Babies in ceremony?

Meg1979

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_babies-ceremony?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:30217de3-e3e8-46ab-8f5e-ff5ea5bdb5c6Post:11b77604-b2fd-44b7-b1ae-c059223ccf4b">Re: Babies in ceremony?</a>:
[QUOTE]We are planning on having about 10 babies born  today through December.  They will be 5-9 months at my wedding.  We are asking the ushers to recommend the little ones sit near the back.  I figure that will give a hint to anyone who wouldn't think to take the baby out if it is crying.  I think they would know it would be best to take them out if they don't quiet easily, but a hint doesn't hurt.  I know babies cry and that's ok, but my concern with this many is that if one starts they might all start, and I would rather the other guests not feel disrupted. I was a guest at a Catholic (read: long) wedding a couple of years ago.  The woman sitting behind us had a boy about 18 months by the look of him. <strong> He was kicking and screaming and making an awful noise.  The mother just kept saying loudly "THIS is why I never take him to church" and laughing.  She refused to take him to the lobby where you could still see the whole ceremony through the glass doors and walls. </strong> There was also a closed circuit TV set up to watch and listen.  I assume that's what this area is meant for.  Everyone within 5 rows was annoyed.  I couldn't believe that the woman kept saying this was why she didn't ever take him to church with her.  The only way kids learn how to behave in situations is by being exposed to them. The bride was very clearly upset and distracted by it.  If looks could kill, that boy and his mother wouldn't be alive today. Sure, the are just as married and all that, but this clueless mother did not make for a happy bride.  If it is important for FI's friends to bring the babies, and it is important for you to have a cry free ceremony, it might be wise to mention to the parents  that you are happy to let the babies attend, but would appreciate if they could step out if the cries are uncontrollable.
Posted by TTiger03[/QUOTE]

This is why there will not be kids at my wedding.  It's mostly because I have relatives that would do this to us as to not "miss" anything.  It certainly isn't the end of the world if an infant cries, but not every parent out there is as sensitive as to remove their crying baby.   And I think that it would be very distracting. 

Calypso1977

If they get loud, most parents know to take them out of the ceremony.

most, but not all.

at the wedding of a good friend of mine, there was an infant there taht cried through the entire homily and vows.  the parents "didnt want to miss it" so they stayed and let the baby ruin it for everyone.  totally rude. then the real kicker was when i had to sit wtih these tools at the reception.

banana468

It is annoying when people don't remove their babies.

Just keep in mind that when you say no nursing infants, you may be eliminating the parents - particularly if they have to travel.  It's fine to do that, but don't be upset if the logistical issues are too much.