TOP TIPS ON PREPARING TO TAKE YOUR CHILD TO A WEDDING

Weddings are a wonderful celebration for those that you care about, and it's an honour to be invited as a guest. Although fun and a beautiful occasion, the travelling and planning required to attend can be tiring and at times stressful, and that's without children. So, if your child has been invited to join in too then the organisation may increases x10 fold. Below I've listed my top tips on what to consider if your toddler or pre-schooler is invited to a wedding.

As some of you may already know, Big Bee and Little Bee were recently asked to be key members of my sister's bridal party and my brother-in-laws groomsmen party, respectively. Before this they have attended their fair share of weddings. I'm not professing to being an expert at taking children to a wedding, but I do know it feels like a special ops mission when you take your young children with you. I thought it worth sharing my top tips from my experiences, just in case it is comes in use to someone else taking their own child or children to a wedding.

Searching for the beautiful bride

Outfit, shoes and back-ups - Wedding attire is smarter than your day-to-day garb, and therefore some preparation for a suitable outfit and shoes may be required. Like anything, you want to ideally select something that can be reused for another upcoming event and that's going to be comfortable. Make sure you pack a back-up outfit that is equally suitable for any explosions or mishaps. On that note, don't forget to pack lots of nappies and baby wipes.

Travel - If you can, try and get most of the travel done before the wedding day, as to minimise stress and tiredness on all fronts. If this is possible, then try and arrive at your accommodation in good time to get your child settled and ready for the start of your bedtime routine.

Sleep before the wedding - If possible, try and make sure that the children have good naps the day before the wedding (to reduce any impact on night sleep) and ensure that they get to bed on time following their usual routine. Also, try and get a good night's sleep yourself as the following day will be a long one and lots of multi-tasking will ensue. Oh, and if you can perhaps grow some extra limbs in the night that will be advantageous.

Prepare the children for what the day will entail (age appropriate) - To say that Big Bee loves a wedding would be an understatement. Any excuse for a party and that girl is practically running out of the door. But giving some context of what the day will entail is helpful to them, and can help make the day go as smoothly as possible.

Our emergency entertainment kit

Bring entertainment/toys - Weddings can be long, and at times boring for little people. There are a lot of moments throughout the day when they are 'expected' to be sit with the adults, and at times be quiet - the service, meal and speeches. So it's essential to bring different forms of entertainment for your child (and not to expect the bride and groom to accommodate). Our top recommendations include: bubbles, colouring book and crayons, stickers, GALT Water Magic, some of their favourite books, GALT First Sticker Pictures (as mentioned on the 'HOW TO KEEP YOUR TODDLER ENTERTAINED WHILST TRAVELLING' blog), and any of their favourite toys. You may also find it appropriate to take a tablet and headphones too. You will be the best to gauge your own child, but you may find it best to take your toddler/pre-schooler out during parts of the ceremony and/or speeches, or position yourself somewhere for an easy exit if they get irritable or restless and need a run around.

Naps and nappy changes - At these sorts of events children can quickly become overwhelmed and overstimulated, so try and stick to your normal schedule as best as you can, especially with regards to your child's nap times. Try and identify before the day whether there will be somewhere for your child to sleep that may be quieter, and also to do nappy changes that won't involve you doing it amongst the wedding party. At a couple of the venues we have been to there has been a room that has been designated for younger children to nap etc. Depending on the venue you may be able to call ahead and speak with someone who works there, otherwise I recommend you speak with the bride or groom before the week of the wedding. Otherwise, it may just involve tucking your pram into a corner (or strolling around the grounds) with a snooze shade over it, or finding somewhere discreet to do a nappy change.

Food and snacks - Make sure that you have thought about lunch for the children (and yourselves) before the ceremony. For ease you might find it easier to take a packed lunch. If it is possible, try and find out in good time what time the food will be served, and what the meal for the children will include. If you know that your child will not be a fan of this option then take a back-up meal to keep the wolf from the door. Plenty of snacks and water is a must. Don't forget to pack the bibs!

Life is mostly froth and bubble when celebrating a wedding

Quiet time - If your child is used to having some quiet time during the day instead of a nap. It may be a good idea to take them away from the crowd and give them some space and some 'chill time'. This may involve going for a little walk with them, giving them a game to play independently, or finding a spot to read them a story.

Ear defenders - For those little ones who love to have a dance, or if you are staying late to enjoy a bit of the music then pack these. We purchased ours off of Amazon.

Childcare support - If possible, arrange for a babysitter, friend or family member (who is not attending the wedding) to collect the children at a pre-arranged time so that you can enjoy the rest of the evening child-free.

Be kind to yourself - It's highly likely that naps won't be as long, healthy food options will be ignored, and some overtired crankiness could potentially ensue...and?! It's for one day. Let all your expectations of how the day should go like float away to a distant magical land and just enjoy yourself with your friends, family and children!

We would love to hear if you have any additional tips that you may have up your sleeves when children and weddings are involved.