Inviting Babies and Children to Weddings

This can be an emotive and important decision. Having several children in the bridal party is an essential ingredient of the day.

Remember it is the bride and groom's day, so parents of babies and children it is your responsability to get them ready and to ensure that they will not disrupt proceeding and enjoy the event.

 

Tips to ensure perfect behaviour

Well before hand

• Involve them and talk to them about what is going to happen, explain what they must do and not do.
• If part of the bridal party, make them rehearse, take them to the place where the ceremony will take place 
• Explain how important their role is, that the bride and groom are the focus of the event 
• Allow ample space between the bride and the children, so that they can be "oohed" and "ahed" whilst allowing the bride be the focus as she processes down the aisle.  
• Make them try the clothes they will be wearing on the day; if wearing new shoes, make them break them in ahead of time and scuff up the bottom with sandpaper 
• Rehearse dressing their hair and placing headdresses for little girls if they are going to be bridesmaids
• If not already acquainted, make sure the children meet each other well before the day and rehearse together in order to work as a team
• Older children should look after smaller ones when taking part in the bridal party

'On the Day' Guide for Parents
 

• Feed them a small meal before the wedding
• Babies should have had a nap  
• Prepare your children - but dress them at the last possible minute
• For really little ones put on a large bib to be removed before the event begins
• To avoid accidents take them to the toilet immediately before the ceremony begins - as they get nervous too!

At the Reception

• Have a children's table where the older ones take care of the smaller ones
• Negotiate a children's menu with the caterers as well as price and portion control
• Provide children's activity packs to keep them occupied 
• Parents must ensure that children do not get cranky by missing their bed times 

For parents with very young children and mothers who are breast feeding please remember that you have the right to refuse - the bride and groom will understand.