What to do with toddler at wedding

[Panda368]

We are planning on getting married at some point next summer but I've started wondering what people do with their own kids when they get married.
Partner and I have done things a bit backward and currently have an 8 month old baby boy who will likely be about 18 -20 months when we eventually get married.
Do we involve him in some way? Hire a childminder for the day? Any suggestions would be appreciated!

[sar302]

My friends are doing this with a toddler exactly the same age. They're involving him in the wedding, but family are watching him throughout the ceremony.

In the evening, he will be in the hotel room to sleep and family are taking it in turns to watch him, and one family member sharing the room with him through the night after it's all done.

[Hollywhiskey]

My friend had her toddler at her wedding. She and her husband held him during the ceremony. He was the best man and gave a speech.

[Aquamarine1029]

I would definitely get a childminder for the day and have them there for the ceremony and reception. I would want my family and friends to enjoy the day, not be burdened with having to watch a small child.

[Mummyme87]

I will have a nearly 6yr old and a just turned 2yr old at my wedding in April 2020. We have hired nannies for a crèche during the day for other kids but also a nanny for our two 12-10pm. They will be involved in the wedding but just don’t want my family to have the worry of watching them both when they want to relax and enjoy themselves

[MaggieMcSplash]

We hired a childminder who was fully qualified and vetted. We used her a couple of days before the wedding so the kids were familiar with her. We didn't want to it to fall to family. The childminder also had them overnight. All our rooms were next to eachother. Kids were fine and had a great time. They still were involved all day in the wedding and top table with the childminder on the sidelines.

[MotherTime3]

We had a three year old and a 3 month old. My mum was excited to be babysitter - the first thing she asked when we announced the pregnancy. The oldest played with his cousins all day, and the baby slept most of it. My only regret is we didn’t see much of the baby due to all that was going on.

[SellFridges]

DD was almost 3 when we got married. She bumbled about amongst friends and family all day - MIL brought her to ceremony, she sat with us during the ceremony, hung out with my DB afterwards and then generally amused everyone afterwards. MIL took her home about 9:30 which suited FIL too.

[Frouby]

Ds was 4 last year when we got married. He was watched by my mum and sisters and had a whale of a time with his cousins. Mum had a room at the hotel and they also hung out in the bridal suite during the day, as it was much bigger.

He sometimes cries he wants another wedding as he had so much fun.