Family Expansion Contract.

When two lives are joined, so are the families that stand behind them.   In addition to your own exchange of vows, consider this possibility:

- a ceremonial signing of a "family expansion contract" that encourages open-mindedness and generosity among family members. 

If you take this one on, here are a few tips:

Several months before your wedding, meet with primary family members and invite them to help create a document they would be willing to sign.  (Details on how to facilitate this process available in my forthcoming book.)  This will encourage participation and interest in your wedding and the future of your married life. 

During your ceremony, one previously designated representative from each side of the family will be invited to come forward and join you in signing the family document.  Make this experience fun and memorable in the following ways:

- provide a personally engraved pen for each person signing.  The pen then is given as a gift in thanks for their valued participation in this ceremonial event.

- after your wedding day, frame copies of the document for each relevant family member.  Choose a frame suitable for display in each recipient's home.  This makes a unique gift honoring their importance in your life, and it provides constant reminder of your invitation for their support of your marriage.