12 Tips for Children in Weddings

 
12 Tips for Children in Weddings

Inviting children to take part in your celebration can make it even more special. However, the last thing you want to worry about is your flower girl and ring bearer becoming impatient, restless or fidgety on the day of the wedding. Here are some helpful tips to ensure that the day goes smoothly...

1. As a general rule, when choosing children to take part in your wedding as a flower girl or ring bearer, it is usually best (or at least more predictable) to have children ages four and above. Now, of course, each child is different and you'll want to consider their personality (very shy vs. outgoing) and maturity level as well.
2. In the weeks before the wedding day, talk to your flower girl and ring bearer about the events that will take place before and throughout the wedding day. Explain what they will wear, where they will go and what they will have to do. The better young attendants can visualize their role in the wedding, the better prepared they will be to cooperate and participate as you would like them to.
3. Choose outfits for the flower girl and ring bearer that are comfortable. Choose comfortable fabrics - - ones that don't scratch or irritate the skin. Be sure the children wear comfortable shoes, and if the shoes are new - that they have a chance to "break them in" prior to the wedding day.
4. Purchase some books - - there are some wonderful books that not only inform flower girls and ring bearers of their role in the wedding, but also welcome and celebrate them as a very special part of the bridal party.
5. Invite all of your young attendants and their parents to the rehearsal. Let the children practice walking down the aisle several times so that they will feel more comfortable of their role on the "big day".
6. Make sure that the children know exactly where their parents will be seated during the ceremony. Depending on the length and style of the ceremony, you may want the children to go and sit with their parents during the ceremony.
7. The parents of the flower girl and ring bearer should be invited to the rehearsal dinner. However, many rehearsal dinners can go as late as 10:00 or even later. Therefore, it is recommended that the children not attend the dinner. Talk with the parents to see if a babysitter could be arranged ahead of time.
8. Ask the parents of your flower girl and ring bearer to make sure their children are well rested before the wedding. A good night's sleep the night before, or even a nap the day of, can help little ones get through the day.
9. Assign a bridesmaid to each child in the bridal party. Have each of your secret helpers keep a goody bag handy. Fill it with nutritious treats (dry cereal, crackers, carrot sticks), crayons and paper, a bottle of water and small travel games. These kid supplies will come in handy while traveling from the church to the reception, while waiting for photographs to be taken, or during the reception.
10. Take photos with the flower girl and ring bearer as early in the day as possible --preferably before the ceremony. Then, there is less chance that their outfits could get dirty, torn, wrinkled... you know how kids are!
11. Be sure to express your heartfelt appreciation to the children in your bridal party. Photographs make a cherished gift for flower girls and ring bearers of all ages. They will enjoy reflecting on pictures of themselves and remembering the special role they played in your wedding.
12. Kids are unpredictable! All the practice and preparation in the world does not mean that they will perform their role "flawlessly". Don't expect perfection. Remember, if it doesn't go just as planned, it will make for entertaining clips in your wedding video.

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