Planning a wedding with children - our top tips!
Here are our top tips for having children at your wedding:
1. Consider Hiring a Wedding Nanny or Babysitter
One of the best investments you can make is hiring a professional wedding nanny or wedding babysitter. We can provide hands-on care throughout the day—getting kids ready, keeping them entertained, assisting during the ceremony, and settling them to bed during the reception. Giving parents peace of mind and allowing them to fully enjoy the day.
2. Plan for Their Needs
Children have different needs when it comes to meals, nap times, and noise sensitivity.
Have age-appropriate meals available - as close to their usual meal times as possible, consider a quiet space for naps, and pack essentials like nappies, wipes, water bottles, essential medications, comfortable change of clothes/PJs, weather appropriate clothing and comfort items. Other items to consider are their pram, baby carrier and where they will be sleeping - a porticot or sleep mat if on site.
Always ensure ‘clean’ snacks are packed too and ensure they have a substantial breakfast and lunch on the wedding day.
If hiring a wedding nanny, they can help manage all of this seamlessly.
3. Include Kids in the Ceremony Thoughtfully
Flower girls, page boys, or ring bearers are fabulous additions—but it’s important to keep their comfort in mind. Rehearse with them, and keep expectations realistic. Have a plan of who will walk down the aisle with them if they don’t want to go solo. Think about where the child/ren will be sitting and who with. Ensure they are designated to a space (end of the aisle) they can move about or taken to another space if need be.
Your wedding nanny can be available to whisk them away if need be or sit with them, keeping them quietly entertained during the ceremony.
4. Family photos
Plan your photography with the children included, strategically - plan group or family photos involving children earlier in the day, ideally after naps and before they’re too tired or overstimulated. Talk to your photographer about timing that works around the child’s routine. Planning for a group photo? Do this immediately after the ceremony, have your celebrant announce this and encourage guests to pause their congratulations until after.
Children don’t enjoy being posed for long periods. Keep photo sessions short and playful. Our nannies can have music, bubbles, or games ready to encourage giggles and natural smiles.
6. Don’t Forget the Bedtime Plan
If your celebration goes late into the evening or the ceremony overlaps with naptime, have a plan in place for this. This could be a quiet room with travel cots or a nanny who can supervise the children back at nearby accommodation - we offer transportation back to accommodation at your request. Consider bringing the children’s nap forward in the day or allow them to have multiple naps to give them plenty of options to rest.
Wedding days are often fast paced with a lot to organise and get through, consider having the nanny arrive earlier in the day to focus on the children’s routines - so you can enjoy the wedding day without the stress of naptime.
At Bridal Bliss Nannies, we regularly provide evening and overnight care so children can wind down safely while parents continue celebrating.
7. Communication is Key
Let parents know ahead of time what childcare options will be available, what they should pack, and how their children will be cared for. This helps everyone feel confident and well-prepared. We can provide all the information or answer questions for what to bring and expect on the day. We may also give recommendations based on the information provided to ensure the day runs as smooth as possible.
Final Thoughts
Having children at your wedding can add moments you’ll remember forever—but it takes a little extra planning to keep the day flowing smoothly. With the right support and care in place—such as a trusted wedding nanny—you’ll create an experience that’s enjoyable for guests of all ages.
Want to take the stress out of planning childcare for your big day? Get in touch with Bridal Bliss Nannies—we offer experienced wedding nannies and babysitters and tailored childcare packages to ensure a perfect celebration for everyone.