Everyone loves to see cute little kids in weddings. On a good day, they add joy and adorable memories to your celebration. Many couples have younger family members (nieces, nephews, brothers, sisters, cousins etc…) who are counting on them to make their flower girl/ring-bearer dreams come true. And all of this usually works out just fine when those kids are mature enough to understand and be excited about what’s expected from them. But what about the kids who have no idea and are just too young to care? What can you do to ensure a better day for all? Here are 3 tips for success that will encourage cooperation and discourage wedding day meltdowns:
- Respect their need for snacks, naps, comfortable clothes, and breaks: Provide non-messy snacks and water on the wedding day, and choose outfits made of comfortable material that won’t irritate delicate skin and fussy dispositions.
- Don’t require them to be at the posed photo session earlier or later than necessary: Naps can make a huge difference in wedding day behavior, so check with their parents and have them in photos after the nap – not before. Limiting their attendance at the posed photo session to 15 minutes will curb boredom and tantrums too.
- Use their parents and bribes to your advantage: If a child is too scared to walk alone, allow a parent or older child to walk with them. Another strategy is the promise of a special treat once they reach their parent’s seat.
Kids can be unpredictable, but a little pre-planning and empathy go a long way for the youngest members of your bridal party (and their parents). If you make a conscious decision that it does not matter if they make it down the aisle, you’ll take the pressure off everyone involved – including yourself!
*Photos by David Stephen Photography
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