Children at weddings can simultaneously be responsible for some of the most precious and some of the most disastrous moments of the whole event. A well-behaved little boy or girl all dressed up, dancing with the adults is one of the most adorable things to be seen, but a messy brat throwing a temper tantrum and knocking over the cake is a recipe for an unhappy wedding, both for the couple and for you as the parent. Going anywhere with small children can be difficult, especially when that place or event you go is such an adult event. However, talking with your children and being prepared ahead of time can help prevent a disaster.
Discuss the wedding and behavior beforehand. Explain a wedding to your children, everything from the ceremony to the getaway car. Explain how they should behave at each part of the event, discuss what is acceptable and what is not, and answer questions they may have to ask you. This will help them feel included in the activities and help prevent boredom during the ceremony.
Bring backup. Pack a couple of snacks, some water, and a book or toys, just in case you may need to divert his attention. Some wedding ceremonies are very long, and sitting still and quiet for that length of time is taxing on any youngster. In addition, sometimes the food served at weddings is not appealing to young children, so having a snack on hand can help remedy a hungry belly and a picky palate.
Find out the formality. Ask the couple how formal the wedding is going to be. If it is a black-tie event with a five-course dinner, you will certainly want to bring some extra activities for your children. However, if it is a casual beach wedding with a fun dance party afterwards, it will be a more kid-friendly event and allow you to travel more lightly.
Tag team the duties. If you are attending with your spouse, make sure they can agree to share responsibility of taking care of the children during the wedding. It will allow both of you to enjoy the wedding equally, so that one person is not "on duty" the entire time. If you are going to the wedding alone with your children, see if you can enlist a friend to be your second set of eyes, so that you can still have fun and relax knowing that someone else is making sure the kids are all right.
Suggest some children activities to the bride and groom that will keep them busy all the while. Some activity books like coloring books and games are so much advisable calm activities for the kids. If ever these activities for kids are not included in the plan of the wedding, yet as a close friend or relative of the couple, who anticipates the presence of several children on this event, you can volunteer to sponsor the expenses for this part. Not only that you will make this day a joyful day for the kids, you also made the bride and groom happy as well.