Wedding attire advice for children

[twomonkeysmama]

Hi all, first post here. We are travelling to the UK in June for a wedding with our 3 and 5 yo ds. (We're in Canada, dh is British expat). Things are generally much more casual here and I've not been to a British wedding. I am just wondering what would be appropriate attire for the kids? smart shirt and trousers, suit...I've no idea! Really appreciate any advice, thanks!

I suppose it depends on what kind of do it is. If it's a really formal affair (e.g. church, then marquee or posh hotel) I might opt for a little suit, or a smart shirt/tie/trousers combo. If you get the sense from the venue and the invitation that it's going to be a more relaxed affair (e.g local pub) then I suppose you can afford to be a bit more casual and abandon the tie and/or suit.

Generally though, I wouldn't go for anything more casual than a smart pair of trousers and a shirt (certainly not jeans and t-shirt, for example). Does that help?

At that age I'd want them to be relatively comfortable so as to avoid unnecessary upsets. I definitely wouldn't go with a tie/suit, but maybe some cute trousers (or smart shorts depending on weather) with a loose cut linen shirt or plain top. Maybe something like http://www.vertbaudet.co.uk/boys-shirt-shorts-outfit-white-light-solid.htm?ProductId=702383050&FiltreCouleur=6349&CodBouw=313814062 this

link again

Last summer we had a family wedding (ds and dd were 2 and 4)
As the kids were part of the wedding party Ds wore a suit on they day and dd a bridesmaid dress. However there was a party the following day and other children present (similar ages) both days.
For girls it was pretty party dresses with sparkly shoes and little bolero cardis
For the boys- trousers with a shirt - one
Or two of them had very cute trousers/ shirt/waistcoat combos but the trousers waistcoat being slightly mismatched..... So not 'suity' looking.
Check out monsoon and massimo dutti and maybe okaidi or jacadi websites for some ideas.
Oh and bring a change of clothes - we had a chocolate fountain incident on day 2

Can you ask the bride? When my friend got married my stepsons went in jeans and trainers (we were dressed up) because there were loads of kids and she wanted them to be able to play and have fun.

They were the best men at our wedding (so matched their dad) but all little boy guests came in shirts and trousers and little girls in dresses although all in trainers/comfy shoes. I think the UK standard (unless otherwise stated on invite) is a nod to formality but kids being happy and comfy a priority.

I like the outfit that MrsKitty linked to.

I'd avoid denim and anything with a logo/writing/pictures but keep it fairly relaxed. Suits and ties are totally unnecessary unless the boys are pageboys. And usually look odd as the stiff fabric doesn't work on a small scale.

Monsoon have some lovely neutral or navy linen shorts or trousers. Add a funky open-necked shirt and maybe a linen waistcoat. monsoon

Think of them as an extension of your own outfit, if you like, a pair of cute accessories

I agree with asking the bride. My tip would be if the children are staying late at the wedding also include some gorgeous pyjamas. I did this with my two year old and changed ger after dinner into her lovely pjs and she was comfy, looked adorable ( she got lots of compliments) and then after she had danced and crashed we were able to just roll her into bed at the hotel. BTW hello from a fellow Canadian

Cotton/linen short sleeved shirt and smart navy or neutrL shorts are fine, unless weddimg v formal, in which case you would probably have been issuesd with a dress code

No jeans, t shirts or trainers