George Boyle
When it comes to wedding planning, there are many factors to consider, and children are often a point of discussion. Some people believe that children should be included in the guest count, especially if they require a seat or a meal. Others suggest that children, especially infants and toddlers, can be excluded from the headcount as they may not require a separate chair or meal and can be accommodated by their parents. The decision to include or exclude children in the guest count may also depend on the venue's policies, as some venues charge for children differently or have specific rules regarding occupancy limits. Ultimately, the decision to include or exclude children in the guest count is a personal one, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach.
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What You'll Learn
Children in the wedding party
Children can be a delightful addition to your wedding party, but they can also add a level of stress and logistical challenges. Here are some considerations and suggestions for including children in your wedding party:
Involving Children in Wedding Preparations
Children can be involved in various wedding preparations, such as handwriting guest place cards, putting together welcome baskets and favours, or stamping envelopes. These activities can make them feel included and contribute to the wedding festivities.
Rehearsals and Expectations
If you plan to include children in your wedding party, it is essential to involve them in the ceremony rehearsal. This is an opportunity for them to practice their roles and become familiar with the proceedings. However, it is important to manage your expectations, as children's behaviour and performance on the wedding day may differ from the rehearsal. Avoid placing too many expectations on them, as this can increase the chances of things going wrong.
Age and Maturity Considerations
When including children in your wedding party, consider their age and maturity levels. While children as young as six can participate, each child's maturity level varies. Be mindful that younger children may require more supervision and assistance, especially if both parents are also part of the wedding party. Consider having another familiar adult assist and focus on the child's needs during the wedding preparations.
Roles and Responsibilities
Children can take on various roles during the wedding ceremony and reception. They can act as ushers, distribute programs, manage a guest book, or pass out favours. Older children might also perform a group reading or serve as train bearers. Ensure that the role matches the child's personality, as some children may be too shy for public performances.
Seating Arrangements and Catering
When planning your guest list and seating arrangements, consider whether children will be seated with their parents or at a separate children's table. Check with your venue about discounts for children's meals, as some venues offer discounted rates for kids under a certain age. Also, remember to provide kid-friendly snacks, as children tend to get hungry more frequently.
Entertainment and Childcare
To keep children entertained during the wedding, consider hiring childcare professionals or setting up a separate room with activities like colouring books, puzzles, or a movie. This can give parents a break and allow them to enjoy the festivities without constant supervision of their children.
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Children as guests
When it comes to children as guests at weddings, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it's important to decide whether children will be invited to the wedding at all. Some couples choose to have an adults-only wedding, while others prefer to include children, especially if they are part of the immediate family. If children are invited, it's essential to consider their comfort and entertainment. Some couples choose to provide activities or goodie bags to keep children occupied during the event.
Another important consideration is seating. Children, even infants, are generally considered guests and are included in the headcount for capacity and seating arrangements. This is particularly important for fire codes and other safety regulations. If a child will need a high chair or a regular chair, they are typically counted as a guest. Some venues may offer discounted rates for children or have different menus for them, so it's essential to communicate with the venue about their policies.
When it comes to catering, the approach can vary. Some couples choose to provide separate children's meals, which are often cheaper than adult meals, while others may opt for a kids' menu with simpler dishes like chicken fingers and hamburgers. It's worth noting that some venues may not offer discounted meals for children, and their policies on catering for children may vary. It is recommended to check with the venue and caterers to understand their specific policies and pricing for children.
Additionally, it's worth considering the behaviour and comfort of the children. If there are many young children, their behaviour may be more unpredictable, and it might be beneficial to have a separate room or area for them to play and eat. Some couples choose to hire caretakers or babysitters to supervise and entertain the children, allowing parents to relax and enjoy the wedding festivities. Ultimately, the decision on how to accommodate and count children as guests depends on the couple's preferences, the venue's policies, and the number and ages of the children involved.
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Seating arrangements for children
Planning a wedding seating arrangement can be a challenging task, especially when children are involved. Here are some tips to help you navigate this process:
Seating Children with Parents
One option is to seat children with their parents or guardians. This arrangement allows parents to easily supervise their children and assist with meals, drinks, and behaviour management. It is also beneficial when children do not know the other kids at the wedding, as being seated with strangers may make them uncomfortable. If you choose this option, it is important to provide high chairs or boosters for younger children who need them. Additionally, consider placing families with children in the same section of the dinner area to facilitate easier management.
Creating a Kids' Table
If you have several children attending your wedding, you may consider creating a separate kids' table. This option can be entertaining for the children, allowing them to interact and socialise with their peers. It is advisable to seat an older, responsible child with the younger ones to model good behaviour and help keep them occupied. Place the kids' table close to the parents' table so that they can easily supervise and assist if needed. To enhance the experience, provide age-appropriate activities and personalised activity packs to keep the children engaged during the wedding.
