If you've taken a toddler boy to a wedding, did you dress him up smartly?

[BellaBearisWideAwake]

Going to a wedding next weekend, was just planning on putting him in his normal trousers and top, nothing with writing on it or pictures, just nice and simple.

Did you dress up your toddler boy? I can't imagine the bride and groom caring particularly ... but I just saw an advert which had little girls all dressed up for a wedding in pretty dresses and I wondered what the equivalent would be

He's 2.10 by the way

And what age for a collared shirt like this

Dh and I got married when DS was 16 months. We dressed him a checked shirt, dark trousers, and a tank jumper (I think it's called). He looked smart-ish but looked his age if that makes. That set of clothes last about 2 hours before he needed to be changed into his normal clothes.

We went a wedding this summer and he wore and thin shirt and black cord trousers.

IMO dressing up small children to look like an adult isn't right and makes them look much too old.

yy that mandarin collar, that´s what I meant when I said round necked. they look absolutely lovely on little boys. I´m not a fan of waistcoats full stop so not sure I´d put ds in one no matter how old he was!

Oh just too add if your DS wears a shirt, I would make sure the collar is soft because the stiff collars are uncomfortable.

roundthehouses Do you mean you're not a fan of waistcoats for adults as well or just children?

nappyaddict I do think sometimes those sets can be cute, but I've seen some shockers. I like the checked shirt and I would put ds in in, but I've seen a shirt and tie set in Next for 0-3 months which is just plain stupid. Poor kids will have to put up with wearing scratchy suits when they're older so I figure no need to inflict it on them when they're young too. Pinstripes just look plain odd on a toddler IMO. I think the ones you linked to aren't too bad at all. Still don't think I would put ds in one but it's all personal choice isn't it?

Would you not put DS in the waistcoat and tshirt or mandarin shirt cos you think they are too old for him or just cos you don't particularly like them?

What about these sort of pinstripe trouser which aren't the smart suit type?

Or these

Yes, I did. He was only 9mo at the time, couldn't walk by himself but he got togged up smartly all the same.

In fact, if he'd been attending any similar event when he could walk, I would have got him togged up too.

To me, it looks incongruous if every one else is dressed nicely and someone isn't - and that includes children. My bro brought his 2 to my sister's 3 DDs' christening (she had them all done at once) and they were just in ordinary clothes, while everyone else had made an effort - it stood out like dogs' balls and really looked like he couldn't care less. :(

Or these (if they didn't have that horrible monster print on the leg)

DS is currently 2.11 and togging up involves a smarter-than-normal pair of shorts/trousers, and a buttoned shirt.

At the same age, put DS in plain darkish brown trousers, plain white shirt, plain jumper. So probably a notch up from normal smartness level, but not mini-adult and still practical.

ds was 4 when my brother got married. it was a summer wedding so i bought a beige linen suit for him, from ebay. it was new, still with the tags on, cost about £10. he was quite happy to wear it, although he did wear trainers on his feet! after an hour it was filthy though.

I'm still here nappyaddict, just in a cab on the way home from work and my phone's being incredibly slow, those mothercare trousers are nice but I'd have to have a good feel of them to see what fabric's like. I'm no good at internet shopping, I always want to feel things :)

My sis bought my DS (18m) a three-piece pinstripe suit to wear for her wedding this weekend. It wasn't really what I would have chosen but once it was on I had to admit it was hilarious. He even had a matching tie and button hole.

He looked like the tiniest pimp in pimptown.

IIRC

at 2 ish boy wore his kilt ( family heirloom type thing) with a black T-shirt, long socks and his regular shoes.

When he grew out of that it was vaguely smart trews ( cords or chinos) and a shirt and shoes. Luckily he likes wearing shirts and has always worn shoes more than trainers so it never been a struggle. Only once has he worn a tie, when he went to a funeral tea age 4.

He did have a black silk (ish) mandarin suit , but he only got to wear it once (at an informal party but the kids dressed up for the excuse of it) before he out grew it. Would have been good for the right wedding , ironically the one we went to BEFORE he was given the suit.

Just found a nice shirt handed down from DS's cousin which will look fine with blue cords, and it is made of very soft material. Think I will see if I can get a tank top he will wear again as well.

Thanks for all advice and opinions!

(agree re suits for 0-3 mo whoever said that - when we took DS to a wedding age 4 weeks I bought him a posher-than-mothercare babygro!

We have bought suits for DS1 (4.5) and DS2 (2.5) from M&S. Shirt, jacket, trousers & tie - £33!! www.marksandspencer.com/Autograph-4-Piece-Suit-Outfit/dp/B003Z65O6Q?ie=UTF8&ref=sr_1_2&sr=1-2&qid=1289553711&pf_rd_r=15DDF99127ZK7FDHVHKX&pf_rd_m=A2BO0OYVBKIQJM&pf_rd_t=301&pf_rd_i=0&pf_rd_p=215485807&pf_rd_s=center-3

We were the first in our crowd of friends to marry and have kids so we have been to loads of wedding with our children.
I am the one who has her 5 month old in a kilt, shirt and waistcoat (we are Scottish BTW so that is not as unusual up here). DD has always had a "party" dress on for weddings.
I think it helps to create the sense of occasion for the kids. It makes for really special family photos when we are all dressed up too. It also gives the people we don't know a way to start a conversation with us and something to say to the kids that makes them feel special.
It also makes the bride and groom feel that they were important enough to you to make an effort for them.
We have always had many occasions to use the outfits afterwards. They are fun for Christmas day, parties, meals out etc (obviously not a kilt but I don't imagine you were thinking of doing that)
You don't need to spend a lot. You can pick up smart trousers and a nice shirt for a 3 year old really easily and inexpensively these days. There are also bound to be nice outfits in local charity shops. We have also borrowed from friends and friends have borrowed from us too, depending who has what in what size at the time.
Enjoy the wedding!