19 months old DS, wedding questions

[FairWindClearSailing]

Hi everyone,

We're going to a relative's wedding next week and sometimes with these kind of events, I still feel like a beginner seeing as we spent most of his life unable to do things 😅

I have a few questions and I'd be grateful for any advice!

1. How do we keep him quiet during the ceremony? I plan to bring some non-noisy snacks. I can't do books as he screams in delight at the pictures and wants to discuss every page.
2. What kind of bag is practical to carry around? I'll need DS' nappies, change of clothes etc - will the nappy bag look daft? I don't have a big handbag. We're a ten minute walk away from the hotel, and he's wearing a kilt so I definitely want a pair of trousers with us in case his legs get cold and I need to change him. I won't be bringing a buggy/pushchair. We are flying in from abroad and not bringing it full stop as DS will just be carried around in a toddler sling during travel / for naps if we're out and about.
3. Is it appropriate to leave for an hour so DS can have a cat nap? He usually naps late, around 3ish, so 2ish with the time difference, bed is usually at 9:30/10 right now. He can go all day without a nap but that would mean bed at 7:30. I'm thinking fitting in a nap would be best as then we can all stay longer? If not appropriate then DS is a child who will just keep running around even if he's tired and stays happy lol, so we could push him a little later and just see how he is doing. Or should we just not try to plan this at all and see what happens? I know he's going to love the dancing though so would like him to experience some of that!

Thanks everyone! It's nice to hear other opinions and see what everyone else would do.

I've got 2 weddings with DD when she'll be a similar age.

I also plan on quiet food for the ceremony, maybe a re-useable sticker book / a puzzle?

And the she'll be going off with my DH to have a nap after the ceremony and re-joining the wedding around 4pm for the wedding breakfast, also like you so we can stay later. If she doesn't nap then she'll be grouchy by 5/6.

Hadn't thought about a different type of bag yet, will probably just end up taking the nappy bag , but maybe a nice tote bag would do?

Sit by the exit during the ceremony and be prepared to step out. My Ds was a similar age when I took him to a wedding. I saw the first thirty seconds of the ceremony before he started chatting away so I took him straight out!

I'd reconsider the buggy if I were you - it would be so handy to sit him in it after the dinner, and he may even fall asleep in it. Otherwise you are going to be running around after him the whole evening. And if you don't want to bring one with you, you may be able to borrow me from a relative.

No buggy? Eek.

@summerlovingvibes thanks for sharing what you're planning. I think I'll go with the nappy bag as it's quite a nice one and matches my dress haha. Hope the weddings go well for you!

@Comedycook definitely planning to do this so I can make a quick getaway if need be, thanks!

@HowDOyouspellIt @Easterbunnyiswindowshopping

We weren't planning to take the buggy as it's a PITA to travel with, even the light one. We will also be on trains this side and trains that side, so we prefer to travel as light as possible. This worked out well when I went home for Christmas and we didn't miss the buggy at all. Also, DS has not napped in his buggy since he was maybe around 2 months old. He point blank refuses. And we're not planning to strap him in the buggy during the day. My whole family on my dad's side will be there and they've only met him once, the rest not at all, so we will have loads of support as they're very excited to see him. If he needs a break, that's when DH will take him out in the carrier for a walk, fresh air and a nap.

But I will ask family members if they have a buggy, just in case. It would be good to have a back up in case we need it.