Weddings are long drawn out affairs if you are a little person. Being trussed up in some sort of silk lampshade of a dress may stray towards cruelty in their eyes and boys in ties for more than four hours is a disaster waiting to happen… you just know that tie is going to end up strangling your granny or used as some sort of tripping instrument. So getting kids’ outfits right is a must and of course getting their approval is paramount – especially if you want them to smile in the family photographs.
There is a vast array of outfits to choose from, but the priority must be comfort. eBay has pages and pages of adorable outfits with something for everyone and it needn’t break the bank. You can find one of a kind or themed outfits, something to match or quirky and unique items. As the outfits are often only worn once, you could always resell on there too. Sylvia Newton, Seamstress, advises: “If you buy online, get accurate measurements so you are not disappointed when the dress arrives.”
Work with them, not against them!
Little girls are so easy to please, a dress that makes them look like a princess, a bouquet, a splash of jewellery and some flowers tussled in their hair. Avoid complicated and uncomfortable hairstyles as they just won’t stay in… go for simple and sweet. Boys, on the other hand, are a different kettle of fish and need a lot of convincing.
Try matching a suit with some baseball pumps for that cool look. Online wedding magazines give some marvellous tips for dressing flower girls and page boys. Be mindful also if your little tot is still in nappies that they will need changing throughout the day, so find an outfit that will be simple to negotiate in a rush.
It’s not just the bride who needs two outfits
If your child is lucky enough to have been chosen to be bridesmaid or pageboy then a mid-afternoon change is a great idea. It gives them time to have a run about and let off some steam, roll in some grass, skid on the dance floor, cause havoc under the tables or jump on the bouncy castle (there is never a more forlorn sight than a little bridesmaid stood staring longingly at the bouncy castle watching the other children have fun but banned from even so much of a jump incase she ruins her dress!) They can be dressed up again for the evening just in time to receive the evening guests.
Top Tips For Dressing the Tiny Tots for the Big Day
- Comfort and practicability should always come first.
- Make sure the child is on board with whatever you choose… if this means negotiating on accessories then just do it!
- Be prepared for all weathers and make sure you have tasteful/matching outer garments incase it is freezing or raining (a cute little white umbrella is a sure hit with any princess and could is a gorgeous prop for photographs). A shrug or cardigan to keep her warm at night and boys always think they look super snazzy in blazer style jackets… so use that to your advantage.
- Remember the second outfit for letting off steam.
- Have a handy packet of wipes for emergency use on stains!
This article was written by Amanda Walters, an experienced freelance writer and regular contributor to Huffington Post. Follow her here: @Amanda_W84
