Kids at weddings: The top 10 dos and dont's by Emily Williams

If you’re heading to a wedding with the kids this summer, your knuckles are probably already as white as the bride's dress.

Making sure your children are on their best behaviour on any day out can be a daunting task but the thought of them messing up the biggest day of someone's life notches up the fear factor higher.

However, don't despair. If you start to get stressed about the wedding so will the kids. Keep calm, collected and with the help of these top tips you never know, you may even have the time of your life...

A parent’s worst nightmare when it comes to weddings is probably the potential to have the misbehaved child who decides in the middle of the ceremony to start screaming. Remembering that plugging some headphones into an iPad or phone to play a game or two can eliminate the risk of boredom-induced-screaming.
DO remember the gadgets

There's no point in having a crying baby when the service or speeches are taking place.
DON’T ruin the service or speechesIt always happens, and we’ve all been there. Remember that a subtle exit with a child to take a walk or two around the church or venue is always welcomed, and completely understood.

A wedding beginning at noon with a meal to be served in the late afternoon is a schedule that adults can adapt to, but a child is a different story. Carrying a handy sandwich or some snacks can be a real lifesaver when you have a 'hangry' child on your hands.
DO remember the snacks

It's so easily to get caught up in getting suited and booted that breakfast gets skipped entirely. This can spell disaster for the long day ahead, so make a point of remembering the most important meal of the day for you and your children.
DON’T skip breakfast

A wedding is a hive of activity, and using it to your advantage could save you a lot of unnecessary stress. Task the kids with snapping as many pictures as they can, or give them a responsibility such as gathering up all the confetti to keep them in sight and out of trouble.
DO use some tried and tested tricks

The summer heat or a sea breeze can easily be forgotten when trying to organise everything for the rest of the day, but an overly warm or chilly child is never going to lead to a happy parent. Remember to pack an extra jumper, or a thinner shirt for a change in weather or activity – especially if you're down at the Kent coast.
DON’T forget to check the weather forecast

Children love running around and Kent has some of the greenest, grandest gardens. If
DO remember a change of shoes you are lucky enough to attend a wedding at venues such as Eastwell Manor in Ashford or Cooling Castle remember that a pair of plimsolls in a bag can save a lot of mud on a polished pair of shoes later. Plus a comfy pair of slip-ons will stop any child whingeing about their shiny new shoes that are rubbing.

where there's a good selection of outfits at any budget.Roco ClothingGetting the right wedding attire for a four-year-old can take as much time, money and effort as kitting out yourself. Planning in advance is the key. Next has a great range of dresses and suits for kids at the moment and remember, that they will look just as good with pair of baseball boots you may already have in the cupboard as an expensive pair of shoes the kids will hate and never wear again. Another good place for ideas is online at
DON’T stress about what to wear

Planning your travel arrangements to and from the venue with kids can be like planning a military operation. Most venues in Kent have accommodation as part of a wedding package and that can take away the stress. A handy room can save the day if the kids need a nap mid-afternoon or they simply need a nappy changed.
DO consider staying over

The most important thing to remember is that the bride and groom want you and your children to share their day with them, so relax and enjoy the event as a family.
Most importantly panic DON’T