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It’s been rumoured that Princess Charlotte, beloved daughter of William and Kate, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, will be part one of the most anticipated weddings of the year - in Meghan's bridal party.
According to People.com, the adorable princess, who along with big brother Prince George were in Pippa Middleton’s bridal party in May last year, is expected to take on the role again later this month again when Meghan Markle and Prince Harry tie the knot.
Judging from all the pictures of the wedding last year, Charlotte and George proved to be absolute pros and stole the show almost as much as the bride did.
For many folk, weddings are not just a day to celebrate love, but it’s also about being surrounded by family – and that, includes the kids.
Over the years there’ve been many a debate as to whether or not children should attend weddings, with many being completely against it as it means that unruly children would need to be managed, while others feel that weddings should involve everyone.
But at the end of the day, the choice inevitably should be dictated by the couple getting married. Many not only choose to exclude kids because they’re bound to be restless (they are young and do want to play after all), but also because it saves on costs.
It goes without saying that the royal family, without a doubt, can afford to splurge out on the wedding of a century, and as such have children attend and be part of the wedding retinue.
Also, Princess Charlotte and Prince George are basically being reared in the spotlight – while they’re still young, they already seem to have mastered the art and poise that go with being a royal, which is why we have no doubt that Meghan and Prince Harry’s big day will be perfect.
READ MORE: 33 seemingly random things you and your partner really need to talk about before you get married
But if you do decide that you want to have kids at your wedding? Here’s a handy guideline to ensure that your day goes off without a hitch, while still allowing them to be, well, kids:
What to do if you want kids to attend your wedding:
Kids at weddings. Ah, what a wonderful subject. Not for the fainthearted I tell you. They're just full of surprises - good surpises and very, very bad surprises.
They're either eliciting 'ooohs' and 'aaaahs' from your guests as they trundle unsteadily down the aisle, or they're bringing the entire house down with 'look mommy, that lady is wearing a funny hat with apples in it,' just as our gorgeous bride hits her stride down the aisle.
Never ever a dull moment with the younger set around I tell you.
I personally love kids at weddings - they add the very unexpected and it's a photographer's dream. I've seen children at weddings doing all manners of things, each time pulling off yet another masterstroke at completely upsetting the proceedings.
I've seen them asking the minister why he's wearing a dress. I've watched them asking the bride when the baby is coming. I've heard them shout out 'boooooring' (I kid you not) and I've watched them make speeches so amazingly full of love that it I've wondered why they don't run the entire world.
So here's the deal - if you want children at your wedding, go for it, but expect the unexpected, because it WILL happen. Somewhere, somehow, during the course of your wedding day, that little 3 year old is going to have a pretty telling idea and somebody is going to be on the very marvellous receiving end of it. But you can 'manage' those mini-missiles to a degree. Here's how - I think...
READ MORE: Should social media have a part in your wedding?
Hire a babysitter.
It's not going to cost you that much is it? Almost everyone knows a lovely nanny who is great with kids. So hire her! She'll feel a part of the proceedings and she'll welcome the extra money.
And throw in a gift as well - she'll hold it dear forever.
Put a little time aside for kids' photos.
Children are naturally theatrical.
Set 10 minutes aside for your photographer to capture them doing their thing during the formals and if he's any good at his job, he'll blow about 30% of their inherent energy package in one go. And you will seriously love the photos.
Include the kids during the dancing.
When children feel an 'expression session' coming on best you stand back because they're going to hit that dance floor with all they've got! Include them, dance with them, love and hug them.
More energy gone.
WATCH: 17 kids who are so done with weddings
Set a kiddies table.
Kids are not little adults, they're kids. And kids all love the same sort of things - bubbles, balloons, masks, crayons, fiddly things that will capture their imaginations.
Make their table exciting for them and they'll play themselves into a coma.
Oh and try not to feed them snails as a starter - give them food that they love. Then, when it all gets too much for them, a babysitter can whisk them off to a room with... a TV. The smaller one's will hit the sack, the bigger one's will watch TV until they just can't anymore. Sleep tight. Job done.
Warren Williams is a specialist wedding photographer. Visit him on Facebook.
Did you have kids at your wedding? Tell us about the experience.
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