Young Children In Weddings

Whatever happens on Saturday with the kids will be wonderful even if the kids don't do exactly as they are "supposed to". Being a wedding photographer for many years, I have seen IT ALL when it comes to kids and weddings. Young children in weddings are the stars of the show no matter what they do!

Here's a few tips that might help-

*Place the parent they normally tend to gravitate toward in the front. MOST children will want to walk to Mama's arms, even if it means walking down the aisle to get there.

*Give them something to do. A job they can "help" with. If they get to sprinkle petals on the ground as they go, they are more likeley to be distracted and pay less attention to all the people staring at them. And you can even have them practice it at the rehearsal.

* Have them walk with a partner. When they have a hand to hold, it helps. Ususally. Even if you decide it's best to have them walk with you, then arrange for something like that to happen. It's pretty cute when a grown up escorts a child down the aisle.

*Have a "prize" waiting at the end of the aisle. A lollipop will usually lure them down. They can even have it waiting for them all opened and ready to eat. That will also keep them busy during the ceremony. And have wipes on hand for later!

*Have someone in the front row keep them on their lap. Once they make it down the aisle, have someone ready to make room for them on a lap or in a chair (and a book or quiet toy). It's not ideal to expect them to stand still for a ceremony. Some kids have done it with no problem, others can't seem to do it at all. You know your child, plan for a "what if they can't" scenario. If they are squirmy in a lap it won't take away from the ceremony. If they are squirmy standing up at the front, they will.

*Pull a wagon with the kids in it. I've seen it done a number of times with a wagon that's been decorated with flowers or something wedding-like. It's a really cute idea (especially outside) and they will very rarely protest a wagon ride. One of the groomsman or an assigned "helper" can pull them down.

*Make a Plan B. Always have a back up plan if the kid freaks out. If they can't get the job done, just let it go. Even if they don't make it down the aisle, they'll be a part of the wedding in their own way. They'll still be all dressed up and in the wedding photos!

And one more thing-if you need your kids to stand near the bride for any photos, tell them that you thought you saw a ladybug in her bouquet and have them look for it ( unless they are scared of bug, of course). This usually gives the photographer a few minutes to get some sweet pix of the kids and the bride.

Good luck and have a wonderful time!