One thing that was simply unsearchable, even by Google’s standards was “tips for bringing baby to my destination wedding”.
While this isn’t my typical wellness-science-backed-healthy-type post, I’m hopeful it can help mama’s who are also brides-to-be, because sometimes life doesn’t go in traditional order. :) And that’s part of the excitement.
Because getting married across the country is a hassle in itself, but doing it with our one and a half year old took it to a new level.
Here’s my very best advice for ‘weddings plus babies’, that helped make our wedding weekend getaway super dreamy + romantic, even as new parents.
Tip 1: Ask the resort for a preferred baby-sitter list (far in advance).
If you’re not at a luxury all-inclusive situation, no worries. Ask your vendors - especially your wedding planner to help out here. Call their references, set up a time to talk and get that booked ASAP. This will be your most important vendor you book! If by chance you’re getting hitched in FL, I’ve got the girl for you! (seriously, email me and I’ll give you her contact info #TeamSharron!) You’ll need a sitter for more hours than you think if you want to make sure you really enjoy your time with loved ones who traveled to celebrate you!
Our family (both sides living more than 2,000 miles away) was dying to spend time with Olivia but we also didn’t want them worrying about diaper changes during cocktail hour, or leaving the pool party early for nap time so we used our babysitter for 10-12 hours the day before and day of our wedding even though for some of those hours Olivia spent a ton of time with her doting grandparents, it was worth it to have all of our family present.
Tip 2: Ask for help from family.
My in-laws volunteered to have her stay in their room the night before our wedding and wedding night. This was HUGE! Make sure you get some help here. The last thing you want to do is wake up early to a crying baby the morning of your wedding OR the morning after!
Grandma Mimi & Nana were hands on and still got down!
Tip 3: Use a sitter for the afternoon after the wedding.
For us this was very special. All of our friends and family had departed, it was just us 3 for a few hours and then, around lunch time, our wonderful sitter came to pick up Olivia from the pool for her nap. We stayed pool-side, split a foo-foo pineapple drink, and just spent time recapping all of the fun we’d just had.
Then, we skipped off to the beach for a couple of hours - took a nap, and went to an early dinner. I can’t tell you how special this time was for us to round out a whirl-wind adventure, and it was only about 5.5 hours of time, most of which Liv napped for that day. So rather than be stuck inside the hotel room, hire some help and get out to enjoy the day!
So before the weekend flies by…
and you regret not spending enough time with all of your loved-ones that traveled to see you, find a grade-A sitter, pay them well, and see if they’re available for not just the day of the wedding but perhaps the day before if you’re doing any rehearsal events and especially the day after for you and you’re new life-partner to have a moment to soak it in.
Our sitter was my favorite vendor and by far the most affordable for what we got in return… a little extra freedom and the ability to pause our parental duties for a weekend.
Yes, I also wrote this post to be able to share some of my absolute favorite pictures of our wedding! See below for more pics of the best weekend of our lives.
Plan on having your sitter attend your wedding ceremony incase there’s any fussing and also coming to the cocktail hour and reception, because the chance to dance with your little one is a truly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Add the sitter to your place settings, preferably at the table with your parents or someone you know loves your little’s company, and make sure your sitter is well-fed and has what she needs to get your little one to bed.
A few items that saved us from stressing:
Stroller (the smaller the better)
Once Upon A Farm pouches
Lunch box w/ ice pack
A few new interesting toys - although our sitter brought a bag full of newness which kept Olivia intrigued for hours.
And seriously, if you get nothing else of of this, hire a kick-ass babysitter for more time than you think and don’t forget to include her in the actual ceremony, cocktail hour and reception. It’s the best money you’ll spend at the wedding. :)
Best wishes,
Laura, Ryan + Olivia ‘Livi’