We are so excited to have Janice of Bellwether Events sharing more At Home Wedding Tips and Advice with us! Today’s topic is sure to be adorable since she’s talking at home wedding pets and children. What could be cuter?! Take it away Janice…
Good morning! In this month’s advice post, I’m talking about how to best to plan for the kids and pets you want to include in your home wedding. Please don’t miss my earlier posts filled with wedding planning advice about wedding day first impressions, wedding restroom trailers and generators, home wedding stationery, lighting for your home wedding, wedding tent floor plans, an intro to wedding tents and the basics of home wedding guest lists and budgets. I also have a brand new wedding planning website that I would love for you to visit.
KIDS IN YOUR WEDDING
This can be a touchy subject for couples to tackle. If you want to have a kids-free wedding, you will get no judgement from me! I totally limited the children at my own wedding (to my half-siblings and our nephew). But if you want to include kids at your wedding, it is wise to plan in advance to accommodate their needs. Since your wedding is at home, this can be easier and more affordable than at a wedding venue or hotel (a first for a home wedding!).
Designate a room in the home where the kids will be able to retreat when they grow tired of the celebration. Keep everyone else out of this room! I recommend having a professional babysitter there so that the children’s parents may remain at the party. If this room doesn’t typically host children, you will want to kid-proof it as much as possible, as well as stock it with age-appropriate games and snacks. Don’t forget a TV with Netflix or a video game system for older kids. And possibly even a pack-n-play or a cot if the kiddos get sleepy. Talk to the children’s parents to get more ideas on how to make this room as inviting to the kids as possible.
Quick aside: If you will need a place for a nursing mother to nurse or pump at your wedding, designate a spot for that as well, and advise them (and your wedding planner) of it in advance. They will appreciate your foresight and thoughtfulness!
PETS IN YOUR WEDDING
As an avid dog lover, I am excited to have my clients’ dogs at their weddings whenever possible. And it is much more possible at a home wedding! Here are my top tips for including your pet in your home wedding. First, plan for their wedding day attire. This could be a floral collar, a tie that matches the groomsmen, or even tutu to match the flower girls. Second, plan for photos with them. Talk to your photographer about when would be the best time to take a couple portraits with your pet, and include it in your wedding timeline. Designate someone to bring the pet to and from the photo shoot location (with poo bags!)
Finally, you want to maintain your pet’s comfort as much as possible on the wedding day. You should task a trusted friend, or your regular dogwalker, with taking care of your pet on your wedding day. This includes keeping them on their regular schedule for walks and meals. Sticking to their routine will help keep them calm amidst the hustle and bustle of a home wedding.
I’d like to hear from you! Are you including your pet in your wedding? How are you planning to make the children invited to your wedding feel at home? Please leave a comment below!
I really appreciate you stopping by my monthly advice series on planning a home wedding. If you need more advice, and just can’t wait until next month, you can visit the Your Wedding At Home blog or you can download my free ebook, The Elegant At-Home Wedding.
Don’t hesitate to contact me – I would love to chat with you about any questions you might have about your home wedding!
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