Wedding planning can often feel like a monumental task, where each decision seems to carry the weight of the world. My partner and I faced a myriad of choices, from selecting eight different cakes because I simply couldn’t choose just one, to allowing my bridesmaids to pick their own dresses, which turned out to be a mix of styles (some of which I had to veto). But amidst all these decisions, one stood out as a no-brainer: we wanted to invite children.
Let’s face it, kids at weddings can be absolutely adorable. As a bride who was determined not to let anyone steal my spotlight, I embraced the joy that little ones bring. I couldn’t help but smile when our flower girl twirled around with the groom, balancing on his shoes. It remains one of my fondest memories.
I understand, however, that not everyone shares this sentiment. Weddings can be costly, and sometimes couples need to restrict the guest list for financial reasons. Plus, some folks are well aware of that one relative who might indulge a bit too much and cause a scene. It’s understandable that kids won’t fit into every wedding scenario.
But when it works? It can be an absolute blast.
Now that my partner and I are parents, we often deliberate whether to bring our little ones to weddings. Our experiences with our 4-year-old son and 2-year-old daughter are always unpredictable. Long ceremonies, loud music, and late nights can lead to chaos. Recently, I found myself agonizing over whether to leave our children with relatives while attending a wedding a few hours away. Ultimately, we decided to take them along, armed with preparation.
I packed our old iPods with games and shows for distraction, brought a stroller for tired legs, and stocked up on snacks, crayons, and small toys. I even included hearing-protective earmuffs for our son, who is sensitive to loud noises. My partner and I agreed that if things went south, we would simply leave.
To our astonishment, we survived a lengthy Catholic mass with our kids, who had never been to church before. I was grateful for the activity books and crayons that kept them occupied. However, when we reached the reception, our son woke up cranky and overwhelmed from the noise. I briefly considered calling it a night and heading back to our hotel.
As I was strategizing our exit, I saw the dessert table being set up. I seized the moment: “If you let me put your earmuffs on, you can have all the cookies you want.” With the allure of sweets, he agreed, and we had a delightful cookie feast. That change of pace lifted our spirits and transformed the evening.
Moments later, we found ourselves back on the dance floor. Our son showcased his best moves while our daughter joined in, and I couldn’t help but dance alongside them. It turned into a night full of laughter and cherished memories, including a sweet slow dance with a flower girl.
Had we chosen to leave our children behind, we would have enjoyed a more adult-oriented evening, but we would have missed out on some of our most treasured moments as a family. Weddings are celebrations filled with joy, bringing together loved ones; I’m grateful ours included our little ones.
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In summary, while kids may not always be the ideal wedding guests, their presence can contribute to unforgettable memories. Embracing the chaos they bring can lead to some truly magical moments.