Planning a wedding is always an exciting journey, but when you have children, it can bring a new layer of complexity. You might feel the pull between wanting to have the perfect day while also ensuring that your children feel included and comfortable in what can be a very grown-up event.
The good news is that with a little foresight and some adjustments, you can plan a memorable and enjoyable wedding for everyone involved.
Choosing Your Rings and Dress
When it comes to selecting your wedding day attire, you want to think about more than just how beautiful it’ll look in photos. Think about comfort and practicality as well.
For instance, you might not want to pick a dress that’s too elaborate, as it could be difficult to move around in, especially if you’re chasing after a toddler or wrangling an infant.
Similarly, you’ll want to choose jewelry that aligns with your overall aesthetic on the day, selecting additional pieces that match perfectly with your wedding or engagement rings.
Choosing these items should still feel special. Keep in mind that you can have a beautiful ring and a stunning dress while ensuring they suit the realities of your life with children.
Consider Their Usual Routine
Your children’s usual routine matters more than you may think when planning your wedding.
Weddings often involve late nights, unfamiliar faces, and overwhelming excitement, all of which can throw off a child’s schedule. To minimize stress on the big day, try to plan the ceremony around their usual nap times or mealtimes. This will help avoid meltdowns and ensure they’re in a better mood during the event.
If you’re having a long ceremony, consider hiring a caregiver or trusted friend to step in if your child gets fussy. Having someone familiar around can help ease their nerves if they’re feeling out of sorts.
Make Sure to Bring the Essentials
The day of your wedding can be chaotic, so don’t forget the essential items that will make the day more manageable.
Pack a well-stocked diaper bag or a similar tote with all the necessities, such as snacks, diapers, extra clothes, wipes, and maybe a favorite toy or two to comfort your child. These small things will help avoid stress in case of any unexpected needs.
Also, think ahead about any potential food or drink issues. Children often have specific tastes or dietary needs, so having options on hand can save time and prevent tantrums.
Get Your Children Involved in the Big Day
A wedding is a celebration of love, and children are a big part of that. Finding ways to involve them can make your wedding even more special.
Depending on their age, you can have them participate in the ceremony by walking down the aisle, holding the rings, or even offering a reading. It’s important to think about what roles they’ll be comfortable with, so try to keep it light and fun for them so that they don’t feel pressured.