The "Getting Married and We Already Have a Kid" Wedding-Day Survival Kit

Photo courtesy of callunaevents.com

So you're planning a wedding and you already have a kid? No biggie... kids happen! The question is, how to ensure the most fun, fuss-and-fiasco-free, contented kid, radiant bride, happy groom, everybody-Wang-Chung-tonight wedding reception?

Below, we've thoughtfully compiled a kid-at-your-wedding survival kit for all the mommy brides out there.

Willing and able Mother or Mother in Law of the bride. No mother or mother in law that I've ever met would turn down an opportunity to babysit her pride and joy and the love(s) of her life – her dear, beautiful grandchild or grandchildren. So DO bring along a fully cognizant and able-bodied Granny, Mimi, Nonna, or whatever her preferred grandma nickname. Having a grandma guarding the wee ones is sure to allow you ample partying time at your own wedding. Be aware, though, that if BOTH mother AND mother in law are present, you must designate one OR the other as chief grandma-in-charge – NOT both! Otherwise, you run the risk of this turning into a veritable grandkid tug-of-war.

Drinks – and something to carry/transport them in. Of course, every kid needs to be supplied with copious amounts of liquid – and not the fun kind that the rest of the guests will be downing at an alarming rate. So, depending on the age of your child, you'll want to be sure that the drink jug, sippy cup, juice boxes, baby bottle, and/or water bottles are fully stocked with life-juice for your child to suck down faster than Uncle Jack is tossing back tequila shots at the cash bar.

Binky. This, too, will depend on the age of the child. Any boy or girl age 2 or under will most certainly require a rubber nipple to satiate his or her unquenchable desire to suckle. Nursing moms, too, must recognize that you will be limited in the number of times you'll be able to slip away with your precious babe tucked under your arm for a quiet 20 minutes of boob-bonding. So, thinking ahead here... now is a good time to begin binky training, and the inevitable weaning of the dependency on the boob, if you haven't already. Stash a couple of those suckers (every pun intended) in your survival bag/diaper bag, and you're on your way to partying the night away.

Diapers or several changes of underwear/training pants. It goes without saying that babies in diapers will need a fresh supply, especially if your mother has been filling and refilling his bottomless baby tank all evening. And for kids in pants... of course stash several extras plus a wipe-up cloth "just in case." (I shouldn't have to mention that this should not be the same cloth you intend on wiping his mouth with.) Now, a word to the wise and the overly confident: even if you'd swear on your firstborn that this kid NEVER has pee pee accidents... this will inevitably be the ONE day of the year where he proves you wrong. So bring along those potty pants! And don't forget the wipes while you're at it.

Fancy duds. If you have a kid, then he or she is probably in the wedding party... I'm guessing either flower girl, ring bearer, or if very small and there are multiple kids, just another cute little drooling cherub who, much like the groom, will be stumbling down the aisle in utter awe and confusion. The little tyke will of course be required to dress up in a matching outfit as the wedding party... so get all those bits and pieces together, break out your iron, press it to perfection and make sure it's all neatly on the hanger and ready to go for the big day. Dress, gloves, hairband, flowers, etc. if a girl... tux or suit, cummerbund; tie or bowtie for the boys; belt, socks, shoes, the works. If required to carry props, then don't forget those.

Change of clothes. If it's a day wedding, pack some extra shirts, comfy pants, sweatshirts and outerwear in case there's an unexpected trip outside into the chilly air, and you need to layer her up. If it's a night wedding, you'll want to grab a pair or two of jammies to make for an easy transfer to sleepytime (on grandma's shoulder, of course). Don't forget socks, shoes, and slippers!

Toys. Ideally, these should be small enough to fit into busy little fists, and they should not require batteries or make any noises independently of the child who may be tapping, rapping, chewing, drooling on, and throwing them-- which will clearly make enough of a racket in and of itself. Think favorite stuffed animal or babydoll; miniature toy cars and trucks; hand-held game. It goes without saying that Tickle Me Elmo, Snoopy Sno Cone Machine, and any toy that requires adult supervision should be saved for the after-party at grandma's house.

Books and coloring books. This will depend on the kid, of course. Many small children can be captivated by crayons and paper for at least some time; while others will simply delight in breaking and throwing the crayons; peeling off and eating the paper they come wrapped in, and coloring everything in reachable distance with the exception of the actual coloring book you brought. So make a careful determination on the type of kid or kids you're dealing with before settling on crayons and coloring books as your kid-pacifier of choice.

Snacks. As if there wasn't already enough food at your wedding! Yes, inevitably the marinated Chilean sea bass, tortellini in lobster cream, bacon-wrapped scallops and Italian cookies won't appeal to young palates (well... unless it's MY kid – he eats everything!). So have grandma snag a stash of favorite cookies, animal crackers, fruit, cheese, whatever your kid is used to snacking on during ordinary occasions.

First aid kit. It never hurts to be prepared! As every mother knows, a Scooby Doo band-aid can work magic on a bruised ego... the urgent need for cough suppressant can happen when you least expect it... and, if you don't bring along at least a few emergency boo-boo fixers, it's guaranteed that you'll end up needing them.

Blanky. Even if your precious Boo Boo Goo Goo doesn't typically cling to a blanket, having one in the Babysitter's Bag of Tricks may prove critical, especially during naps in overly air-conditioned party rooms. A cozy, kid-sized one is all you need!