Shrinking Down Style

courtesy AllenAimPhotography

 Little People, Looking Good. (and hopefully behaving...)

via Flickr

Awww!!! Aren't they cute?!  The only people that are (sort of) allowed to take some of the spotlight away from the bride and groom are these little folks.  When styling your bridal party the little ones can easily help pull the whole look of your wedding together.

The options are endless when it comes to too cute looks for kids.  Doesn't anything miniaturized look cuter? There are a few thing to keep in mind though that will keep you flower girl and ring bearer's parents really happy.  Keep in mind the same concepts that you consider when styling your main ladies.  Check out these great style selections from greenweddingshoes.

With the little one's things like price are important.  They grow so fast that's it's not like you can you justify wearing it again.  Kids are expensive, parents will appreciate your attempt to keep the price down.  Work within your theme if you have one to really hammer home the look, plus mom's won't have to worry about them getting stains out of satin and organza.

Keep them age appropriate.  Some dresses for little girls can be questionable, but a good seamstress can help add sleeves or  length if you're matching your FG to maids.  This goes for boys too.  Your eleven year old nephew would probably rather wear a tux than dress like Mickey Mouse for your black, white and red Disney theme wedding.  

Deciding to include young ones in your big day is an important decision.  While they certainly can offer some laughs and adorable photos opps, they can also create some (cough, cough) potential disturbances.  We all hope for this:

Here's what can happen:

When inviting little one's we often forget that they're cuteness doesn't overcome the fact that they are little.  Coordinators can often help to serve as stand in for mom and dad while they are dancing, having fun or taking photos with the bride and groom.  Another help to everyone is to include a kids activity table and be sure the venues have a quite room for the little ones to nap.

Since I have a two year old, I can say with love that kids are messy-little-stubborn-creatures of habit.  While they may be excited to do the job at the rehearsal, things change when naps are missed, they get stage fright in front of the large crowd, they get bribed with lot of sugar, and they want mac-n-cheese over prosciutto and melon.  Make you sure think about these things when choosing to include the littlest members of your family.

TTFN

Rachel