The no-stress guide to taking kids to a wedding

Lights, camera... toddler tantrum? Weddings needn’t be stressful affairs with kids in tow if you are perfectly prepared. It all comes down to good outfit planning – with the help of John Lewis & Partners’ exquisite Heirloom collection – and a few clever tricks.

Inspired by prints from John Lewis & Partners’ archive in Berkshire, the captivating new Heirloom collection answers all your mini wedding guest’s requirements. ‘The heritage centre is a treasure trove of wonderful prints, including gems from designers such as Lucienne Day, Charles Voysey and William Morris,’ explains Vanessa Bartlett, Partner & Senior Designer, Childrenswear. ‘For the Heirloom collection, the prints have been remastered in-house by our talented print and garment designers to create a unique and beautiful collection.’

The results? Picture-perfect pieces that will wow. All items in the current range, which includes cotton poplin dresses, blended cashmere knits and cotton blazers, are made with luxe natural fabrics, so they feel lovely, too.

There are few things in the world less compliant than a child in ouchy shoes or tight trousers. When planning their wedding looks, go for simple but photo-ready outfits in natural fabrics. ‘Think about the age of your child and don’t be tempted to dress them up like small adults,’ says kidswear stylist and mother-of-two, Francesca Bartoli. ‘Choose light, comfortable fabrics and shoes they are happy to wear all day. I’d suggest taking them for an in-store shoe fitting to ensure their shoes fit perfectly. Linen and crisp cotton look smart and are breathable, which means they won’t get too hot and bothered.’  

While dress codes may dictate main outfits, kids can have a say when it comes to the finishing touches, even if they are part of the formal wedding party as a page boy, bridesmaid or flower girl. ‘Kids love dressing up for special occasions, especially if they can have the fun of picking out a few things themselves,’ says Morag Turner, editor of City Kids Magazine and mother-of-three. ‘For girls, that could be a floral crown (as above) or a piece of jewellery. Boys could opt for a fun bow-tie, some sunglasses or even choose the flower for their buttonhole. If children feel involved and invested in their look, you’ll avoid potential meltdowns.’

If you’re taking infants or younger children to a wedding, there will be moments of the day when you may need to placate them. ‘The wedding service can actually be a bit of an endurance test when you have young children,’ says family photographer and mother-of-three Katrina Campbell. ‘When my boys were very little, I always used to go to events armed with distractions in my handbag, whether raisins, colouring books, or favourite action hero figures.’

The good old British weather can never be relied upon, even if you’re attending a mid-summer wedding. Wet, shivery children do not a happy photo make – a light layer should do the job of keeping them warm while ensuring they still look smart. For girls, that could be a go-with-anything bolero cardigan and for boys, a classic blazer that can easily be peeled off later. ‘As the day goes on, kids can relax more,’ says Fran. ‘Remember that by the end of the evening they will be sliding around on the dancefloor and getting up to mischief.’

Once dinner is over and the speeches are done, the kids are likely to break free, discover the chocolate fountain and gravitate towards the disco. This is also when you’ll get the best photos, according to Katrina. ‘When the children run free and play, that’s when they’ll present me with their most natural poses, making this an opportunity for great photos,’ she explains. ‘This is my favourite moment to get candid snaps of kids.’ Now’s the time for you to sit back, relax and enjoy the moment.