Having your children at your wedding- Deciding how involved you want your little kiddos to be at your wedding
I’ve seen a lot of meaningful weddings where the couple’s children were part of the ceremony. If you look at our video on the Palm Cliff location you’ll see the cuties kids at their parents ceremony. They were all well behaved, walked down the aisle, and were so happy to be part of their parent’s ceremony.
But, sometimes, having your children at your wedding can be rough. Here are some tips for handling your little ones at the wedding.
- Have a non family member be the care taker. Even though your little one feels more comfortable with a family member, that family member probably wants to enjoy the wedding. Have a younger cousin, friend or even bring your baby sitter to watch the child in case the decide to throw a tantrum, want to be held or start to run towards the cliff.
- Involve them – At a wedding I was recently the photographer for, the bride’s children read poems. The daughter even wrote her own poem about love that was read during the ceremony. For little children, having them carry the rings might mean they could get lost, but involving them in a blessing might work better. Everyone walking down the aisle to their favorite song might be something fun. Going shopping for special outfits or make up oand hair n the wedding day might be fun for the girls. While the boys can having matching shoes, ties, and my favorite once was matching cowboy hats.
- “Just Roll with it ” – As Jonny from Hotel Transalvania (a great kids movie by the way!) knows how to do. Things come up, kids get crankey, they want mom or dad and are in a new place. As a parent you might have to change your wedding day expectations. It might including holding your child during the ceremony, or getting those cry face photos, or maybe even pulling the selfish card and decide not to include them. What ever you plan, just plan for a few kidtastrophies.
- Plan around nap – If your child needs a nap, it’s probably best to plan the wedding around the nap. My little one was the happiest at around 11 am. If I wanted her to be part of the wedding and be in a good mood, I’d plan to have the ceremony start at 11 am.
- Bring food, drink and maybe their iPad – Have things kids enjoy and might need to make the ceremony better for them.How about packing a wedding day snack pack. Fill it with your little ones favorite snacks, a new toy and stickers. Tell them you have something new for them on the wedding day. When all else fails, maybe bring out the iPad or your phone to watch a favorite show that you know quiets them down.
- Bribe them with candy if all else fails. Need I say more?!? Yes, having your children at your wedding might include words like, “if you behave we will go to the beach, have cake really soon, or go have ice cream.
If the wedding ceremony photos don’t turn out the way you thought with your little one, come back and see us for a family session
If the day doesn’t go as planned for having your little one in photos, focus on the two of you and your pictures! Plan to come back in 6 months or do a holiday photo session at the beach or plan an anniversary photo shoot. Make a date for a special time for the whole family to enjoy pictures with no other holiday stress.
Something to think about…Having your children at your wedding might sound like a great idea, but remember it is your day – with you and your fiancé. It’s really ok if you two decide just to elope and have the wedding ceremony be just the two of you. You can be selfish, because it is about you. :).
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Here’s why you should have a small wedding in Pismo Beach Small weddings are the way to go these days! We aren’t just saying that because small weddings have been our thing since we started our business back in 2015. A small wedding can have the same parts of a large wedding - unforgettable moments, celebration with friends and family and the start of the rest of your life together. But, small wedding have a few more benefits like - less stress, less more, and more of the two of you and what you want for your wedding! We love the scenery of the Central Coast for small weddings. There are million dollar views - from your toes in the sand at one of the beach locations, to overlooking the ocean, to shaded eucalyptus trees, and jagged cliff sides. Small weddings are our favorite because the couple is free to focus on the most important things, like having their day, their way, spending the day with the people who truly matter, and having an amazing day packed with lasting memories. What Is Driving the Trend Toward Smaller Weddings? Several factors are behind the increasing trend of smaller weddings. Modern couples are redefining what it means to celebrate love, and in most cases, they focus on quality over quantity. Small weddings have become for popular and couples embrace fewer guests and find the beauty of intimate gatherings. Changing societal norms and the desire for unique, personalized experiences also make smaller weddings an attractive option. How Do Small Weddings Create More Meaningful Connections? Small weddings foster more meaningful connections by allowing couples to spend quality time with each guest, creating an intimate and personal atmosphere. With fewer attendees, conversations feel more genuine, and guests feel truly valued and appreciated. Some couples will have a few day long celebration for their wedding - starting a few days before the wedding with wine tasting or seeing the sites of the Central Coast, then relax on the beach the next day. After some fun in the sun, it's wedding day. The day will end with a group dinner or casual private reception. Then, the guests will leave and the couple has a few more days to celebrate their honeymoon in Pismo Beach or other beach location. This setting also encourages deeper interactions, making it easier to share special moments, heartfelt toasts, and personal stories. Without the hustle and chaos of a large event, couples and their loved ones can be fully present, strengthening bonds and making the celebration even more memorable. How Does a Smaller Guest List Reduce Wedding Stress? Planning a wedding can be quite challenging. It is easier for couples to plan their weddings with smaller guest lists, as this dramatically lowers their prospects of worrying. Incorporating fewer guests into a wedding means that there are fewer logistical elements to take care of, such as catering, seating arrangements, accommodations, and more people to please. This way, couples can spend more time and energy making their special day more unique instead of fretting over accommodating numerous people. A more personal gathering helps create a homely and calming vibe, giving the couple a chance to make the most of each interaction with their guests. Most importantly, a smaller guest number means that there would be fewer changes needed at the last minute, which translates to lower expenditure and costs. Hence, all attendees, coupled with the couple, can fully enjoy themselves without feeling the pressure of the wedding arrangements. What Are the Financial Benefits of Hosting a Small Wedding? Hosting a small wedding can be a cost-effective choice, offering couples the chance to allocate their budget more intentionally. With fewer guests, expenses for catering, venue size, and decor are reduced, freeing up funds for other priorities such as an unforgettable honeymoon or investing in a dream home. This financial flexibility allows couples to create a celebration that reflects their values and vision without overspending. Celebrate your love story with us! Small weddings are more than just a trend—they represent a shift in how couples approach one of the most important days of their lives. By focusing on intimacy, meaningful connections, and thoughtful planning, small weddings offer a unique and heartfelt way to celebrate love. For couples looking to create a stunning and intimate wedding experience, Coastal California Weddings is your simple and stress-free way to plan your wedding. We provide expert guidance and inspiration.
Not sure what to wear to a small wedding? We've got some tips on how to dress for a small wedding. Let us plan your small wedding in Pismo Beach.
Celebrate your wedding in Cambria! Come have your elopement or small wedding in Cambria. This wedding location overlooks the ocean, have a pretty tree grove and access to the beach. Let us plan your wedding in Cambria!