Wedding invitations look very different once you’ve got children. Gone are the days of choosing an outfit purely because it looks lovely. Now there are other questions to ask. Can I crouch down in it? Will it survive a toddler with sticky hands? Can I feed a baby in it without disappearing into the toilets for twenty minutes?
If you’ve got a family wedding coming up, whether that’s a summer garden party or a frosty December ceremony, here’s how to find an outfit that looks the part and copes with whatever the day throws at you.
Why Jumpsuits Are a Parent’s Best Friend
If there’s one piece worth considering above all others, it’s a jumpsuit. Elegant jumpsuits have come a long way from the utility boilersuit, and the best ones now look just as dressy as anything else on the guest list. Wide leg cuts, ruffled sleeves and wrap fronts all feel special enough for a wedding.
The real appeal for parents is freedom of movement. You can scoop up a sleepy child, chase a runaway four year old across the lawn and sit cross legged on the floor during the speeches without worrying about what everyone can see. If you’re breastfeeding, a wrap or V neck style makes feeds far more discreet.
There’s one downside worth flagging, and that’s toilet trips. If you’ve got a little one who always needs the loo at the most inconvenient moment, practise getting in and out of your jumpsuit quickly before the day. Styles with a side zip tend to be easier than back zips you can’t reach on your own.
If You’d Rather Wear a Dress
Plenty of mums still prefer a frock, and there’s no reason to rule one out. The key is choosing wedding guest dresses with a bit of practicality built in.
Midi lengths are a safer bet than minis, as they save you from a constant battle with your hemline every time you bend down. Stretchy fabrics like jersey move with you and are much kinder after a three course meal. Skater and A line skirts give you room to kneel and play, while bodycon styles tend to be the first casualty when you’re wrestling with a car seat.
Patterns are another clever trick. Florals and prints hide a multitude of sins, from a smear of chocolate to a splash of orange squash, far better than pale, plain fabrics.
And if you can find a dress or jumpsuit with pockets, snap it up. Somewhere to stash a dummy, a packet of tissues or your phone means you’re not juggling a clutch bag on top of everything else, and you’ll wonder how you ever managed without them.
Dressing for the Season
The weather plays a big part in what works, especially if the kids will be running around outside.
Spring weddings can be unpredictable here in the UK, so a lightweight jacket or cardigan is essential. Soft pastels and floral prints suit the season perfectly.
Summer means outdoor ceremonies and long receptions, often in full sun. Choose breathable fabrics, pack sun cream for everyone and look for a shady spot if you’re feeding a baby.
Autumn brings deeper colours like rust, mustard and forest green, which also happen to be brilliant at hiding stains. A pair of tights and a smart coat will see you through the evening.
Winter weddings are cosy but chilly, particularly if the photos are taken outside. Long sleeves, heavier fabrics and a warm layer are a must. A full length jumpsuit is ideal here, as it keeps your legs warm without the faff of tights.
Shoes That Won’t Ruin Your Day
Heels and toddlers don’t mix. Between chasing, carrying and standing for hours, sky high stilettos are a recipe for misery by the first dance. Block heels, wedges and dressy flats are far more sensible, especially on grass or gravel. If you really want to wear heels for the ceremony, pop a pair of foldable flats in your bag for later.
Pack a Wedding Survival Bag
Your outfit is only half the battle. A well stocked bag can save the day, so it’s worth packing a few essentials: baby wipes, a spare top for the kids (and maybe one for you), snacks, a small toy or colouring book for the speeches, plasters and a stain remover pen. A muslin is handy too, whether for feeding or as an emergency napkin.
Dress the Kids Last
One final tip: get the children dressed at the very last minute. Pop them into their wedding outfits just before you leave the house, or even when you arrive at the venue. It dramatically reduces the chances of breakfast ending up down the front of a brand new shirt.
If the children are old enough, let them help choose a few accessories for their own outfits. It keeps them excited about the day and makes them far less likely to protest when it’s time to get changed.
Enjoy the Day
Weddings with children are a little more chaotic, but they’re also full of lovely moments, from tiny dancers on the dance floor to sleepy cuddles during the evening disco. Choose an outfit that lets you join in rather than one you’re constantly adjusting, and you’ll actually get to enjoy the celebration. And if all else fails, at least the photos will look good.
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