Why Toy Having Children Instead Of Bridesmaids?

While it is not mandatory to have bridesmaids and groomsmen at a wedding, it is a fun way to involve your closest family and friends in the celebration. However, the choice of attendants is entirely up to the couple, and there are no rules that dictate who can or cannot be included. If a couple wishes to have children as attendants, they are free to do so, creating a unique and personalised experience for their special day.

Children as bridesmaids/groomsmen

Children can play a variety of roles in a wedding ceremony, from being a flower girl or ring bearer to taking on more grown-up roles like bridesmaids and groomsmen. While traditionally, bridesmaids and groomsmen were single adults without children, today, anything goes, and it is not uncommon for couples to include their children in the wedding party.

If you are considering having children as bridesmaids or groomsmen, it is important to keep their ages and capabilities in mind. A junior bridesmaid, for example, is typically aged 9-15 years old and can perform some of the adult bridesmaids' duties, as long as they are age-appropriate. Similarly, a junior groomsman, usually between the ages of 9 and 15, can take on usher duties, such as greeting guests and helping them find their seats.

It is also worth noting that having children in the wedding party may come with some challenges. For example, you may need to be flexible with their participation in pre-wedding events and activities, as their parents or caregivers may have other commitments or prefer for them not to be involved in certain aspects of the wedding planning. Additionally, you may want to consider the costs associated with their participation, such as clothing and other expenses, and be prepared to offer support or alternatives if needed.

Ultimately, the decision to include children as bridesmaids or groomsmen is a personal one, and there is no right or wrong answer. If you choose to do so, it can be a wonderful way to involve older children in your special day and make them feel honoured and important. However, it is essential to keep in mind their ages, interests, and comfort levels, and ensure that they are enjoying the experience rather than feeling overwhelmed or burdened by the responsibilities.

No wedding party at all

If you're considering not having a wedding party at all, you're in good company. It's becoming an increasingly popular decision made by today's brides. There are some downsides to ditching the bridal party, but there are also some surprising benefits.

The Pros of No Wedding Party

One of the biggest pros of not having a wedding party is the cost. You can avoid the fees associated with their attire, hair and makeup, bouquets, and other related costs. It also frees up your schedule—you won't have to spend time orchestrating schedules and personalities or constantly checking in with a large group of people.

Not having a wedding party can also save you from potential drama and conflict. You won't have to decide who makes the cut, and you won't have to worry about your bridesmaids getting along with each other or having different opinions and personalities that may clash.

Another benefit is that you'll have more time for family on the wedding day. Without a bridal party, you can place more emphasis on your relationships with family and friends, creating a more inclusive and intimate atmosphere.

The Cons of No Wedding Party

The biggest con of not having a wedding party is that you'll miss out on honouring your closest friends and having them by your side on your big day. You'll also have more limited emotional support, as your bridesmaids would typically provide support and help throughout the planning process and on the day itself.

Not having a bridal party also means you'll miss out on a time-honoured tradition and may have to take on additional tasks and errands yourself.

The Bottom Line

There are pros and cons to both sides, and ultimately, the decision is highly personal and depends on your preferences and the type of celebration you envision. Remember, the key is to create a wedding experience that reflects your personality, preferences, and vision for your special day.

Mismatched wedding parties

If you're worried about what your friends and family will think, it's a good idea to let them know about your decision ahead of time. This can help to avoid any hurt feelings. You can also give them other roles in the ceremony or ask them to get ready with you.

If you're worried about pictures looking unbalanced, you don't need to worry. Photographers are used to this and can help you get the best shots. You can also have the attendants walk singly instead of in pairs.

If you want to include children in your wedding party, that's perfectly normal too. You can have your children or other children close to you as bridesmaids or groomsmen.

Including children in the wedding party

Including children in your wedding party is a great way to make your special day a memorable one. Here are some tips to help you include children in your wedding party:

Choose Age-Appropriate Roles

The roles of flower girl and ring bearer are typically reserved for children between the ages of 3 and 6. If you have older children, they can be junior bridesmaids or junior groomsmen, or even regular bridesmaids and groomsmen if they are teenagers or adults. Other roles for children include candle lighters, page/train bearers, gift attendants, guest book attendants, and personal attendants.

Involve Them in Wedding Preparations

Involving children in wedding preparations can make them feel included and excited about the big day. You can ask them to help with simple tasks like handwriting place cards, putting together welcome baskets, or stamping envelopes. You can also bring them to the cake tasting and let them pick the flavor of the cake.

Create Special Moments

You can create special moments with the children on your wedding day, such as sharing a first look or giving them a "morning-of" gift. You can also include them in your wedding website by suggesting things to do in town and mentioning their favorite spots.

Include Them in the Ceremony

Children can be included in the wedding ceremony in various ways. They can walk you down the aisle, perform at the wedding by singing, dancing, or reciting poetry, or even say a few vows at the altar. If you are comfortable with it, you can also entrust them with special jobs like walking the family dog down the aisle or taking photos.

Reception Activities

There are also many ways to include children in the wedding reception. They can join you for the first dance, make a wedding speech, or perform a special dance. If there are other children at the wedding, consider having a kids' table or area to keep them entertained.

Remember to be flexible and understanding when including children in your wedding party. They may need extra support and supervision from adults, and their participation may not always go as planned. However, their presence will undoubtedly add a warm and joyful atmosphere to your special day.

Including friends in the wedding party

Firstly, you could ask them to do a reading during the ceremony or reception. If they are not comfortable with public speaking, perhaps they could sing or play an instrument instead. You could also invite them to get ready with you on the morning of the wedding, or ask them to help you choose your wedding dress.

If you are having a bachelorette or bachelor party, you could invite them to join in the celebrations. You could also ask them to give a speech during the rehearsal dinner, or be by your side while you are getting ready. If you are having a wedding party table at the reception, you could seat them there, or ask them to hand out programs or show guests to their seats.

Finally, you could take a special photo with your friends at the wedding, or ask them to wear a certain colour to complement your chosen décor.

Frequently asked questions