Small things that make a big difference

Planning a wedding, with children involved, brings its own set of emotions. Alongside the excitement, many parents quietly worry about how their little ones will cope with such a big, busy day.

After supporting hundreds of families through weddings, one thing is clear:

the calmer the build-up for your children, the calmer the wedding day feels for everyone.

It’s rarely the big moments that unsettle children, it’s the unfamiliarity, the waiting, and the in-between moments. With a little thoughtful preparation, those worries can be eased long before the aisle.

Here are a few small things that truly make a huge difference

Practise the aisle walk, more than once

The aisle walk is a big moment for children. Practising it just once at the rehearsal often isn’t enough.

Practising at home, and asking your venue if you can do an additional, child-focused run-through, helps children know exactly what to expect. Familiarity builds confidence and that confidence shows through on the day.

Practise in the shoes (and parts of the outfit)

It’s completely natural to worry about keeping outfits pristine, but the more “new” elements you can remove before the wedding day, the better.

Practising in the shoes and even parts of the outfit, helps children feel comfortable and settled, rather than distracted by unfamiliar sensations.

Consider a family shoot with your photographer

If possible, a family shoot ahead of the wedding can be incredibly helpful.

It allows children to get used to how the photographer works, and gives the photographer insight into what works best for your children. That understanding makes the wedding day flow more smoothly for everyone.

If a shoot isn’t possible, even a short video hello from your photographer or videographer can help. Playing it to your children beforehand turns them into familiar faces rather than strangers with cameras.

Talk about your wedding vendors like old friends

Children take emotional cues from their parents.

When mummy and daddy speak warmly and confidently about the people involved in the wedding day, children instinctively understand that these are trusted, safe people. That sense of trust goes a long way in helping them feel secure.

Visit the venue together if you can

If it’s an option, taking your children for lunch or dinner at the venue in the run up to the wedding can make a real difference.

Familiar spaces feel safer, especially on a day filled with new sights, sounds and people.

It’s the little things that add up

Each of these steps might seem small on their own, but together they create familiarity, confidence and calm for children and that changes the entire feel of a wedding day.

I am Nanny Cat, The Wedding & Events Nanny, and supporting families through both the lead-up and the wedding day itself is what I do. A calm wedding day starts long before the aisle.

If this is the kind of thoughtful, child-led support you are looking for on your wedding day, I’d love to be a part of it.

Images captured by Angel Photography NI