Planning a wedding is one thing, but planning a wedding with children involved? That’s a whole other level of magic (and mayhem!). Enter Rachel from The Nuptial Nanny, the ultimate expert in creating smooth, joyful, and kid-friendly celebrations. With years of experience, a heart full of care, and a knack for calming chaos, Rachel helps couples celebrate their love without the stress – ensuring your little guests feel just as special as the big ones. Whether they’re walking down the aisle, twirling on the dance floor, or needing a quiet moment away from the noise, this is your go-to guide for planning a celebration that embraces your mini VIPs with love, laughter, and plenty of snacks.
Ceremony Tips for Little Ones
- Practice Makes Perfect
If your little ones are walking down the aisle, have a little rehearsal at home. - Have a Backup Plan
If you have a feeling your little one may become anxious and not walk down the aisle themselves, plan to have someone hold their hand or carry them instead. - Create a Smooth Exit Strategy
If you know your child struggles to sit still for long periods, organise a family member to sit at the end chair, so they can easily walk off with them or pass them on to your nanny easily. - Snacks = Smiles
Ensure your little ones have a snack before getting into their ceremony outfit, and have dry snacks on hand thereafter.
Photography Tips for Weddings with Little Ones
- Go with the Flow
Let your photographer know you would like to be opportunistic with family photos throughout the day, rather than having set times. - Prioritise Post-Ceremony Pics
If having your family photos after the ceremony, do them first so your little ones are not having to wait around if tired or hungry. - Pack the Joy
Think about packing a toy or picking a song to have on hand, so a family member or your nanny can create a happy mood, and your photographer can capture some great smiles.
Naps & Bedtime Tips for Little Wedding Guests
- Avoid Overtired Meltdowns
Prevent over-tiredness. Prioritise naps on the day, and remember that bedtime may be earlier, as it can often be a tiring day for children. - Create a Sweet Incentive
To help encourage your little ones to head off for bed with a family member or nanny when they’re tired, you can wrap up a new toy and call it a ‘bedtime present. Consider doing this the night before too, so your child has an understanding of the concept. - Set Up a Quiet Retreat
If possible, ensure your children have a quiet space for naps and bedtime, to avoid disruption to their usual sleep routine.
Be Flexible & Go with the Flow
- Keep Expectations Gentle
Understand that your little one may not fully participate in every part of the day – and that’s completely okay. - Allow for Tired Moments
With all the excitement, noise, and structure, children can tire quickly. Be prepared to adapt and follow their lead when they need a break.
Keep Them Entertained
- Pack Something New
Bring along toys or activities your children haven’t seen before – new items are more likely to hold their attention throughout the day. - Build Connection Through Play
The excitement of unwrapping a new activity can also help your nanny or carer build an instant rapport with your little ones, making them feel more at ease.
Wedding Day Backpack Must-Haves for Little Ones
- Comfy Clothes & PJs – Pack a change of clothes and cosy pyjamas for when the formalwear comes off.
- Snacks – Include easy, mess-free snacks and something more filling to keep little tummies satisfied.
- Face Wipes – Essential for sticky fingers, little spills, and quick cleanups.
- Water Bottle – Stay hydrated with a spill-proof drink bottle.
- Feeding Essentials – Don’t forget bottles, bibs, and a large smock for messy eaters.
- Nappies & Spare Underwear – Include wet bags for any messes or accidents.
- Weather Gear – Hat and sunscreen for warm days, or a beanie and jacket for cooler ones.
- Comfort Items – Think dummy, favourite toy, or portable white noise for nap time comfort.
- Entertainment – Small toys, sticker books, or travel-sized activities work wonders during slow moments.
- Medications – Pack any required medications, plus pain relief, Ventolin, or an EpiPen if needed.
- Sleep Solutions – Bring a pram, carrier, or other backup sleep aids to help with naps.
Pro Tip:
Pack most of the bag a few days in advance. Last-minute rushing makes it easier to forget something important!
Meet Rachel
Rachel Healey is the owner of The Nuptial Nanny and is a Registered Nurse as well as having her Diploma in Early Childhood with Childcare and Nannying Experience. Rachel created The Nuptial Nanny with the perfect combo in mind; her love for weddings and working with children. When planning her own wedding with a young baby, she realised how tricky it can be navigating young children and weddings. During the week, Rachel works part time as a Telehealth Triage Nurse and enjoys days off with her daughter. Rachel finds wedding nannying a rewarding role and always invests in ensuring families get the most out of the service on the day. She is known to be an empathetic, hardworking and kind person.
The Nuptial Nanny Team
The Nuptial Nanny team are highly qualified and bring a wealth of experience to weddings, with each member personally mentored by Rachel. They truly enjoy wedding work alongside their primary professions, which include nursing, midwifery, paramedic and early childhood education.
Rachel and the team from The Nuptial Nanny are here to help your special day run smoothly and stress-free. If you’re planning a wedding with little ones attending and want your guests to relax and enjoy the celebration – or if you’d love extra support for your own children so family members don’t have to juggle both roles – we’re here to assist.
Let us take care of the little things, so you can focus on the big moments.
Contact the amazing Rachel at The Nuptial Nanny www.thenuptialnanny.com.au
Words written by Rachel Healey