Baby love: how to include a baby or children in your wedding
They say first comes love, second comes marriage, then comes baby. However, many couples choose to start their family before the vows. If you’ve got a tribe, you might be asking a common question: “How to include a baby in your wedding?”
Weddings are about love, commitment, and joining together two families. But it’s even more special for those who have had a jump start on creating their own family. As “mummy and daddy” become “husband and wife”, there will always be a special spot for the child or children to be involved in the wedding. Whether you have a newborn, toddler, or older kids, involving them in your wedding is a beautiful way to honour your family and create unforgettable memories together.
Want to include a baby in your wedding? We explore how. Source: Baker Boys Photography.
Ways to include your baby in your wedding
Some weddings will be child-free, but for those with kids, it’s more likely that they’ll be part of the wedding. Here are some ways to make sure that when you look back at pictures of your wedding, there’s no one significant missing.
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Perth-based influencer Em Davies included daughter Isla in her recent nuptials.
Newborn or young infant
Even the tiniest family members can play a part in your wedding day:
- Ride down the aisle: Decorate a wagon or stroller and have a loved one pull your baby down the aisle. Guaranteed to hear a lot of “awws” and “ahhs”. It’s sweet, safe, and adorable.
- Hold your baby during vows: If it feels right, hold your baby during your vows or include them in a family hug after the “I dos.”
- Have someone hold them when walking down the aisle. Have a bridesmaid or grandparent carry them down the aisle to join you at the altar.
Toddlers or older children
If your children are a little older, get them involved in hands-on ways. This sense of responsibility will give them pride.
- Ring bearer or flower girl: A classic and much-loved role for little ones who love to feel included.
- Junior bridesmaid/groomsman: Perfect for pre-teens and teens who want a more mature, meaningful part in the ceremony.
- Walk you down the aisle: Some parents choose to be walked down the aisle by their child, which can be a deeply emotional moment.
No matter the age, it’s special to include children in the wedding celebrations. Source: Colcheedas.
Include them in the ceremony
Your wedding is a perfect time to celebrate not just your union as a couple, but your bond as a family:
- Family vows: After your couple vows, read a short promise to your children, affirming your love and commitment to them.
- Unity ceremonies: Sand ceremonies, candle lightings, or puzzle ceremonies involving your children can represent the merging of your lives.
- Have them do a reading: If your child is at an age where they can read, having them do a reading is a very special way to involve them during the ceremony.
Involving children in the ceremony can give them a sense of responsibility and pride. Source: Sama.
Kids’ involvement in the reception
Whilst some weddings have a strict child-free rule, others embrace our small friends staying the whole way through. The issue is, of course, tired little bodies after a big day. There are some ways to keep them entertained while making them feel like VIPs:
- Kid-friendly table: Set up a special table with activity books, treats, and wedding-themed colouring pages.
- Mini speeches or performances: If they’re old enough and willing, kids can give a short toast, sing a song, or read a note they’ve written.
- Special dances: Include your child in a parent-child dance or have a fun group dance to kick off the party.
Don’t forget
With so much going on during the wedding day, don’t forget to get many family photos. Before the wedding starts, have the photographer get images of you getting ready with your child. This will include intimate moments and quiet time together. Brief your photographer to include:
- First look moments between parents and kids.
- Family hugs right after the ceremony.
- Kids dancing at the reception, playing, or helping with small tasks
Dress your children in complementary outfits. Source: Amy & Daz Real Wedding.
Tips for a smooth wedding day with your kids
As magical and thoughtful as it is to involve your kids on your wedding day, they’re still children. There are a few things that can be done pre-emptively that will help that day go a little smoother and keep mums, dads and babies happy campers.
- Assign a helper: Have a trusted friend or babysitter to help manage naps, feedings, or quick escapes when needed. It might help to hire someone that can come in and whisk away any child that looks like they might be teetering on the edge of a tantrum.
- Pack the essentials: Bring everything from snacks to spare outfits and favourite toys. The rule with kids and babies is pack it, and you probably won’t end up needing it. Forget it, and you’ll need it. So, overpack!
- Keep expectations flexible: Things may not go perfectly (hello, toddler tantrums!), but the love and presence of your child will mean everything.
Incorporating your baby or children into your wedding day brings a deep layer of love, meaning, and joy to your celebration. Whether they’re stealing the show with a giggle or standing proudly by your side, they’ll help tell your story in the most beautiful way, together, as a family.
