“Why bother bump and baby proofing my wedding?” I hear you cry, “None of my friends are pregnant!”. If you’re not thinking bumps, think again!
A couple over twenty years old not planning for the presence of bumps and babies at their wedding day is like getting married in the UK and not planning for the rain. The average age of a first time bride in the UK is 30 years old, but the average age of a first time pregnancy is 28 years old. Therefore, if you are planning your wedding more than eighteen months ahead, it is statistically probable that you will have pregnant guests (maybe even a few babies!).
I think that all couples need to be aware of the needs of their pregnant and new parent wedding guests, so here are six things that you should bump and baby proof at your wedding.
Hen Parties
It goes without saying that boozy nights out are not bump proof. However, did you also know that most spa treatments including aromatherapy, saunas and steam rooms are also out of bounds for bumps?
Bridesmaid Dresses
One of the most Googled phrases related to maternity wear is ‘maternity wear for weddings’. Looking good is a big concern to a pregnant or new mum guest.
Allow your pregnant bridesmaid to choose her own outfit and as close to the date of your wedding as your nerves can bear (when you’re pregnant, you never know what shape you’re going to be one week to the next!).
Choose specific maternity wear, NOT plus size; they are very different things! If you are looking for beautiful bridesmaid-esque maternity dresses, I can thoroughly recommend Tiffany Rose. You might have seen Holly Willoughby or Myleene Klass wearing their dresses.
Venues
Double check (never assume) that your wedding venue has the following — it may surprise you how many venues don’t accommodate bumps or new babies.
Does your venue:
- Allow pushchairs inside? (Historical wedding venues often don’t to protect the floors)
- Have easy access? (i.e. not too many steps)
- Contain private, peaceful corners in which to breastfeed?
- Have a separate baby changing station or room?
IMPORTANT: Make sure you have asked your venue what their rules are on bringing in food for young babies. Commercial kitchens are subject to super-strict health and hygiene rules against letting ANY homemade food into kitchens, including tiny Tupperware containers of homemade baby mush. However, most will be happy to provide a cup of hot water in which to warm a bottle of milk, or will heat baby food as long as it is shop-bought and in a sealed jar.
Menus
Bump proof your menu by avoiding dishes containing the following ingredients:
- Raw meat and raw fish
- Unpasteurised cheeses
- Pâté
- Dippy eggs
- Mayonnaise
- Shellfish
- Alcohol
Atmosphere
New mums and pregnant guests crave peace and comfort more than a long night of celebration. Don’t expect them to stay up and party all night. Ensure you provide peaceful corners and soft furnishings for relaxing in.
Attitude
The most important thing you can do to bump and baby proof your wedding is to keep an open, patient and loving mindset. Wedding planning can be stressful, but it is nothing compared to the pressures and learning that comes with being pregnant or having a baby to care for!
Guest post by Lucy Pask
Images from…
Spa: Flickr by Unique Hotels (CC BY-SA 2.0 License)
Maternity Dresses: Tiffany Rose
Prawns: Pixabay
