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Attending a wedding is always a special occasion. It is a chance to celebrate with family and friends, dress up fancy, indulge in free food and drinks, and dance the night away. But what happens when you have a little one in tow? Can you still enjoy weddings?

Well, we have been there – not just once, but twice.

Lost in the French Countryside

Our first adventure led us to a charming farm near Paris for a French wedding. The journey began with a flight from Zurich, a not-so-fun delay (thanks, Air France), and a three-hour drive to our Airbnb. Exhausted and with our 11-month-old baby, our journey had just started.

The wedding was set on a charming farm in the suburbs, surrounded by beautiful scenery. It was my husband’s side of the family, and I found myself among unfamiliar faces, struggling to connect with the other guests. On top of that, our little one was becoming more mobile, making it even trickier for me to socialize. The travel and multiple location changes were also taking a toll on him.

That’s when we realized we weren’t fully prepared for a baby at a wedding.

Taking Care in Unfamiliar Territory

Let’s be honest, baby duty does not take a break, even at weddings. Sure, you might have relatives around who could jump in, but in our case, we did not know the people that well. Plus, our little one had developed “stranger anxiety” that was more intense at the wedding. No one could lay a finger on him except for Mom and Dad. So, one of us had to be always with him.

Taking care of your baby at home is one thing. You have your crib, changing table, and all your baby gear within arm’s reach. But at a wedding? Well, you have got to work with what is available or get creative.

Never-ending Interrupted Conversations

Weddings are great events to meet people you would never cross paths with otherwise. You reconnect with old friends and maybe even stumble into a long-lost cousin. But when you have a little explorer, those chats turn into quick dashes. “Sorry, gotta catch the kiddo!” became our catchphrase. Expect to have your conversations punctuated by baby duties.

Unpredictable Baby Behavior

As an introvert, attending a wedding can be quite a challenge. These gatherings are filled with energetic social interactions in an unfamiliar setting, which can feel overwhelming.

Now, imagine that through your baby’s eyes. Loud music, strangers eager to hold them, and the realization that mommy and daddy seem worlds away. Our little one was no exception, he was overstimulated and hyped throughout the evening. We had to find quiet corners with the stroller to soothe him from time to time.

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Istanbul, Take Two

Fast forward to our second wedding adventure, this time in Istanbul, with our 13-month-old. We were better prepared and ready to enjoy the wedding festivities. Unlike our first trip, we arrived in Istanbul earlier, allowing our son to become more comfortable with the surroundings. This made a world of difference in his comfort level.

This time, we came with a different mindset and better preparation, and to our surprise, we found that you can actually have fun with a baby at a wedding.

So, what did we do differently?

Baby, the Icebreaker

Having a baby with you naturally sparks conversations. People are genuinely curious about life with a little one. There was always something to chat about at the wedding, even with those without kids. I even found myself experiencing less social anxiety with our boy next to me. Plus, our little one provided the perfect excuse for an early exit when we needed a break.

Know Your Baby’s Schedule

Before the wedding, we ensured our son had playtime and a good nap. We timed our arrival at the party when he was wide awake and happy. Later in the evening, when tiredness kicked in, my husband took him to a quiet spot and put him to sleep. This even gave us the chance to hit the dance floor together! Planning around your baby’s naps and meals is a game-changer. A well-rested and well-fed baby is a happy one.

Pack Baby Essentials

We made sure not to leave home without diapers, wipes, baby food, bottles, toys, and a change of clothes. To top it off, we checked the menu beforehand to ensure there were suitable food options for our son. Lucky for us, the venue even provided a highchair and blankets for him. Having these essentials on hand will help you handle any surprises.

Understand Your Baby’s Personality

Taking our baby to a big event like a wedding meant understanding his personality. We knew his triggers and tendencies, which helped us prepare. Consider how your baby behaves in larger gatherings, with strangers, or in new environments. Most importantly, stay relaxed and adaptable. Babies pick up on your mood, so being calm and flexible is the best strategy.

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Attending a wedding with a baby is not without its challenges, but it’s an adventure worth taking. Our experiences taught us that with preparation, understanding your baby, and a dose of flexibility, you can create beautiful memories while celebrating life’s special moments with your little one.