When an invitation to a wedding arrives, my partner and I can hardly contain our excitement. Celebrating the union of two people we adore not only fills us with happiness but also brings back wonderful memories of our own wedding day. Nowadays, weddings have transformed into extravagant affairs, and we’re more than ready to dress up and enjoy a fantastic time with friends and family. Plus, let’s be honest: weddings are the perfect occasion to let loose and do the Electric Slide without a second thought.
However, despite our enthusiasm for weddings and all the celebrations that come with them, there’s one detail that can make us cringe: seeing children at the ceremony and reception. Parents, please do your friends a solid and leave your kids at home when attending a wedding.
Now, before you unleash your frustrations at me, let me clarify that my perspective doesn’t apply to couples blending families. Naturally, their children should be present as they witness the union of their parents. There’s something incredibly heartwarming about seeing a family come together during such a significant moment. And breastfeeding mothers? They have a free pass at weddings; in fact, they can have the entire wedding cake if they want!
But beyond immediate family and infants needing nourishment, the spotlight should be on the bride and groom on their special day. Nobody wants to see your child monopolizing the photographer’s attention, right?
I know what you’re thinking: “Who does this person think they are?” I get it—kids are adorable. I’m a sucker for a little boy in a tux or a girl in a frilly dress as much as anyone else. But let’s be real—those charming children can quickly become the center of attention, and not always in a good way.
When little ones are at weddings, they often steal the show. Everyone is cooing over how cute little Johnny looks on the dance floor or snapping photos of him covered in cake. Before you know it, all eyes are on the kids, and the event itself takes a backseat.
How many weddings have you attended where a toddler’s tantrum disrupted the vows? Or where a child ran up and down the aisle just as the bride was about to make her entrance? Admit it; you’ve witnessed a child overshadowing a couple’s big moment, and it’s not amusing.
When my partner and I were planning our wedding, we envisioned a celebration where adults could enjoy themselves, free from distractions. We decided to maintain an adults-only guest list, which led to a surprising number of inquiries from guests asking if they could bring their children. Sorry, but I’m not paying a fortune for each guest just so your kid can throw a fit over dinner choices.
And let’s be honest, the idea that wedding venues can provide kid-friendly meals at a lower cost is often just a myth. We know that fancy macaroni and cheese is likely to go untouched while the child runs around like a whirlwind.
Parents, embrace the chance to have a night off and focus on the couple who invited you to share in their joyous occasion. Wouldn’t you enjoy the festivities more without worrying about taking a toddler to the restroom every few minutes or keeping them from darting onto the dance floor during the father-daughter dance?
So why would you want to bring a child to a wedding reception? They aren’t designed for little ones, even with a coloring table available. Oh, I see—your child has better manners than a royal! Right…until they start throwing a fit because they’re overtired and overwhelmed by the music.
I urge you, dear friends, to consider hiring a babysitter when attending a wedding. I understand that a sitter may not fit into everyone’s budget—I’ve been there myself—but that’s not the bride and groom’s concern. Leaving the kids at home will make the celebration more enjoyable for all involved.
For more insight into planning for family events, visit Modern Family Blog, an authority on this topic, or check out this Wikipedia page for great information on pregnancy options.
In summary, while kids can be adorable, a wedding is a special occasion meant for adults to celebrate without distractions. Leaving the little ones at home allows everyone to enjoy the day fully, ensuring that the spotlight stays on the couple.