What should a 4 year old boy wear for a summer wedding?

[PaintedRocket]

We're going to a wedding this summer. It's a very smart, all day event with a black tie evening reception. But there's lots of kids attending, a picnic lunch with lawn games and the bride and groom are putting on a bouncy castle and other activities for the kids (the venue also has a play area). What would you dress a 4 year old boy in so he's smart but comfortable and can run around and make the most of the day? I'd prefer not a suit.

Smart shorts, shirt and converse style shoes? Bow tie if you wanted

I think if there's a bouncy castle, the expectation is that the kids won't be dressed too formally - but came on to say that in similar circs, I just bought some M&S linen trousers and a matching waistcoat from eBay for DS.

Shorts and a shirt and whatever shoes he has that are most appropriate. No one really cares much about small
children’s outfits at weddings though.

Chino shorts or trousers with a short sleeve shirt would be smart and comfortable.

Shorts and a shirt. Wee waistcoat and bow tie if you want him to look more "formal" for the photos.

I don't like mini suits or bow ties on little boys personally.

I'd go for chino-style shorts or trousers with a shirt, no tie (maybe a nehru collar). Smart and comfortable and avoids the mini bank manager look.

Chino shorts and either a light shirt or polo shirt.

This is perfect

Shorts with short sleeve white shirt / waistcoat. Comfy shoes and a change of clothes.

Nice shorts, shirt, converse or similar type shoes? I got a couple of great floral long sleeves shirts for DS from eBay which he wore with some linen ish navy shorts and his outfit was a hit. I thought much better than the awful, never to be worn again, super smart weddingy outfits you can see. I'm no fan of a waistcoat or tie/bow tie on a little kid but some do pull it off and look cute definitely not my DS though

This!

Thanks for all these suggestions! Going to have a look and see what I can find. I think shirt and shorts at least for the first part of the day would be good. Also, my DC has form for covering himself in food and dirt so we may need to change him for the evening anyway!

Shorts and shirt, I wouldn't worry about changing him for the evening, unless you maybe take a polo shirt or something just incase he gets really messy.

Dinosaur onsie for the evening do?

I shall be getting my 2 year old chinos and collarless shirt

I'd take mine in long chino type trousers with a smart/casual button up shirt, and some smart ish denim shorts for the evening. That way he'll be smart enough to not stand out in the photos, but he'll be more comfortable in the evening for running around and playing

We had a 4 year old at our wedding, his really lovely smart outfit lasted just after the ceremony when we had drinks afterwards and he poured a glass of Orange juice over himself.

He came back changed into jeans and a T-Shirt.

I wouldn’t spend a fortune, especially if they plan for a bouncy castle.

This

Came on to say shorts and a shirt! Seems pretty unanimous 😀

This is lovely and only £14. You could buy a spare set in case of spillages!

DS is 4 and we’re going to a posh wedding soon. He’s wearing navy chino shorts, a blue grandad collar shirt and his navy leather sandals.

I like that @Greatoutdoors....will have a closer look!

I also saw this shirt which wouldn't break the bank (and could get 2!): www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.1035489002.html

Could pair it with some long chino/bermuda shorts and some boat shoes.

My 6 and 9 year old went to a wedding in chino shorts and smart polo shirts. I actually got them from primark. Both outfits for 20quid!

Shorts and shirt
Then eve Chinos and shirt.
U could get away with converse style shoes for both.

I took mine in white linen shirt and chinos. Shoes just their regular ones.