Tips for weddings with children
With Celebrant Cara Hodge of Brisbane City Celebrants
Let’s talk children at weddings. While some couples opt for child free weddings, others embrace the joy of having excited children involved in their day, particularly when their own children get to play a very special role in their day.
There are many ways to include little ones in your ceremony which depending on their age may involve including a very special mention of them in the ceremony wording or giving them the role of ring security or flower girl, to having them present readings, hand out bubbles, be ushers or be in the bridal party if they are a little older.
Having performed many weddings with children involved the best advice we can give is simply to let children be children.
If they see Mum and Dad stood at the front looking like a Prince and Princess out of a Disney movie, naturally they will be curious and will instinctively want to wonder up and join them, we absolutely encourage this. Trying to keep them away could potentially result in a mid-ceremony tantrum.
We believe having your own child or children around you during the ceremony, adds to the love shared between the family and let’s face it, it doesn’t get much cuter than having a little page boy dressed as a mini-me of his Daddy or a flower girl up there clinging on to Daddy’s leg!
For guests with babies and young children that have also been invited along, the etiquette at weddings is generally to sit towards the back so if baby decides to let out an almighty scream just for giggles, they can quickly exit out of ear shot without any disruption to the ceremony.
If you are expecting a few excitable toddlers may be running around before or after the ceremony, consider child friendly decorations, for example cylinder glass vases or candles lining the aisle or on pedestals may be an accident waiting to happen. Consider keeping potentially breakable décor to a minimum or out of reach and if you’re expecting lots of kiddies to be present, perhaps even have a ‘kids zone’ or welcome toy that can keep occupied. Bubbles are a great way to entertain little ones at weddings and also make for some really great photos.
Finally, as cute as little ring bearers are, avoiding giving them the actual rings until the very last minute. It’s all fun and games when he’s whacking Uncle Phil with the ring cushion, until a ring goes AWOL. Best to have the rings well tied to the little ribbons on the ring cushion and to hand them over to the ring bearer at the last minute.
Most of all involve and enjoy your little ones as they will play a huge part of the magical memories of your special day.
Big thanks to Gabbi and Dan and their sweet son Blaine for allowing us to share these beautiful photos from your wedding at Riverlife and also to Naomi V Photography for capturing these fantastic images.
Cara Hodge – Brisbane City Celebrants Riverlife Wedding
If you enjoyed hearing these tips for children at weddings and are looking for a Celebrant that gets the importance of involving your children on your special day, Cara would love to hear from you. Contact Brisbane City Celebrants for more information and to confirm availability for your special day.