Keeping the littlest members of your wedding party happy

They may be all dressed up and looking more perfect than they ever have before, but remember: your ring bearer and flower girl are still energetic little kids inside all that finery. When you plan ahead and the needs of the little ones in your wedding party, they’ll be happily occupied during what can be a very exciting, very long day for them.

Photography by: Dietrich Gesk, Minneapolis, Minnesota

First, sit down with your ring bearer and flower girl and talk to them about what it will mean to be in a wedding. Walk them through their roles (and practice walking down an imaginary aisle!) so they’re comfortable with what they’ll be expected to do during your ceremony. Include them in as much planning as you can, and make them feel special by giving them gifts to mark the importance of their jobs, like a pretty bracelet for your flower girl that mimics the jewelry you give your bridesmaids or a favorite toy for your ring bearer that he’ll have fun with during the reception.

During the ceremony, provide fun tote bags filled with quiet activities that will keep the children busy, like our bug activity book and soft toys.

During the reception, make sure the kids get child-friendly meals (like chicken fingers and fries). If many children will be attending your wedding, set up a special kids’ area with little tables and chairs so they can eat and play with their friends. Provide games and activities to keep them occupied and entertained, and arrange for someone to supervise the kids so parents can enjoy themselves.

Enjoy!