Weddings are joyous occasions—who doesn’t love celebrating love with family and friends? However, attending a wedding with young children can sometimes feel overwhelming. Balancing the excitement of the event with ensuring your child behaves appropriately is key. Here’s a guide to help parents navigate wedding etiquette when bringing kids along.
The Golden Rule: Respect the Couple’s Wishes
When it comes to etiquette with children at weddings, the most important thing is to respect the couple’s wishes. If their invitation says “adults only” or “no children,” it’s best to honor that request. Remember, this isn’t a personal slight; it’s their special day, and they’ve probably put a lot of thought into their decision. By respecting their wishes, you’re showing support for their big day!
Do’s for Parents Attending Weddings with Kids
RSVP Accurately
If your little ones are invited to the special occasion, be sure to include them in your RSVP. This not only helps the couple with their seating and catering plans but also gives them a heads-up on how many kiddos to expect. Knowing this can also influence their decision about providing on-site childcare, so make sure to mark them as “attending” if you’ll be bringing them along!
Prepare Your Child for the Special Day
Before the wedding, it’s a great idea to chat with your child about how to behave during the event. Explain that weddings are special occasions worthy of respect. If they are very young or attending their first wedding, try to have some fun role-playing at home to prepare them!
If your child has a special role on the big day, like being a ring bearer or flower girl, practice walking down the aisle together beforehand. Rehearsing at home can make them feel more at ease and excited for the big day, especially if they are a bit shy.
Bring Activities for Your Child
When heading to a wedding with your child, it’s a great idea to pack a bag full of quiet activities to entertain them during the ceremony and reception. Consider bringing coloring books, small toys, or some fun books to read. Just be sure that whatever you choose won’t make noise or interrupt the day’s special moments. Chatting with the couple beforehand might also be helpful to see if there’s a cozy spot to set your child up with these activities, enjoy the festivities, and still check on them to ensure they’re safe and having fun.
Be Mindful of Distraction
It’s natural for little ones to get restless during a ceremony, so if your child starts to get noisy, it’s okay to step out for a bit. Missing a few moments is much better than causing a distraction for everyone else. To make this easier, choose seats toward the back of the room or near an aisle if possible. This way, you can quietly exit if needed without disrupting the flow of the event.
While you want to be part of this beautiful day, it’s important to remember that this is a special occasion for the couple. If things start to get a bit loud, especially during special moments like vows or speeches, a quick step outside can help maintain the atmosphere for the couple and other guests. They will appreciate your mindfulness!
Use Designated Childcare
If the couple offers on-site childcare, be sure to take advantage of it! It’s a great opportunity for your kids to have fun in a safe environment while you soak in the celebration. Of course, your little ones can still join in some of the festivities with you, but remember that the couple created this childcare option to help guests enjoy the event without any distractions. So why not let the kids have their fun while you do too?
Thank the Couple
Make sure you express your gratitude to the couple for including your children in their special day–whether at the event or in a note afterward. They certainly could’ve opted for an adult-only wedding, so including your child was an intentional decision. Let them know how much it meant to you to have your child included in their celebration, and maybe even send them a few pictures of your kiddo enjoying the day!
Don’ts for Parents Attending Weddings with Kids
Don’t Let Your Child Run Wild
It’s normal for your child to be a little extra excited on the wedding day because of all the preparation, special outfits, music, and opportunity to see other family and friends. While you want your child to enjoy themselves, it’s important to keep an eye on them during the ceremony and reception so they don’t run around the space unmonitored. This way, they can have fun without interrupting other guests or the professionals, like photographers and catering staff, working to make the day special.
Don’t Rely on Others to Care for Your Child
It takes a village to raise a child, but remember: you’re responsible for your child’s behavior during the wedding. While it can be tempting to hope that other guests will step up to help, especially if you know they’re excited to spend time with your little one, keep in mind that they are also there to celebrate and have a good time. If you think you might need some extra help with childcare during the celebration, consider hiring a sitter to accompany you to the wedding–their support can make a major difference in your ability to relax and enjoy the event!
Don’t Bring Loud or Disruptive Toys
While we recommend having some activities on hand to keep your child entertained during the wedding, try to avoid large or noisy toys that might distract other guests. Instead, consider packing quieter options, like their favorite books, fun coloring pages, or cozy stuffed animals. Toys that make sounds can be lots of fun, but it’s best to leave them at home. This way, your child can have a great time without interrupting the festivities.
Don’t Ignore Your Child’s Needs
If your little one starts to feel tired, hungry, or upset, it’s a great idea to address those needs as soon as possible. When children are seeking attention for a while, they might become a bit disruptive to others around them. Plus, if they get overly fussy, you might need to step away from all the fun activities to tend to them. Keeping their needs in mind will help prevent you from missing out on some fun!
Don’t Let Kids Touch the Cake or Decorations
Shiny table centerpieces can easily look like fun toys to toddlers, and of course, your child might get excited when they see a huge cake being rolled out! Remind your child that while these decorations are lovely to look at, they’re not meant for playing. Since wedding decor can be delicate and costly, it’s best to admire everything from a distance. But when it comes to enjoying a slice of cake? That’s a whole different story—time to dig in!
Don’t Let Kids Interfere with the Dance Floor
Kids bring joy to any celebration with their adorable dance moves! That said, keep an eye on your little ones while they’re having fun on the dance floor. It’s important to make sure they aren’t in the way of professional photographers or videographers trying to capture those special moments. Not only does this help everyone stay focused on the dance floor, but it also ensures your child’s safety. With all the excitement, it’s easy for guests to miss a little dancer! Keeping them in sight will help prevent any bumps or accidents.
Need Extra Help? Consider a Jovie Babysitter
Even if you’re excited about having your child at the wedding, sometimes it’s helpful to know you have backup. A trusted babysitter can assist at the event or stay with your child if they need to leave early. Jovie sitters offer reliable support, ensuring your child is cared for while you enjoy the celebration stress-free.
This way, you can ensure your child is well taken care of throughout the wedding, whether they need to go home or to the hotel after a few hours or just need some fun activities at the venue while you enjoy the celebration. Jovie sitters are flexible and ready to help make your day go smoothly!
