Easy Event Ideas

Usually I post about tips on planning events but today I’m going to discuss some tips on being a guest! Before I do I have a message for the wedding couple.  If you’re reading this please understand that by inviting parents of small children and their children to your wedding you need to accept a few things.  Their children will be loud, messy, may cry during the ceremony, may get the wedding dress dirty, may cause the couple to need to leave early, will need things like high chairs and food that is different and served most likely before the rest of the guests, and breast feeding moms will need a place to pump or feed baby that is quiet or where they can cover up that is not a bathroom.  Be patient and calm with these friends and family with children.  They want to celebrate your day and have fun with you but having their baby there will be work for them without a doubt!!!

This past weekend was my brothers wedding.  I was a bridesmaid and of course my 11 month old was in attendance! It’s a stressful endeavor to take a toddler or baby to a wedding especially if one parent is in the wedding party, so here are some tips to get you through:

• Pack lots of snacks and water to keep them happy.
• Have them wear a pair of shoes because that floor can get gross fast.  We have never had our little one wear shoes before the wedding but since he’s walking we didn’t want him to walk on what could potentially be broken glass without shoes.
• Stand at the back of the ceremony with your little one to make a quick exit in case of tears or boisterous squeals.
• Bring a second outfit to change into in case of spillage, poopsplosians, or in case they get to hot.  Our little one was in an adorable outfit with a vest and long pants but the venue was hot so we quickly changed him into his equally handsome short sleeve and  shorts outfit.
• Make sure the venue has a high chair for you and a kids meal ready.  But again bring snacks because dinner time might not line up with your little ones plans and you don’t want a screamer during the father of the brides speech!
• Hire a babysitter for the later evening festivities.  Little one can make it through dinner and speeches but when bedtime rolls around it’s nice to say goodnight and leave them with a sitter while you head back to enjoy the party!
• If it’s a summer wedding bring a fan, sunscreen and possibly bug spray for little one.
• If your little one is smaller bring your stroller or baby carrier in case of naps.
• Bring lots of quiet toys little one can play with while the ceremony, speeches and dinner are going on.
• If little one takes a paci (mine doesn’t) bring a few just in case to keep little one quiet.
• Bathroom facilities may not come equipt with changing stations be prepared to change little one in the car or some other location.
• Bring extra wipes, extra shirt for dad, something to cover mom, and a tide pen just in case little one makes a mess on you.
• Bring your nursing cover and hunt down a place to nurse or pump if you need to at the venue. Bridal rooms are usually a good quiet place to go hide away.  Ask someone in the wedding party or the venue for assistance.
• If you’re breast feeding bring pads with you to make sure you don’t leak if your schedule goes array. Also make sure you are wearing a dress easy to BF or pump in.  I was in a bridesmaid dress that was not conducive to this and I had to take it off and have my husband zip me back in after feeding my little one.

Other notes: Always ask the wedding couple if it’s ok to bring the baby. The invitation should note if they are also invited. Sometimes little ones are allowed at the ceremony but not at the reception so make sure you check.