By Danielle Galvin
I’d always loved the idea of having children at my wedding.
In primary school, I was a flower girl at my cousin’s wedding and it was one of the most vivid, favourite memories I have of my childhood.
I remember dancing the night away with my extended family, and how excited I was to have my hair up in a bun, ringed with flowers.
I wore a dress made by my late aunty.
When I got married in December last year, both my children, aged 9 months and 4 at the time, were there.
Earlier in the year my daughter was a flower girl at my best friend’s wedding, and she was one of about 10 children who attended.
Gone are the days when kids aren’t welcome at weddings.
At ours, there were numerous babies and a few toddlers too.
During the planning process, we thought long and hard about how to make it as easy as possible.
The priority was making sure they were well looked after, happy, comfortable and that we could also enjoy the day (it was 12 years in the making!)
With this in mind, below are some tips if you’re planning on having children attend your wedding, in the bridal party or if your kids are coming along to an upcoming wedding:
1. Hire a nanny or pay a relative or someone you trust to babysit
Having someone dedicated to the children all day is important, particularly during the afternoon when people are getting ready and into the evening as they get tired.
Hiring someone local who comes highly recommended is a great option, or if you’re looking for something more affordable, asking a teenaged relative is another idea.
At our wedding, we hired a local nanny who had great reviews, and she was beautiful with my two children, and my 10-month-old nephew.
It was the best money we spent, especially because my four-year-old wasn’t 100 per cent on the day and found it all a bit overwhelming.
2. Have a designated play area
If you search social media you’ll see photos of teepees set up with toys, activities and small tables for kids to play at after the ceremony and leading into the reception. It’s a great idea, especially if there are going to be lots of kids from toddler age up.
3. Buy activity packs
One thing we learned from a recent wedding is that children don’t care about speeches, as lovely as they are.
The reception for them can often be the most tiring, boring part.
That’s why it’s great to engage them and cater to them as much as possible.
Activity packs with colouring in books, stickers and more is a good way to keep them busy, even if only for an hour or so.
4. Be conscious of nap times.
Weddings can be a long day for everyone involved.
If kids are in the bridal party and need their hair done or might be required for photos, it’s always good to try and plan out the day and try to factor in a nap or at least some rest time for any children attending, before the reception.
It can be an overwhelming day for them and a nap may help put them in a good mood, whether that’s in a car ride on the way there or a quiet spot at the house where you’re getting ready.
5. Stay somewhere close by.
We weren’t to know at the time, but booking a venue with accommodation on site was a lifesaver for our children. It meant they were all in bed by 8pm, asleep and content.
It also meant that for our guests who had children in attendance, they also put their children to bed so they could enjoy the night.
Most had a relative stay too, to tend to the children.
Most asked a relative to stay as well on site so they could be with the children until the end of the reception.
Another idea is staying somewhere close by, as opposed to trying to drive home late at night.
6. Know when to call it quits.
As parents, most of us are in tune with our children when we can see they are over-tired, cranky and a meltdown is imminent.
If possible, if you have a young child in a wedding party who is also invited to the reception, get someone to pick them up early in the night.
By 8pm most preschoolers would be getting tired and ready for some down time.
