1. Hire early
Secure babysitters well in advance, as weddings often fall on busy weekends.
2. Check experience
Choose sitters with proven childcare experience, ideally with multiple children and event settings.
3. Run background checks
Verify references, qualifications, and certifications (like CPR and first aid). See our guides for more information:
4. Ask about ratios
Make sure there are enough sitters for the number and ages of children attending. You may need to hire multiple wedding babysitters.
5. Clarify duties
Define whether babysitters are supervising during the ceremony, reception, or in a separate childcare room.
6. Provide entertainment
Ensure babysitters bring or can organize age-appropriate games, crafts, and activities.
7. Discuss meals
Plan ahead for kid-friendly food and snacks that babysitters can easily serve.
8. Set boundaries
Decide on locations where kids will stay (kids’ corner, separate room, outdoor space) and communicate rules.
9. Plan for bedtime
If the reception runs late, arrange a quiet area or sleeping setup for younger children.
10. Keep parents informed
Make sure babysitters have contact numbers and a system for reaching parents quickly if needed.
Before the Wedding
▢ Hire babysitters early (book several months in advance).
▢ Verify babysitter references, experience, and background checks.
▢ Confirm CPR and first-aid certification.
▢ Determine how many babysitters are needed based on the number and ages of children.
▢ Decide where childcare will take place (kids’ room, kids’ corner, separate area, hotel room, etc.).
▢ Collect all parent contact information and emergency contacts.
▢ Ask parents for allergy, medical, and special needs details.
▢ Plan kid-friendly meals, snacks, and drinks.
▢ Prepare entertainment (toys, crafts, games, books, movies).
▢ Arrange sleep/quiet areas for young children if the reception runs late.
On the Wedding Day
▢ Babysitters arrive early to set up and meet parents/children.
▢ Check children in and confirm parent details.
▢ Label kids’ belongings (bags, bottles, coats, etc.).
▢ Provide age-appropriate activities (crafts, coloring, games, movies).
▢ Keep a first-aid kit and emergency numbers handy.
▢ Serve meals/snacks at scheduled times.
▢ Rotate play, rest, and quiet time to keep kids engaged.
▢ Maintain a safe and secure environment at all times.
▢ Communicate with parents if any issues arise.
▢ Check children out to the correct parent/guardian at the end of the event.
