Traditionally, brides and grooms take painstaking steps to ensure that all their invited guest have an unforgettable experience at their wedding. Often times littlest guests are forgotten. Children guest can make a costly emotional and financial impact if not planned for. Although kid-manipulated mishaps can make you money on America’s Most Funniest home videos, these are a few ideas to lower the cost at your wedding reception.

In an effort to prepare my little boys (four-year-old Zachary and 6-year-old Xavier) I formulated a plan that can be used to successfully tailgate in any home with little guests. Set the expectation that you will be viewing the game. If your children are stubborn like mine you might want to start talking up the football game a day in advance.

As a vendor in the wedding industry my inbox is bombarded with articles and invites for workshops on how to lure the “upscale bride.” I was moved to write when I got an article titled, “Get a Nordstrom’s Bride in a Wal-MartWorld.” Well unlike some of my counterparts in the industry, Black-Tie Babysitting doesn’t think shying away from the “budget bride” is the answer. 

I love my family, with their support I have been able to build Black-Tie Babysitting into a business that is changing how people feel about children at special occasions and events. Whenever, I can’t take my children with me they graciously watch them for me.  When I walk in to see my 6-year-old sleeping peacefully in his clothes instead of pajamas or the snacks that I closely rationed out all week eaten in their entirety I realize something—despite my families efforts and good intentions they will never be me.

When you’re a parent, other people’s weddings bring a unique stress. While having a professional child care service like Black-Tie Babysitting can help, you still may worry about the particulars of the venue; so we have decided to provide a review of the wonderful venues we partner with to, “roll out the red carpet for your littlest guest.” We hope to provide insight into each of these venues for your unique perspective as parents. Arlington Hall is situated in the heart of historic Lee Park. To your children it will look like a big white house. For adult guest it is a “residential style venue with fine furnishings and upscale appointments.” Arlington Hall has two terraces and portico with access outdoors. They also have a lawn and formal garden.

For business owners without children it is hard to fathom a scenario where you would willingly take your children to a business appointment. But for those of us who are parents of young children, it’s rare for you to even use the bathroom by yourself. In my case, I have bathroom butlers who tear my tissue for me and serenade me with songs. Here are some things to think about if you have to take a child along on a business meeting, because you can’t simply but your child in the corner and conduct business as usual.