Children and dogs are unpredictable
If you are thinking of having young children in your wedding party, here are some things to think about, and plan ahead for:
Learn the personality of your little niece. Perhaps she is so shy she may not even make it down the aisle! So many little children have found all those ‘tall grown ups’ on both sides of the aisle very intimidating. It is wise to plan ahead for the personalities of each child involved. Have they ever been in a wedding party before – or even been to a wedding? Do they really understand what is expected of them on the day? Do they know how to behave? You might consider having two or three young children walk down the aisle together in a cluster – like the Royals do.
The children will be much more relaxed and happier about this less formal arrangement. Especially relevant is to understand that no bride will truly ever have complete control over what may (or may not) happen as they come down the aisle. My advice is to plan for success and wisely, expect the unexpected.
Make It Fun!
Brainstorm ideas to make the ceremony more fun for the children. Often times, because they have never been to a wedding before, and don’t know what to expect. Some ideas are to give a stuffed animal or doll they will keep after the service. Their gift cost is surely the same as a basket and fresh flowers and they may delight in this thoughtful surprise. Some teddy bears can even be dressed ‘bridal’. They will forever have a fun remembrance of their starring role in your wedding party. Your niece is angelic, give her a set of fairy wings. She’ll have lots of fun wearing them for the whole day.
Here’s an opposite situation, perhaps, your nephew is a macho man! I suggest maybe a truck or transformer presented to him that has the wedding rings carefully tied on a satin ribbon to his new truck. You’re guaranteed great pictures of a smiling happy boy at your wedding!
Now What?
And after the service, their job is done. Some parents really do want an adult evening away from children. Consider that the few children present going to be bored. Is there anyone else around to play with? In my experience, it is especially relevant to plan well for children on the wedding day. Most of all, discuss these issues ahead with the parents well before the wedding day; no one likes surprises. Perhaps make arrangements for someone to come to your wedding location and take them home. Finally, it will just become a delightful parent’s night out; the kids are going home!
Catering Planned for Children
First of all, make plans with your caterer for simple child friendly foods. It can be easier for the family if the children are served a wee bit earlier than the main meal.
Children’s Area
I would also suggest that if there enough children that you hire someone fun to organize and set up a few children’s activities. These need to be quiet and age suitable. Bring a tablet or game for entertainment, or plan a fast trip to the dollar store to buy fun arts and crafts activities; glue and stickers.
If you can, it would be great to have a quieter area at your venue for this activity. Just a little bit of planning ahead can reap great rewards. Your guests and children will appreciate your consideration. Provide an experience that is sweetly memorable for you as the couple and the children. Something else to consider: a wedding pajama party! Yeah! With sleeping bags, cousins, and staying up late as the big treat. All things considered, happy parents will be carrying home sleepy, happy children.