What is cuter, or more special, than the little guys that celebrate our weddings with us.

Check out Spencer in this formal suit, jacket, pants, vest, shirt and tie. All for $99 as part of Derks’ Little Nippers Collection. Photo courtesy of Andrew Peter Bradley (www.andrewpeterphotographer.com)

Here are some tips to help you keep your little gentleman happy and handsome (or little lady looking her best):

• Dress them at the last possible minute
• Make sure they have access to videos, snacks and toys
• Little ones need big, big bibs
• Make sure kids have back-up shoes for the reception
• Make arrangements for a location near the reception for kids to sleep or rest with a babysitter.
• Feed children a small meal before the event.

Keeping kids happy at a wedding isn’t always easy, but here are some tips to help you out. Dress them at the last possible minute. The less amount of time they spend in their “nice clothes” the happier they’ll be. Make sure they have access to games, videos, snacks and toys. The smaller the child, the larger the bib. Kids make a mess when they eat and if you want them to look nice for pictures, keep their clothes covered!

Feed smaller children a small meal before the event. It will tide them over until the main dinner is served. Bring some back-up shoes for the little ones to change into at the reception. They’ll have a lot more fun dancing around in a more comfortable pair of shoes. Make arrangements at a location near or at the reception where the kids can go to take a nap with baby-sitters.

What can the little ones do?

The children in you and your fiancé’s life are important to you and there are a lot of jobs they can help out with to be a part of your special day. Flower girls, ring bearers, junior bridesmaid or groomsmen are all a part of the wedding party. Kids also enjoy handing out programs, watching the gift table, taking charge of the guest book to make sure guests are signing it. Kids like to feel helpful and important so you could have them set up place cards or favours at the reception or do a special reading/prayer at your ceremony.