Adding children to your wedding ceremony can make your beautiful day even more perfect. Children add a bright, happy and precious gift to the ceremony that marks the beginning of a lifetime of family celebration. However, as beautiful as they are, children are still children and you need to take some special care in managing them so your special day goes well.

• Remember that even though it is your special day, to a child, the world seems to revolve around them. They will come to your wedding as excited and happy as you. Their parents will feel as proud of them during the ceremony as your parents will of you. Don’t brush them off, congratulate them and make them feel proud too.
• Choose a helper for the children that will not be a part of the wedding ceremony itself. This person will be there to direct the children and handle any kid related issues that come up. Arm your helper with treats, drinks, toys, books, etc. to entertain the kids with when they get bored. Make sure the kids are familiar with and know who this special helper is and feel safe to be with them.
• Children that take part in a wedding ceremony should be at least five years of age. There are some exceptions, however. Each child has his or her own different level of confidence and playfulness that you will want to gauge individually.
• Of course you will want to match the outfits of your flower girl and ring bearer to the rest of your wedding party. But it is perfectly OK to change theirs up just a bit, and highly advisable. You want them to match, but be comfortable. The fabric should not be stiff, hot or itchy and the cut of the dress or suit should not be overwhelming to the child. Let them wear their own shoes that are comfortable for them. Or if not, give them their new wedding shoes early so they can wear them around and break them in before the event.

Most of all, be patient. Children are children and they may do something unpredictable despite how well you’ve managed the event. Do not get upset with them. Just make things right and laugh about it, have fun. It is your special day.