Wedding Etiquette for Babies
The choice of whether to invite babies to a wedding or to include them in a bridal party depends on each individual situation. Wedding etiquette does not dictate when children should be included, just that a decision needs to be made and adhered to. Depending on the couple, babies can be either a welcome addition to a special day or an unwelcome distraction.
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Invitations
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The wedding invitation is where parents can find out if children are welcome and where the couple should note exactly who is invited. If a couple wants to exclude babies from the reception, the invitation should say there is an "adult reception" or list an age limit for guests. According to Brides.com, once a couple decides to exclude babies from any part of the ceremony or reception, they should not make any exceptions. Also, guests should assume that if the invitation is addressed only to the adults in the household, that younger guests are not welcome.
Babies as Guests
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When bringing a baby to a wedding as a guest, make sure you pack everything the baby could possibly need during the ceremony and reception, from diapers to extra clothes to comfort items. According to Brides.com, babies younger than two months old should not attend because of their increased risk for illness and infection. For older babies, bring along some quiet toys and books to keep your child occupied. Don't forget baby food and formula if they will be needed. For brides who want to invite babies but keep them from being too disruptive, Brides.com recommends creating a children's room at the reception overseen by a babysitter. The invitation should note if a children's room will be available.
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Babies as Part of the Wedding Party
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Whether the bride has a baby or wants to include a young niece or nephew in the bridal party, take note of the baby's age when considering how involved to make the child. Although babies may look cute in formal wear, WeddingChannel.com reminds parents that babies are unpredictable and can cry, scream or squirm at a moment's notice. Older babies may not cry as much, but can be harder to control in other ways. Also consider the baby's regular routine---expecting a baby to be in a bridal party during a wedding that take place during his normal nap time might lead to disaster.
Leaving Baby at Home
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No etiquette rule says that babies must be invited to a wedding and reception, or that once invited must attend. Couples should consider the atmosphere they want for their special day when deciding whether to invite babies. Even if the child is included on the invitation, parents may decide to leave their baby at home to cause less stress on themselves, the child and the bridal party. Make sure to note on your RSVP if invited children will not be attending.
Tips for Brides and Parents
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Brides who invite babies to the ceremony and reception should anticipate possible interruptions from cries, screams and other noises without letting them ruin the experience. However, guests bringing babies should make every effort to keep their baby as quiet and well-behaved as possible. For brides including their baby in their ceremony, WeddingChannel.com recommends hiring a babysitter for the day so you and other family members can focus on the ceremony when needed and another person is always focused on the baby. Also, babies who do not attend the ceremony can always be brought in for photos before or after the wedding so they can still be part of the day with minimal disruption for them or the bridal party.
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- Photo Credit braut mit babie image by Yvonne Bogdanski from Fotolia.com
