Who's Invited To The Wedding Breakfast?

The inclusion of children at weddings is a topic that sparks passionate debate. Some believe that children add a certain magic to the atmosphere, while others feel that they can be a distraction. Ultimately, the decision rests with the couple, and there are several factors to consider when making this choice. One important aspect is the role children can play in the wedding ceremony and reception, such as flower girls or ring bearers. Another consideration is the cost of hosting children, as it is expected to provide dinner for each young guest and sometimes even entertainment. The time of day and formality of the wedding also play a role in the decision, with evening or very formal weddings being more suitable for adults-only.

When it comes to wedding breakfasts, which is the main meal of the wedding day, children are usually included. This meal typically takes place after the ceremony and is followed by wedding speeches. It is important to check with the parents of any attending children for allergies or dietary restrictions and to provide a children's menu or smaller portions of the adult wedding breakfast. Keeping children occupied during the wedding breakfast, such as with colouring books, is also a thoughtful gesture.

Communicating a child-free wedding

Planning a wedding can be a stressful task, especially when it comes to deciding on a guest list. If you are considering a child-free wedding, it is important to communicate your wishes clearly and respectfully to your guests. Here are some tips and suggestions to help you navigate this potentially sensitive topic:

Determine Your Policy and Any Exceptions

Before communicating with your guests, it is crucial to decide on your child-free policy and any exceptions. Discuss and ensure that you and your partner are on the same page regarding the age limit. Will you have a blanket ban on all children, or will you make exceptions for newborns, nursing mothers, or close family members? Also, determine whether "child-free" applies to teenagers. Will your wedding be 18+ or will teenagers over 13 be welcome? Having a clear understanding of your policy will help you effectively communicate with your guests and avoid any confusion or miscommunication.

Communicate Early and Respectfully

It is essential to inform your guests about your child-free wedding as early as possible. This gives guests with children enough time to make alternative arrangements before responding to your invitation. You can use various communication channels, such as save-the-dates, invitations, your wedding website, or even personal conversations, to convey your policy respectfully and tactfully.

When addressing save-the-dates or invitations, be mindful of the wording and avoid generic phrases like "The Thompson Family." Instead, use the individual names of each invited guest to set the expectation clearly. On your wedding website, provide additional details about your child-free policy, including any exceptions and the reasons for your decision, such as venue suitability or guest list capacity.

Suggest Childcare Options

To assist your guests with childcare arrangements, consider providing a list of local childcare services or babysitting recommendations on your wedding website. If your budget allows, you could even offer to pay for group childcare or babysitting services for out-of-town guests, ensuring their little ones are well taken care of during the event.

Provide Clear Wording Examples

When communicating your child-free policy, carefully choose your words to avoid causing any arguments or misunderstandings. Here are some examples of wording you can use:

• "We love your little ones, but please note that our wedding reception will be an adult-only affair."
• "We are very sorry, but due to restrictions at our venue, we cannot accommodate children."
• "Due to safety reasons at our venue, we are unable to extend this invitation to children."
• "We respectfully request that under-18s do not attend the reception."
• "Please note that this is an adult-only wedding. However, you are welcome to bring infants under 12 months."
• "Adults only (exception for infants under six months)."
• "We are unable to invite children to our wedding. We hope that the advance notice means you are still able to attend."
• "We are delighted to welcome children to the ceremony and early reception. However, from X pm onwards, the wedding will be adults only."
• "Following the ceremony and drinks reception, please join us for an adults-only reception at X pm."
• "As much as we would like to invite all the children of our loved ones, we will only be able to welcome over-18s due to budget constraints."
• "We love your kids, but you deserve a night out! This wedding is for adults only."

Handle Pushback Gracefully

Despite your best efforts, some guests may still express disappointment or push back against your child-free policy. It is important to remain firm and respectful in your communication. If your decision is due to logistical constraints, reiterate that it is related to venue restrictions or budget limitations. Offer to help with childcare arrangements, and show your guests how much you value their presence at your special day. If a close friend or family member is unable to attend due to your policy, consider making an exception or figuring out a compromise, such as hiring a babysitter for the event.

Remember, the key to successfully communicating a child-free wedding is early, clear, and respectful communication, coupled with empathy and understanding for your guests' needs. By following these suggestions, you can create an adult-only celebration that aligns with your vision while also accommodating the needs of your guests.

Child-friendly food options

If you're planning on having children at your wedding, you'll need to consider a child-friendly food menu. Here are some ideas to keep your little guests happy and well-fed:

Fruits and Veggies

• Rainbow fruit skewers with a sweet yoghurt dip
• Chocolate zucchini bread
• Chinese pork fried rice with carrots, broccoli, and peas
• Southwestern spaghetti with zucchini
• Whole Grain Chow Mein with broccoli and bok choy

Comfort Foods

• Chicken strips with dipping sauces
• Mac and cheese
• Chicken empanadas
• Pepperoni pizza rolls
• Chicken spaghetti
• Cheeseburger sliders
• Corn dogs
• Chicken nuggets
• Baked chicken quesadillas
• Beef empanadas
• Sheet pan chicken fajitas

Soups

• Chicken noodle soup
• Smoky tortilla soup
• Tortellini soup with Italian sausage and kale
• Chicken ramen soup
• Broccoli-cheese soup

Casseroles

• Ravioli casserole
• Taco casserole
• Chicken and fries casserole
• Pizza tater tot casserole

Other Ideas

• Popcorn chicken
• Air fryer mozzarella sticks
• Mini calzones
• Air fryer chicken tenders
• Baked pecan chicken tenders
• Chicken fajita burrito bowls
• Steak bites with sweet potatoes
• Chicken teriyaki sushi bowls
• Parmesan fish sticks
• Tacos on a stick
• Chicken pizza

Child entertainment

Children at weddings can be a contentious issue, with some people believing they add a certain magic to the atmosphere and others feeling that kids can be a distraction. However, if you do decide to invite children to your wedding breakfast after a temple wedding, there are several ways to keep them entertained.

