Bringing Daughters To Weddings: What You Need To Know

Whether or not to bring your daughter to a wedding is a tricky question and one that divides opinion. While some people believe that children add a certain magic to the atmosphere, others feel that they can be a distraction and that weddings are not the place for them. It is important to consider the wishes of the couple getting married, as well as the potential impact on your daughter and other guests. If you are unsure, it is always best to ask the couple directly and respect their decision.

Communicating your wishes: Be direct and honest about your expectations regarding children at your wedding

Communicating your wishes about children at your wedding is important to ensure your wedding day goes smoothly. Here are some tips for being direct and honest about your expectations:

• Be Clear and Direct: On your wedding invitations, address the envelopes to specify who is invited. If you are having an adults-only wedding, include only the couple's names on the outer envelope. You can also include a specific note on any inclusions, such as a reception card, stating "Adults-Only Reception" or "Our wedding is adult-only, thank you." This reduces the chance of misunderstandings and gives guests more time to arrange childcare.
• Use Multiple Communication Channels: In addition to the invitations, utilize your wedding website to communicate your wishes clearly. A dedicated section or FAQ page on the site is a great way to ensure guests are well-informed about the adults-only nature of your wedding.
• Set Rules and Stick to Them: Decide on a rule regarding children and be consistent. For example, you may choose to invite only immediate family members' children or those who are part of the wedding party. Communicate this rule clearly to your guests to manage expectations effectively.
• Offer Childcare Options: While it is not your responsibility to provide childcare, you can offer suggestions or recommendations for babysitting services, especially for out-of-town guests. This can be a helpful compromise that shows consideration for your guests' needs while still maintaining your wishes for an adults-only wedding.
• Prepare Responses for Pushback: Unfortunately, some guests may not react positively to your no-children rule. Prepare yourself for potential questions or pushback by deciding on how you will respond. You can keep it simple by politely reiterating your rule and thanking them for their understanding.
• Be Understanding: Remember that guests with children may feel disappointed or struggle to find childcare. Show empathy and understanding while still firmly communicating your wishes. You can also offer alternatives for guests to feel included, such as suggesting they join via video call if possible.
• Stay Firm: It's your wedding, and you are entitled to set the rules. While it's important to be considerate of your guests, don't feel pressured to make exceptions to your no-children rule. Inconsistency can lead to hurt feelings and confusion.

Remember, clear and honest communication is key to ensuring your guests understand your wishes regarding children at your wedding. By being direct and providing ample notice, you can help create a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

Inviting select children: It's okay to invite certain children while excluding others, but be consistent with your rules

When it comes to weddings, the question of whether or not to invite children is a tricky one. While some people believe that kids add a certain magic to the atmosphere, others feel that they can be distracting and rowdy. If you're trying to decide whether to invite select children to your wedding, here are some things to keep in mind:

Firstly, it's important to remember that it's your wedding, and you are allowed to set the rules. If you want to have an adults-only wedding, that is perfectly acceptable. Be direct and honest with your guests about your wishes, and don't be afraid to state "Adults-Only Reception" or "Our wedding is adult-only, thank you" on your invitations. This will help to avoid any confusion and give guests enough time to find a babysitter.

However, if you do choose to invite some children while excluding others, it's crucial to be consistent with your rules. For example, you could decide to only invite children who are in the wedding party or immediate family members' children. This rule should be communicated clearly to your guests, so they understand why some children are invited while others are not. It's also important to remember that you are not responsible for providing childcare for guests who are unable to find a babysitter.

Another option to consider is hiring a babysitter for the wedding to watch the invited children, either on-site or at a separate location. This can be a great compromise, as it allows parents to attend the wedding while their children are safely entertained. However, keep in mind that some parents may not feel comfortable leaving their children with a stranger.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to invite select children to your wedding is up to you and your partner. Be clear and direct with your guests about your wishes, and don't be afraid to set boundaries. Your wedding day is about celebrating your love, so make sure you do what feels right for you.

Addressing invitations: Make it clear who is invited by properly addressing the inner and outer envelopes of the invitation

When inviting an entire family, it is important to be clear about who is invited. This can be done by addressing both the inner and outer envelopes of the wedding invitation with the specifics of who is invited.

The outer envelope should include the family name, the parents' names, or "The [Family Name] Family". For example, "Mr. and Mrs. Alan Thompson", "Mr. Alan Thompson and Mrs. Emily Thompson", or "The Thompson Family".

The inner envelope should list each family member's name, including the children. For example, "Alan, Emily, Roger, Chance, Miss Jennifer, and Miss Lily".

If you are not using inner envelopes, the children's names can be written on the outer envelope below the names of their parents.

