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If you are a parent or guardian, the question will always arise as whether to bring children, or not, to a wedding. Of course the first step to consider is if the bride and groom have actually invited the children. If they have not, then it is inappropriate for you to bring them. If they are invited, then you have to decide what would be best for you.
Generally children tire easily and need to be entertained for boredom not to set in. Ask yourself if you are prepared to look after them while you are trying to absorb what is happening during the ceremony or if you would be more comfortable leaving them with a sitter.
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Allow a little leverage for mood swings. Children can become very cranky and temperamental if they are stretched beyond their limit even if they are part of the bridal party, where they would have a role to play, much less being a guest where they are basically just observing.
Be prepared that they will need to rest at times during the celebration. Try to consider spots where it would be ok for them to nap.
Generally with very young children, their age works in their favour and can rest on you quite seamlessly without raising attention but for an older child, you will have to decide what would be an appropriate place to put him or her down to rest.
Bring a small pillow with you. as you can see from the photograph below, the child wants to sleep and has rested on a hard surface; making minor arrangements ensures that children are comfortable.
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Younger
children are naturally fidgety and don’t keep still for long periods of time. They are unable to follow protocol like an older child and part of their learning process is to explore. Be mindful that they don't wander off and their explorations border on something which they should not touch; you will have to watch them at all times.
If bringing a very young child to a wedding be aware that the crying of infants and the constant "SHhhh" may annoy other guests as well as the bride and groom. Older children from five and six onwards are more capable of being quiet during a ceremony.
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WHAT YOU CAN DO
If your children are noisy and distracting the best thing for you to do is to take them outside. You can avoid some of this by preparing them early with a few little guidelines in a way which they can understand, just basically explaining that this is a very important occasion and that they need to be on their best behaviour. You can bring toys of a small and light nature to keep the children entertained at intervals. Inform your hosts promptly if you are bringing children so that they can arrange special kids meals and save money. Children are finicky eaters and require little and often, bring a few snacks to keep them satisfied during the long wait before the reception.
TIME FACTOR
Consider that this is a very long day and regardless of how the children were able to nap, eat etc, the long duration, in an unfamiliar environment, with so much excitement, will eventually become too much for them and they really will need to go home. Try to see that the children do not have to conform to adult hours, especially for an evening wedding and not stay until the celebration finishes, into the small hours of the morning. |
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