My younger brother (almost called him my "baby" brother) is getting married in the fall. This is wonderful news. We have met his fiance a couple of times (my parents more than that) and we really like her. She's good for him and I think that he's good for her too. They really do make a "cute couple".
This morning, my brother called me. He wanted to ask me if we would be in the wedding party. All 5 of us. And, of course, I said yes. I am looking forward to it. But now I need to get to work.
Music Man and Big Brother are going to be co-ring bearers. Ballerina is going to be a flower girl along with the bride's cousin. And they are going to have to dress for the affair. And they are also going to have to behave, not only during the ceremony but at the reception as well.
This is going to be a dinner affair -- the wedding will be on a Sunday afternoon beginning at 3:00 in the Detroit area. We have over 7 months to prepare them for the experience. I'm not so worried about Big Brother -- a tux may not be the most comfortable outfit he's ever worn, but he'll manage. And at the reception he can take off the tie and the jacket and have some fun. Who knows....we may even bring a change of clothes for him during the reception. And behaving during the wedding -- well, the ceremony won't last too long and then he will have the freedom to relax a bit.
Ballerina, getting her dressed up is going to be the easy part. She is going to love putting on a fancy dress and (even more so) shoes. Her behavior, however, is going to be a challenge. We have to figure out how to teach her to stand still. Music Man is the one I'm expecting a huge challenge from. I can't see him looking forward to wearing a full tuxedo. It shouldn't be hard to find pants and a shirt to fit, but a button-down shirt and bow tie -- that's going to be a challenge. And the shoes? He's not going to like those for a minute. Dad may have to have the handful of gummy bears in his pocket ready to encourage good behavior the same way I used to use them to get Music Man to cross the street safely. For him, we will probably bring a change of clothes for the reception so as soon as the wedding is over, he can be relieved. But I need to figure out how to get him to wear a tuxedo shirt and bow tie before October.
I'm thrilled they are going to be in their uncle's wedding. They all adore their soon-to-be-aunt. And, as I said, Dad and I will also be there so we can remind them how they are supposed to behave. But I need to start thinking strategy very soon.
What a fun and crazy experience you are all about to embark on! It sounds like they have everything set up in case any of your children have issues at the wedding (I would maybe ask that they do pictures/portraits before hand, rather than wait until afterwards.... or even on another day so maybe you can do a dry run of tuxedos, shoes, dresses, etc).
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing experience!
Jenn, I think so too. I really think it's important for them to share in their uncle's big day, and I look forward to seeing them participate. It's just going to take some practice to get them ready.
DeletePLEASE don't feel pressured into forcing the kids into tuxedos!! Ballerina can wear a nice pink dress, and as long as the boys don't come in jeans and a t-shirts it'll be fine. Considering all the battles you face, I definitely think this one is *NOT* worth the good fight. ;-) We'll be happy just to have them there.
ReplyDeleteThanks Kiddo!!!! They'll do just fine. We're going to try for the big guns though.....let's see how they do. I'll make sure Music Man's shoes aren't sneakers, but they won't be fancy shoes. Or maybe they will be....he might like the shine....
DeleteWe're going to make this a good experience. But we're also going to make it a learning experience. That way we can justify the week we will probably have them out of school..... ;)
Could you look into a formal tee shirt design that Music Man could wear under the jacket and it would look like he is wearing a real shirt. Feel sure there is somewhere on the internet that could design such a shirt and there might be some type of soft shoe out there that is better than dress shoes that would work.If your brother and soon to be wife don't mind and they will work with you that is the way to go. Good luck and I love reading about your family.
ReplyDeleteGiven how much time we have, I'd like to avoid the t-shirt if I can. But it will be a back-up plan. Even new sneakers are a big deal for Music Man, but after he wears them for a while, he's OK. I think we're going to purchase some shoes for him and have him wear them regularly for a while before the wedding. That way, he'll be used to them by the time the big day comes around. And we'll have the change of clothes ready for the reception (including sneakers), just in case. ;)
DeleteThis is the good part of being IN a wedding versus attending a wedding. We know EXACLY what the bride and groom are expecting so we can work to try and make their dreams a reality. But they are also understanding in case our planning doesn't work out.
Thanks for both reading and commenting! It makes me feel good knowing people read my blog!!!!
Why not think of it as a costume, like for Halloween?
ReplyDeleteGetting dressed up in a costume is FUN!!
Given how Halloween went last year, that may help. We'll play around with it as we see how he does. I'm planning on going to a consignment shop and picking up a used suit for him so he can get used to having a full button down shirt, jacket and pants that aren't jeans. He'll be fine!!!!!
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