Weddingbee Blog

With the growing trend of adult-only receptions I’ve noticed a decrease in flower girls and ring bearers. Later in my recaps I will show you how inviting children came to bite me right in the ass. I’m still a little raw about it so it’s best that I wait to describe it. (This is me telling you that I wholeheartedly support your individual decision on whether or not to have children attend/participate in your nuptials.) Back on subject, I wanted to include some of my favorite little people in our bridal party. Looking back, I am so glad we choose to have some of our favorite children with us.

Our church required that children participating must be at least five years of age. Our flower girls were six, a perfect age in my opinion. They took direction, were excited, had fun, and helped with the little ones. Our ring bearers were three. It’s not an ideal age for taking direction but I was very flexible with everything from attire to how we could bribe them to get down the aisle. Okay, so I might not have mentioned to the church that our ring bearers were slightly under the age limit. My nephews mean the world to me and there was no way that I would not have them participate. It was only fitting they be a part of their favorite auntie’s wedding day. Luckily the church didn’t ask and my nephews were able to participate.

I would be lying to say that it was smooth sailing with the children.

The beautiful flower girl kissing balls were plucked of some roses before we even stepped into the limo. There were some fits thrown. I was praying no one touched my gown with sticky fingers.

I knew what I was signing myself up for with the children. I love them like crazy so it’s very easy for me to laugh when they are acting like children. That’s my bit of advice for you. If you are having children in your wedding party, make sure they are the children who you love like crazy. Make sure they are the children that you can laugh at when they act as children do. Make sure the sun shines out of their ass regardless of how hard they kicked you with steal toed boots.

Having seen the following pictures a few months after our wedding day made my heart melt. Inviting the children to be a part of our wedding party was the absolute right decision for us. Looking back I might have adjusted the children on our guest list but I could never imagine our day without these cutie patooties by our side.

A few tears didn’t bother Auntie. Mommy was a little frustrated though.

Someone was upset because Papa was paying a little too much attention to his Auntie. I was laughing throughout the small tantrum. Honestly, it didn’t bother me at all, which is why I say you really need to love the kids you ask. Don’t do it out of obligation otherwise you will find yourself frustrated and cursing a child. We just went with the flow, and if that meant getting a few blackmail pictures for his first date… then so be it.

All pictures courtesy of Sara Zarrella Photography