Firstly, it's important to provide child-friendly food options. A make-your-own-sundae bar is always a hit, and other suggestions include fruit, finger foods, and lollipops.

In terms of activities, there are numerous options to suit a range of budgets. One idea is to provide kids with wedding activity packs, which can include colouring books, crayons, and personalised activity books. These can be purchased on Etsy, with prices starting at £4.20. For outdoor weddings, lawn games such as giant Jenga, Connect4, and Twister can be a fun way to keep kids entertained. If your budget allows, you could also hire a bouncy castle or foosball table.

For those looking for a more comprehensive solution, companies such as Little Wedding Creche and The Little Top offer packages that include toys, games, arts and crafts, face painting, and even childcare services. These companies can set up designated areas for children, providing a space for them to have fun while giving parents a break. Packages typically start at £675, with additional costs for childcare and packed lunches.

Other ideas to keep children entertained at weddings include disposable camera treasure hunts, bubble blowers, dance floors with kid-approved pop music, and personalised goody bags with age-appropriate treats. With a little thought and planning, it is possible to create a fun and enjoyable experience for your younger guests.

Child seating arrangements

When it comes to child seating arrangements at a wedding, there are a few options to consider. The first is the age of the children in attendance. For children under seven years old, it is often best to seat them in a separate room with childcare provided, as they will likely want to be near their parents and may not sit still for long if they are within eyesight and earshot. Alternatively, they may want to sit next to their parents if they are younger than eight years old.

For children aged seven to 14, a separate table can be arranged, while children eight years old and older may prefer to sit with other kids at an adult-supervised table. If the children are well-rehearsed and comfortable with public performances, they can also be given duties such as ushering, handing out programs, or managing a guest book.

If you want children to be in the same room as adults, you can designate an area off to the side with mini-tables, small buffets, and kid-friendly décor, such as tables with colouring books and crayons. Including something to keep children occupied if they finish their food before the adults is also a thoughtful gesture, such as a colouring book at each child's place setting.

For a more intimate wedding with only family and close friends, or if you are on a tight budget, it is not necessary to include caretakers in the seating arrangements. However, if your budget allows, including caretakers can be a generous gesture, and they can be seated with the children.

Child supervision

If you're inviting children to your wedding, it's important to consider how you'll keep them entertained and supervised throughout the day. Here are some tips for ensuring that the little ones have a fun and safe experience at your wedding:

The wedding breakfast is the main meal of the wedding day, usually followed by speeches. If children are in attendance, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure they are looked after:

• Check with parents about dietary restrictions: Confirm any allergies or dietary requirements with the parents of the children attending. Ask if infants will be able to eat the wedding breakfast or if they will need to bring their own food.
• Offer a children's menu or smaller portions: Work with your venue or caterer to provide a children's menu or smaller portions of the adult wedding breakfast. Children often have smaller appetites and may prefer kid-friendly food options.
• Consider timing: Children may not be able to go as long as adults without eating, so if you plan to have speeches before the meal, bring out a starter for the kids to keep them occupied and avoid hunger.
• Provide entertainment: Include something to keep children occupied, such as a colouring book or small toys at each child's place setting. This can help keep them entertained while the adults finish their meal.
• Seating arrangements: Consider seating children aged 7 to 14 at a separate table, while those under 7 may be more comfortable in another room with childcare. This ensures that younger children are supervised and can easily access their parents if needed.

To ensure proper supervision of children during the wedding ceremony and reception, here are some additional tips:

• Address invitations clearly: Indicate whether children are invited by including their names on the invitation. If using an inner and outer envelope, put the parents' names on the outer envelope and the children's names beneath on the inner envelope.
• Communicate directly: Call your guests with children to explain whether your wedding is child-friendly. This can help manage expectations and avoid any confusion or hurt feelings.
• Assign duties: Involve children in the wedding party, such as flower girls or ring bearers, or give them other duties like ushering or handing out programs. This can make them feel included and engaged.
• Provide a kids' area: Set up a separate kids' room or area with toys, puzzles, colouring books, and other age-appropriate activities to keep them entertained.
• Hire a babysitter: Consider hiring a babysitter or childcare provider to supervise and engage the children. This can be especially helpful if you have a large number of young guests.
• Offer a kids' menu: Work with your caterer to provide kid-friendly food options that children will enjoy and are less likely to make a mess with.
• Keep children occupied during the ceremony: Provide quiet distractions like colouring books or crayons to keep children entertained during the ceremony.
• Include children in the reception: It is customary to invite the flower girl and ring bearer to the reception. If you prefer an adult-only reception, at least allow them to attend the cocktail hour and offer babysitters for the rest of the night.

Frequently asked questions