My cousin's 16th birthday on our wedding day?

Question

My cousin has opted to not have a birthday party for her 16th birthday but instead come to my wedding. I know a wedding is suppose to be all about the bride and groom but...

Would you help celebrate her birthday at your wedding reception with a cake and a song?

Answer 1

I think that would be very memorable for her sweet 16, have the waiters bring her a small cake with candles and have the DJ make an announcement for everyone to sing to her.  

Answer 2

Totally!  Even though it's "your" day, I'm betting that the smile and shock on her face when you recognize her birthday will only add to the joy of your day, and it will be a memory that neither of you will forget.

Answer 3

If she'd like that kind of thing, I think it's fine. I'd check with her or her parents first, though, because that can be really embarrassing to a lot of teens. (And if she wouldn't like that kind of thing, then I'd at least pull her aside at some point during the evening, wish her a happy birthday, thank her for coming and maybe give her a nice little gift.)

Your wedding reception is about your GUESTS, to thank them for coming to the wedding. I'm not saying that it's not your special day, too, but to think that the entire day should be only about the bride/groom is just ridiculous and selfish. A cake/cupcake and a song would take all of three minutes.

Answer 4

Are you close to your cousin?  Would you mind her having the spotlight be on her instead of you and your fiance for five minutes while everyone sings happy birthday to her and she cuts a small personalized cake and dances to a special song?

Honestly, if she was one of my close cousins, who I see often and really have a connection with, I would surprise her with a small cake, flowers, and a dedicated song at the reception.  I really wouldn't mind taking 5-10 minutes out of the time of the reception for it to focus on her, my cousin who gave up having a sweet 16 party to come to my wedding.  It would make her feel special and she wouldn't forget it.

But that's just me...not everyone would do that.

Good luck!

Answer 5

No. Do it at the rehearsal if you feel compelled.  

Answer 6

I would if it was my cousin.

Answer 7

A wedding is a celebration of family - not just about the bride & groom - so why not!  If you are close to her, I'm sure she would love it!  Ask the DJ or band to lead a singing of Happy Birthday.  I'm willing to bet it will be her most favorite birthday memory!

Answer 8

Personally, I wouldn't - the wedding is about the two of you. But what about helping her throw a party of some sort on the weekend before the wedding? I know it would be kind of a busy time, but a 16th birthday party doesn't have to be a lot - cake, and order out for pizza, and get some soda, snacks, and streamers. Or, invite her along on the bachelorette party if it's at all possible, and celebrate her birthday that night - I bet she'd love it!

Answer 9

That would be a great idea!

Answer 10

No. Some guests might be confused and wonder if they were supposed to know about it and bring a gift for her as well. And, as others have said, it's your wedding, not a multi-occasion event.

Celebrate with her just before your wedding - if you have time - or after your honeymoon.

Hope this helps!

Answer 11

i think that is SO sweet and SO unselfish of you. When I got married I would have never done that because I was the bride and it was all about me (I was a BIG baby!) However, your very kind thought shows a lot of maturity and love on your part.....small cake and song...very sweet! You are a class act.

Answer 12

It's completely up to you, but I think it's a very sweet thought.

If you're close to her, and want to her to share in a piece of your day, by all means do it.  

Answer 13

Yes!  That's very sweet.  Get a mini cake (or a cupcake) just for her, since you'll already be having a wedding cake.  Then after your first dance, cutting the cake, toasts and everything, have the DJ (if you're having one) announce, "This song goes out to _________.  Happy 16th Birthday!"  Then play "Sixteen Candles" by The Crests.  It's a very sweet oldies song.  If she's not too shy, you could ask the groomsmen to all take turns dancing with her.

IMO, I think that would be a cute way to celebrate.  And of course bring her a gift.

Answer 14

yeahh! why not then? :)

i would have birthday cake and a song for her.. it wouldnt hurt ppl from that.

Answer 15

Depends how close you are. If you only see her once-twice a year, don't feel obligated.

BUT it sounds like the two of you are somewhat closer than this from your post. You could do so at the rehearsal dinner or even the reception, depending on how you feel about her.

Answer 16

No. If you are close with her you may want to have the DJ dedicate a song to her or say something, but leave it to that- short & sweet :)