Attending wedding with a toddler

[AnyankaJenkins]

It’s my sisters wedding next week, I’m single and attending with my 22 month old (no father - donor sperm). I’m a bridesmaid, he’s a page boy, and I’m giving the first speech (our Dad passed away).

I’ve been stressing about this wedding for ages, sorting out the clothes and logistics of how to get there etc (I don’t drive and all the trains are cancelled!), and am just starting to panic about the reality of looking after a toddler at a proper big wedding esp as I can’t just do what an ordinary guest might eg take him for a walk, use up energy with a run around before the ceremony etc.

My family will all be there obviously so there will be people to help but I still can’t quite figure out how to manage it - anyone have any tips please?! The only thing I’ve figured so far is close family and us are staying overnight on site and my teenage niece will, I think, happily babysit for a bit so I can put him to bed roughly normal time. This would be great to give me an hour or so to give the bride some attention (do some silly dancing, have a drink etc).

But as for coping during the getting ready, ceremony, reception aaaahhh! I’ve seen previous similar threads where people mention using iPads but I don’t have one. I can take some new books for the ceremony, maybe a new little car thing.

Anyone have any words of wisdom? Maybe even things you wish you hadn’t done when attending a formal event with a little one? Unfortunately not bringing him isn’t an option Thanks!

My tip is to have the pushchair, a blanket etc, after the wedding let the teenage niece take him where he can run off steam then feed (take food in case meal time is wrong) and let him nap in the pushchair, in the evening similarly let him dance, exhaust himself then sleep in the pushchair or under the table (my kids did this much older too), enjoy yourself and let him be entertained by the family

Thank you gogohm, unfortunately I’m not sure I can squeeze the pushchair in the car (getting a lift with others) but it’s a good point, if I can fit it in it’s definitely worth taking

If in doubt, take him out. We took 2 year old DS to my cousin's wedding. I spent the speeches watching him sweep the floor outside the barn where the meal was taking place. Take lots of bits (dental floss, small cars, new books crayons etc.) and bring things out one at a time throughout the day for him to play with. If anyone offers to have him for you, whilst you have photos or something, say yes.

Also think where you'll be sleeping and make sure you have nappies, pjs, familiar bedtime items for him so help with his routine.

Enjoy your day.

@AnyankaJenkins

Thank you gogohm, unfortunately I’m not sure I can squeeze the pushchair in the car (getting a lift with others) but it’s a good point, if I can fit it in it’s definitely worth taking

Buggy definitely!!!

I'd also suggest some little toys wrapped up as little presents.

Maybe an aqua colouring book!!! These were my saviour!

Buggy wise could you pick up a second hand lightweight one which folds up super small like silver cross click? How were you thinking of doing the nap without buggy? Hope it all goes ok!

Thanks all, turns out I didn’t really need to worry, he was fab the whole day (stayed up till 10pm)!

He had a quick nap on my mums lap during the ceremony (I don’t blame him that’s the boring bit 😊), and then was pretty adorable through the rest of the day, didn’t even give him any of the snacks and only one of the extra toys I brought. Really helped that it was a very kid friendly wedding. He made a bit of noise during my speech but then piped down when someone else played with him.

so if anyone’s in a similar situation and Google’s and finds this later, fingers crossed you get the same result!