Practical Considerations
When creating your seating chart, it is important to start early. Gather information such as RSVPs, dietary requirements, and special requests. Consider the size and shape of your venue, your menu style, and the atmosphere you want to create. Use digital tools or physical aids like sticky notes to make the process easier. Remember to count children as attendees when planning table arrangements, especially when allocating space for high chairs or prams.
Assigned Seating vs. Informal Seating
You can choose between assigned seating, assigned tables, or informal seating. Assigned seating involves displaying a seating chart and using place cards to indicate individual seats. Assigned tables allow guests to choose their own seats within their assigned table. Informal seating gives guests the freedom to select their preferred seats, but it may cause stress and chaos, especially with a large guest list.
Ultimately, the decision to seat children with their parents or at a separate kids' table depends on various factors, including the number of children, their ages, and the preferences of the parents. By combining these tips with your personal preferences, you can create a seating arrangement that ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience for both the children and their parents at your wedding.
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Meals for children
When it comes to weddings, children do count as guests, and their heads are included in the overall guest count for capacity purposes. However, the venue's policy on catering for children may vary. Some venues include children in the final count for catering purposes, while others may offer a discounted rate or consider them separately from adult guests. It is important to clarify this with your chosen venue.
Providing meals for children at weddings can be a fun and inclusive part of the planning process. Here are some ideas and considerations to ensure the little guests are well-fed and happy:
Children's Menu:
Ask your caterer about a children's menu or kid-friendly options. Many caterers offer special menus for children, often at a discounted rate. These menus typically include dishes such as chicken fingers, mini pizzas, hamburgers, macaroni and cheese, and fries. Having a separate children's menu can make it easier for parents to choose suitable options for their kids and ensure the children enjoy their meals.
Age Considerations:
Consider the ages of the children attending when planning meals. For infants or very young children who are not yet eating solid foods, pureed foods or baby food options may be necessary. For toddlers and older children, a variety of options, including kid-friendly foods, ensures that different age groups and preferences are accommodated. It is a good idea to reach out to parents to understand their children's eating habits and any specific dietary requirements or allergies.
Buffet-Style Service:
If you are having a buffet, consider setting up a separate kids' station with child-friendly options. This helps streamline the buffet line and prevents holdups. It also allows children to choose their meals independently, which can be exciting for them. Popular options for a kids' buffet include chicken tenders, mini pizzas, sliders (burgers or veggie options), and mashed potato bars.
Desserts:
Don't forget to include some special treats for the children! In addition to the wedding cake, offer kid-friendly desserts like frosted cookies, brownie squares, cake pops, crème brulee, chocolate mousse, or gelato. These sweet treats are sure to be a hit with the younger guests.
Communicate with Parents:
Keep an open line of communication with the parents of the children attending. They know their children's eating habits and preferences best. Ask about any specific dietary needs or allergies, and provide options that cater to a range of tastes and requirements.
Planning meals for children at your wedding can be a delightful aspect of the overall experience, creating a warm and inclusive atmosphere for guests of all ages.
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Childcare at weddings
Planning a wedding can be a challenging task, and deciding whether to invite children or not can be a tricky decision. Some couples prefer to have a no-kids wedding to avoid any potential disruptions, while others may want to include children in the ceremony and reception. For those who choose to invite children, providing childcare can be a thoughtful way to ensure that both the parents and children have a safe and enjoyable experience.
Onsite childcare at weddings can be a convenient solution for managing children's attendance. This option allows parents to relax and enjoy the festivities while knowing their children are nearby and well cared for. Childcare professionals can set up activities, serve meals, and provide a dedicated space for children to enjoy themselves away from the main event. This service is especially beneficial for destination weddings, accommodating breastfeeding infants, and ensuring a more inclusive celebration.
When considering onsite childcare, it is essential to collaborate with the wedding planner, event venue, and parents to ensure a seamless experience. The number of babysitters required may depend on the number of children expected, with a recommended ratio of one babysitter for every four children. It is also crucial to provide appropriate meals and seating for the children, counting them as guests for capacity and catering purposes.
The cost of onsite childcare is an important consideration. Some couples may choose to cover the expense as a courtesy to their guests, while others may leave it as an optional service for parents to utilise. It is worth noting that professional childcare services can vary in price, and specialised care for children with disabilities may be more challenging to find and incur higher costs.
Ultimately, the decision to include childcare at a wedding depends on the couple's preferences and the specific needs of their guest list. By providing onsite childcare, couples can strike a balance between creating a family-friendly environment and maintaining the ambiance of their dream wedding.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, children do count as guests at a wedding. If they need a seat, they count. However, children who will be sitting on their parents' laps may not be included in the guest count.
It is a good idea to provide a separate meal for children, as they may not enjoy adult food. Most venues offer different menus and cheaper pricing for children.
It is recommended to seat children aged 7 to 14 at a separate table, while those under 7 should be seated in another room with childcare provided. However, the decision is ultimately up to the couple.
No, you are not obligated to invite children to your wedding. It is your guest list, and you can choose who to include. However, if you do invite children, it is a good idea to provide childcare services and inform the parents in advance.
