Being invited along to a wedding is a great privilege. Knowing two people you care about want you to come and share in the joy of this special occasion is an honor, but it can also cause a little stress. If your kids are also invited to attend the wedding, you may already be starting to panic and wondering how you are going to stop them from causing disruption.

Many parents worry about attending formal occasions, such as weddings with their children, but the good news is it does not need to be as stressful as it sounds. With a bit of preparation, attending this special celebration with your kids will be a lot easier.

Here are some top tips for making attending a wedding with kids an (almost) stress-free experience:

Sort Out Outfits in Advance

Weddings are the perfect opportunity to capture some gorgeous family photos with everyone looking their best. But, finding outfits for the kids to wear that are smart enough for a wedding can be challenging. Leaving it to the last minute to find clothes for the kids suitable for the occasion can be a stress-inducing experience, so starting your shopping early is advisable. You will find some beautiful wedding dresses for girls online to make your little one look like a princess for the day. So, starting your browsing as soon as possible will ensure you find the perfect dress without any panic buying ahead of the big day.

Pack a Bag

While it would be lovely to attend the wedding without the usual bags that accompany you when you are out with the kids, it is still best to bring them along. It is better to be equipped than to get caught without an essential item, such as a diaper for your little one, when you need it most. Packing a smaller than usual bag of essentials will make your life a lot easier on the day and mean you have everything you need to keep your kids calm and settled. Don’t forget to put snacks and drinks in the bag to prevent the kids from becoming hungry and distressed. Offering them snacks is a great way to counteract the fact that their usual mealtimes are likely to be disrupted during the day, which could impact their behavior.

Keep Them Occupied

A wedding can feel like an extremely long day for kids with lots of waiting around and being told to be quiet. Trying to keep the kids from becoming restless while waiting for photos to be taken and listening to speeches can feel like an impossible task. Being equipped with some items to keep little ones occupied is a great way to pass the time and keep them entertained. A sticker activity book or coloring book and crayons can be a big help if you are looking for a calm activity for them to complete. Or, if you are outside, some bubbles can be a great distraction and provide entertainment for all ages.