Ten Tips for Surviving a Wedding with a Baby
- Kei Lau
- Jul 20, 2019
- 3 min read
Before becoming a mum, I thought babies at weddings were the cutest thing! I didn't even consider all the strategizing and planning that goes behind the scenes (for the parents)!
When we were invited to our friend's wedding this summer, I was super excited to be able to take Dumpling along with us. I started to plan his little outfit months in advance. However as the day drew closer, I started to worry about how he would behave on the day. Would he start screaming and crying during the ceremony? Would he be fussy throughout the day? What do I need to bring with me?
We were lucky that dumpling was on his best behaviour the whole day. Not a single tear and no screaming the entire day even though he was evidently tired. We even managed to party until 11:30pm. Dumpling stayed out with us the entire night too!
Here's how we survived!
1. Prioritise naps: The morning nap is the most important nap. If possible, put baby down for a proper nap in his cot in the morning. It sets the day right and gives baby a chance to refresh themselves before the day gets too busy. Also a rested baby usually means a happier, more well behaved baby during the ceremony. Dumpling slept for 1.5 hours in the morning, so he was fresh for the ceremony.
If the wedding is in the afternoon, it is likely the afternoon nap will be in the pram. Go to a quieter corner so baby won't be distracted by noise or guests wanting to play with baby. Dumpling only catnapped for 30mins, but it was better than nothing.
2. Bring ear defenders: These were a life saver! We put these on dumpling when he fell asleep. He managed to sleep for 2 hours in the evening despite the loud dance music.
3. Arm yourself with toys (especially during the ceremony & speeches): I had a handbag of toys for Dumpling. I kept a teething toy handy during the ceremony for Dumpling to play with. Turns out he was actually paying attention to what was going on at the Ceremony and didn't need the toy. However it was good to have it there just in case.
4. Sit at the back for an easy escape: We sat in the back near the aisle so I could make an easy escape if Dumpling became fussy. Luckily he was so well behaved, we didn't need to do that at all.
5. BYO food for baby: I bought along some manageable mess food for dumpling. See recipes for ideas. He happily ate his lunch and dinner with his Tidy Tot tray and bib whilst watching other people socialise and drink bubbly.
6.Dress baby up in the cutest outfit: The cuter the baby, the more likely tip number 7 will be successful. I loved dressing Dumpling up in his bloomers from Little London Bloomers and Bib from Poppie and George. He was the perfect model for photos all day!
7.Palm baby off to guests: Most people wanted to play and hold Dumpling at some point during the day. He was also quite happy to be passed around from person to person to play with. That meant that I could enjoy my bubbles whilst there was free childcare!
8. Dance with Baby: If you don't want to miss out on dancing, bring the baby along as well! At some point during the night, Dumpling woke up and wanted to be part of the action. I put on the baby carrier and started dancing with him. It was a great workout for me and fantastic entertainment for Dumpling and other guests.
9. Stay close to the wedding venue: The closer you stay, the easier it is to make a quick escape back to rest. There's nothing worse than having a tired baby screaming for what feels like hours in a car.
10. Relax and have fun! Babies are unpredictable. Most people are quite understanding of that. So just relax, hope for the best and have fun. It is just one day of disruption to baby's schedule. Everyone needs to let their hair down once in a while.
Things to Pack for a Wedding
- Food/Snacks for Baby
- Milk & Bottles (if formula feeding)
- Baby Carrier
- Pram
- Ear Defenders
- Toys
- Pacifier (if using)
- Blanket/Muslin Cloth
- A couple of spare change of clothes for baby and yourself!
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