Happy Thanksgiving to all our Empire Room couples! Tomorrow brings all kinds of thankfulness as we gather around the table with friends and family. What a perfect reminder of how grateful we are! Thanks to our wonderful couples, the Empire Room is a top Dallas wedding ceremony venue. We couldn’t do what we do without incredible brides, grooms, and vendors helping us host memorable occasions. Thank you!

As we gather close to our loved ones this holiday season, we’re reminded of the special role family members play in our couples’ weddings. If you’re hoping to include family members in your ceremony, we’ve got you covered. Take a look at a few of our favorite ways to involve family members on your big day:

  • Wedding Party: of course, any family member would be honored to join your wedding party! We love when couples include their siblings and/or cousins in their selections for bridesmaids and groomsmen. You might even consider asking a brother or sister be a best man or maid of honor! It will be a treasured experience you’ll both remember for years to come.
  • House Party: maybe you don’t want to add any more members to your wedding party, but want to include a few more loved ones. Ask them to join your house party! This southern tradition is an extension of the wedding party, with fewer duties. House party members often assist with programs, seating, or guest book signing.
  • Procession: offer your family members a place of honor in your procession down the aisle. Grandparents love this one! Invite Grandma and Grandpa to be escorted down the aisle as part of your bridal procession. Don’t forget to include a posey bouquet or corsage for her, and a boutonniere for him.
  • Ushers: this is a great role for young men like cousins or uncles. Ask your ushers to escort guests to their seats as they arrive at your Dallas wedding ceremony venue.
  • Readers: if you’re having any scripture verses, poetry, or spoken word read at your ceremony, use it as an opportunity to involve a friend or family member. Be sure to give them the reading material beforehand so they can practice, and don’t forget to invite them to the rehearsal (and rehearsal dinner!) to ensure smooth sailing on the big day.
  • Ring Bearer and Flower Girl: have little cousins, nieces, or nephews join the ceremony as ring bearers or flower girls. Feel free to break tradition; nieces are just as cute carrying rings as they are tossing flowers. Some couples even include a small group of children walking down the aisle together as a gesture of inclusion.
  • Toasts: lastly, don’t forget to toast the people who matter most! Whether you raise a glass at the rehearsal dinner or at the wedding reception, be sure to thank influential family members for their love and support.

How are you planning to incorporate family into your wedding day? We can’t wait to host everyone at our Dallas wedding ceremony venue, The Empire Room. We hope you’ll stop by for a tour so we can talk about your vision. In the meantime, soak up the holiday season and enjoy a delicious meal with your loved ones. Happy Thanksgiving!