It is important to note that any family member over 18, even if they live in the same household, should receive their own invitation. The same goes for family members who do not live in the family home.

Childcare options: Consider providing a list of local babysitting services or hiring a wedding babysitter for all guests with children

If you're inviting children to your wedding, it's a good idea to consider providing childcare options for your guests. This can be especially helpful for destination weddings or if many of your guests are travelling with children. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Babysitting Services

If you're inviting children to your wedding, consider providing a list of local babysitting services or childcare providers. This can be a helpful option for parents who may not be familiar with the area and are looking for trusted caregivers. You can also suggest that parents bring their own babysitters, especially if they feel more comfortable with that arrangement.

Wedding Babysitter

Another option is to hire a wedding babysitter or childcare service for all guests with children. This can be a great way to ensure that parents can relax and enjoy the wedding while their children are safely supervised. You can choose to have the babysitter on-site, in a separate room or area within the venue, or off-site, such as in a hotel event room.

Planning and Communication

When sending out your wedding invitations, be sure to include an RSVP option for children so you can plan accordingly. This will help you determine the number of babysitters or childcare providers you may need and any specific requirements, such as CPR/First Aid certification. It's also a good idea to get to know your candidates and meet them in person or via video call to ensure they are a good fit for your wedding.

Activities and Entertainment

Consider providing a variety of activities and entertainment options for the children, such as crafts, games, movies, toys, puzzles, and printable wedding games. You can also set up a separate kids' room or area with dinner service, movies, and games to keep them entertained. This will allow parents to check in on their children while still enjoying the wedding festivities.

Flexibility and Compromise

Remember that every family is different, and some parents may prefer to keep their children with them during the wedding. Be prepared to accommodate different preferences and needs, and don't be afraid to ask parents for their input and feedback. Ultimately, the decision to include children in your wedding is up to you, and by providing childcare options, you can create a positive and enjoyable experience for both parents and children.

Child-friendly activities: If children are invited, plan some age-appropriate activities and consider a separate kids' room to keep them entertained

If you're inviting children to your wedding, it's important to keep them entertained with some age-appropriate activities. Here are some ideas for child-friendly activities to include in your wedding plans:

Child-Friendly Food

Happy kids usually mean a happy tummy! While adults might enjoy the fancy food, kids might not be so keen. So, consider asking your caterer to put together some child-friendly meals with approachable options that kids will enjoy. You could even set up a separate kids' table with a special menu and entertainment like toys, crafts and games.

Kids' Activity Packs

Keep little hands busy with activity packs. These can include colouring books, crayons, puzzles, stickers, small toys like cars and planes, playdough, bubbles, and more. These can be given out as welcome bags or used to keep kids entertained during the ceremony.

Outdoor Games

If your venue has outdoor space, make use of it! Set up some old-school lawn games like hopscotch, lawn bowling, Twister, outdoor Jenga, and Connect 4. Simple kites, skipping ropes, and hula hoops are also great options to keep kids active and entertained.

Indoor Games

For indoor spaces, board games and jigsows are a great option, especially for older kids. Go for retro classics like Guess Who, Monopoly, Operation, or Hungry Hippos. For younger kids, a build-your-own-pizza or taco station can be a fun, interactive activity.

Arts and Crafts

Kids love to get creative, so set up a mini arts and crafts area with crayons, stickers, pipe cleaners, and playdough. Wedding-themed crafts like decorating a cake, designing a wedding dress, or making cards for the happy couple will keep little hands busy.

Scavenger Hunt

Create a scavenger hunt list for kids to complete during the reception. Include items like a white dress, a person in a funny hat, a delicious dessert, or something blue. Provide disposable cameras so they can snap photos of their finds, or disposable cameras for instant pictures.

Entertainment

Hire some professional children's entertainers like magicians, clowns, balloon modellers, or face painters. If your budget allows, you could even set up a petting zoo or a bouncy castle to keep the kids entertained.

Movie Night

For a quiet activity, set up a movie night with big pillows and blankets. This is a great option for children with sensory issues who might find the crowds and noise overwhelming. Provide mini bags of popcorn for an authentic movie experience.

Dance Floor Fun

Get kids involved in the celebrations by welcoming them to the dance floor. Have the band play some kid-friendly hits early on, so they can dance and feel included. You could even host a stuffed animal dance party, where kids toss stuffed animals back and forth while dancing.

Separate Kids' Room

Create a separate kids' room or area with toys, crafts, and entertainment. This can include a movie area, a video game zone, or a quiet space for reading or resting.

Remember, when planning child-friendly activities, consider the ages and interests of the children attending. With a bit of thought and planning, you can ensure that both the kids and their parents have a wonderful time at your wedding!

Frequently asked questions