Your Wedding Tips: How to Enjoy the Children

Some of the most beautiful and memorable sights at your wedding may be the actions of the children you allow to participate in your special day. Whether it is how they walk down the aisle or how they behave at the reception, children can usually provide some extra wedding day smiles. However, to make the experience good for you and the children, special attention should be given to their presence and tasks as you plan your wedding.

What Role Do the Children Play?

What do you want the children to do at your wedding? Knowing exactly how they will participate will help you outline which children you need, appropriate ages, and more. For instance, do you want young ring bearers or flower girls? What will they be doing as they walk down the aisle? Will they be wheeling a wagon or throwing flowers? By envisioning how the children will participate, you will know how to effectively plan for your special day.

Let The Children Help

If the children participating in your wedding are old enough, allow them to have some role in planning their part in the wedding. Maybe they can choose the flower petals or pick out the dress or tuxedo. The more they feel a part of the details, the easier it will be to get the child to do what you want.

Have a Child Wrangler Available

Despite the best wedding planning in the world, children are still unpredictable. Sometimes they walk the wrong way, cry in the aisle, pull off tablecloths, and more. Have a member of the wedding party in charge of the children involved. This way, if there is trouble, someone is always watching and knows how to handle the situation.

Don’t Force Anything

Sometimes a child will tell you that he or she is able to walk down the aisle just fine. They practice and practice with no problem. Then, when it really matters, stage fright ensues. Just take a deep breath and go with your “Plan B.” In your wedding planning you should always plan for that stage fright and have an alternate solution. For instance, if young Tyler won’t walk down the aisle and starts to cry, have Mom come carry him down toward the front. If Shari won’t sit still, have a toy available for her to play with during the ceremony.

Budget Your Time Well

Children cannot stand for long periods nor does their attention span allow for hundreds of photos. Try to budget your time to alleviate any tantrums or boredom for the children involved in the wedding. Work with the parents and photographers to get the children’s portions done quickly and painlessly.