As a wedding photographer and a mom of two. I know how important it is to include your kids into your wedding day. However, little ones are not always easy to take out of their normal routine. It can feel overwhelming to imagine your wedding day with kids involved as their primary caregiver. I have compiled a list of fun ways to include your kids into the wedding activities and a list of tips to reduce mom and dad’s stress level.
Getting ready together
Have little ones join in for getting ready time. See tips below on how to make this time stress free.
Traditions
Flower Girls, Ring Bearers and Junior Bridal Party members are all great ways kids have been a part of weddings! Little ones coming down in a wagon is so sweet and it gives them a special spot to sit during the ceremony! Kids over 8 make great Jr bridal party members.
Down the Aisle
Walk grandparents down the aisle. This special job lets them walk down the aisle, and sit comfortably with grandparents during the ceremony.
A Special Vow
If you’re a step parent, read special vows to your bonus kids during your ceremony. This can really be beautiful for any kind of parent though!
Family Dance
After the Couple does a first dance, include a dance with parents and kids. An upbeat song can make this extra silly and fun!
Seating for Dinner
Want to eat dinner as a family? Opt for family style seating instead of a head table with the bridal party! Check out this post on tips for seating to learn more.
Engagement Photo Session
Include them in your engagement session and use the photos to decorate!
Ceremony Readings.
Typically weddings include some kinds of readings whether they are religious or not you can include readings that focus on raising children too! Here is a link to some beautiful readings that include children.
Tips for a wedding with kids.
Tips to include kids into your wedding day without adding stress to mom and dad:
- Dad can be in charge until absolutely necessary. Women typically need more time to get ready, and it will be a great way to keep everyone's nerves down. (grandparents would also be a great choice if Dad isn’t an option)
- Once little one’s are ready to join in the preparations of the day, have a babysitter there who isn’t involved in the wedding in any other way. Even if relatives are able to help in spurts, you’ll want someone who’s incharge of feeding and entertaining them so they don’t feel ignored. Don’t have someone? Interview and hire someone from one of these childcare sites.
- Pack a goodie basket with all their favorite toys and snacks. It can be stressful on little ones to be in a new environment where everyone looks different. Having a space with all their comfort items can help them feel at ‘home’ in this special environment.
- Don’t skip rest/nap time. I know this can be SO tough. The best tip I’ve seen is have the person in charge take them on a car ride around town, a car nap is better than no nap!
- Include them in photos for no more than 30 minutes (even the bigger kids). BONUS if you can split this in two 15 minute sections.
- Bring a set of backup clothes for the reception.
Most Importantly...
As a Professional wedding photographer and videographer I have seen many successful weddings with little ones. The most important thing you can do is whatever feels right for your family. It can be easy to compare your day to others but you don't need to! Your day is uniquely yours, own it!
If you're looking for a family focused photographer on your wedding day, Inquire here!
