of the bride and/or groom in the wedding service when couples marry with children. When a new stepfamily is being created, the Family Medallion becomes a tangible way to build a bond between stepparents and stepchildren.
If you and your fiancé have children, either together or from previous relationships, presenting them with the Family Medallion is a meaningful way to include them in your wedding. The recognition of children offers a moving opportunity for your guests to bear witness not only your vows as husband and wife but your family commitment as well. Included with each Family Medallion order is a copy of “Celebrating the New Family – A Ceremony for Including Children In the Wedding Service.” |
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Sample Family Medallion Ceremony
(CHILD'S NAME), you will have a share in this marriage, for your lives will be touched by the promises made by your mother and father today. Your participation will be needed to develop the bonds of this new family. We now ask you to promise that you will all join together to create a family of mutual help, respect and support.
We ask that you help to create a home and a way of life in which all of you may grow into the best people you can be. In this spirit, will you pledge to continue to grow together and honor this new family for all the days that follow?
The children respond, “We will”.
BRIDE and GROOM, as you give yourselves to one another in love and loyalty, will you also promise always to keep room in your new life together for INSERT
CHILDREN’S NAMES? Will you commit yourselves to respect and honor them as individuals and members of this family? Will you pledge to cherish, encourage and tenderly care for them as long as they need you?
We respond, “We will”.
As a symbol of the two families joined as one today, a special medallion will now be presented to each of you.
As you receive your token of family unity, always remember the love that has brought all of you together and that will guide you and nurture you in the years ahead.