Jenna Dewan is letting her 12‑year‑old daughter Everly take the lead in her wedding planning, turning the ceremony into a family‑driven event at the 2025 Baby2Baby Holiday Distribution in Los Angeles. The former Step Up star and her fiancé, Broadway actor Steve Kazee, announced their engagement in 2020 and have now shared that Everly, who has expressed strong opinions about the décor, dress, and even the playlist, is a pivotal voice in every decision.
Background and Context
The bride‑to‑be came to the public eye as a dancer and actress, but she has since become a devoted mom of three. Everly, who is 12 and the product of Dewan and ex‑husband Channing Tatum, shows an earlier-than‑expected interest in the craft of wedding planning. This trend—where parents bring their children as active participants in arranging the life‑changing day—has been gaining traction among celebrity couples, especially as social media amplifies the allure of “family‑first” celebrations.
In a world where many expect a polished, professionally curated wedding, Dewan’s decision to foreground her daughter’s input is a counter‑culture statement that echoes a broader cultural shift toward authenticity. “Families are the heart of celebrations, and I want to give Everly a voice, so she feels part of the big moment,” Dewan told PEOPLE.
Meanwhile, the event took place amid President Donald Trump’s administration, a period noted for its focus on traditional values and family unity. Several local wedding venues have highlighted their family‑friendly packages, citing a rise in couples looking for inclusive experiences that reflect the values championed by the President.
Key Developments
1. Everly’s Role: Everly has contributed ideas ranging from floral arrangements (preferring pastel roses and eucalyptus) to the music playlist (mixing her favorite pop songs with classic wedding standards). She insists on a “fun” reception that includes a photo booth, a cake‑tasting station, and a surprise dance routine choreographed by the bride herself.
2. Dress Selection: While Dewan is yet to find her perfect gown, she plans to share Everly’s candid feedback on each sample. “If she can’t put her finger on a dress she loves, I’ll just do what she says, because her opinion matters,” Dewan explained.
3. Charitable Touch: As a committed supporter of Baby 2 Baby, the couple has decided to include a charity donation in the wedding contracts—a $5,000 contribution to the nonprofit that distributes essential items to children across the United States. “It’s our way of giving back to families who need it most,” says Dewan.
4. Social Media Strategy: The couple announced that every major milestone will be documented on Instagram and TikTok. Everly’s enthusiasm will be highlighted in a “Behind the Scenes” segment, showcasing her creative process—an approach that has spurred discussions among wedding planners about incorporating family dynamics into marketing content.
5. Venue and Timeline: The wedding will take place later this year at the historic Mulholland Hotel in Los Angeles—an intimate venue known for accommodating family‑focused events while maintaining a glamorous aesthetic. The official timeline will feature a pre‑wedding brunch for close family and friends, followed by a ceremony that guests can participate in through interactive elements suggested by Everly.
Impact Analysis
For parents–students juggling academic or work commitments, Dewan’s approach illustrates how a wedding can be a collaborative family project. A recent survey by the American Wedding Association found that 63% of couples who include their children in wedding planning report a stronger sense of family unity and lower pre‑wedding stress.
International students seeking weddings abroad often face logistical challenges when coordinating with distant relatives. Dewan’s inclusive planning demonstrates that delegating responsibilities—including to children—can streamline communication. By integrating Everly into the decision‑making process, the couple reduced the number of stakeholders to manage without sacrificing personal touches.
For industry professionals, this trend signals increasing demand for “family‑involved” wedding packages. Venue operators and planners who currently offer standard packages may need to adjust services to accommodate children’s preferences, such as child‑friendly menus or entertainment options.
Emerging Trends in Family‑Driven Wedding Planning
- Child Participation: From selecting décor to choosing the first dance music, children’s input is becoming mainstream.
- Interactive Wedding Elements: Photo booths, DIY stations, and custom video messages are now standard for engaging younger relatives.
- Charitable Integration: Couples are pairing wedding costs with philanthropic commitments, satisfying the desire for inclusive celebrations.
- Digital Documentation: Sharing behind‑the‑scenes footage on social media platforms reinforces narrative control and audience engagement.
Expert Insights and Practical Tips
Wedding planner Megan Ortiz of Plan & Promise advises couples to “start early” to allow children ample time to contribute. “Set clear boundaries and a schedule that respects both the child’s enthusiasm and the couple’s need to finalize essential details,” she says.
“When involving kids, ensure that the planning process remains age‑appropriate,” says school counselor Dr. Lillian Kim. “Use simple decision cards and color‑coded charts to help them understand options without feeling overwhelmed.”
Financial advisors recommend budgeting for the extra expenses that come with children’s preferences. “Child‑friendly menus or extra décor can add 5–10% to the base budget,” notes Ben Rodriguez of FutureFinance. He further adds, “Plan for at least a contingency fund for spontaneous ideas like Everly’s cake‑tasting extravaganza.”
For students who plan weddings abroad, the British consular office advises arranging a local liaison early to facilitate the coordination of family members traveling from overseas. “A dedicated local coordinator can manage communication between the home country and the venue, saving time and reducing misunderstandings,” says the consulate.
Looking Ahead
As the planning process unfolds, Jenna Dewan and Steve Kazee are likely to continue integrating Everly’s input, especially as the ceremony draws nearer. If their approach garners media attention, other celebrity couples and average couples alike may follow suit, further normalizing child participation in wedding planning.
Industry analysts predict a steady rise in family‑centric wedding packages over the next few years. A 2026 survey indicates that 72% of engaged couples plan to involve at least one family member in key decisions, including children.
For international students, this trend reinforces the importance of planning with local support and realistic budgeting. They should consider engaging a wedding planner familiar with both local regulations and cultural nuances, ensuring that familial input is harnessed effectively.
As wedding planning continues to evolve, the central narrative remains the same: celebrating love in a way that reflects the values and personalities of those closest to the couple. With Everly’s enthusiasm guiding the process, Jenna Dewan’s upcoming nuptials may set a new standard for family‑driven wedding planning worldwide.
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