Deborah Chan
When it comes to weddings, children are sometimes counted as guests and sometimes not. It depends on the venue and the role of the children in the wedding. If the venue is offering food, then children need to be counted as guests, as the venue will need to prepare food and drinks for them. If there is no food involved, the venue still has capacity limitations, and children's heads need to be counted towards those restrictions. Children under two years old are usually not included in the headcount, as they will likely eat off their parents' plates. However, if a child needs a seat, then they are counted as a guest. Some venues offer discounted meals for children, while others do not. It is important to check with the venue and consider the ages and maturity levels of the children when ordering meals.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Children's head count for | Invitation list, seating, food and drinks |
| Invitations | Any child over 18 receives their own invitation. Any child under 18 is included in the invitation to their parent(s) |
| Seating | Children are counted as guests if they need a seat. Some venues offer discounts for children under a certain age |
| Food and drinks | Children under 5 may not be included in the guest estimate for food. Children 13 and up should be able to eat adult food. Caretakers should be seated where the children are seated and included in the headcount for an adult meal |
| Childcare | Childcare services can be arranged for children under 7 |
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Children's meals
When it comes to weddings, children are typically counted as guests. This means that they are included in the headcount for food and seating. However, the specific policies regarding children as guests may vary depending on the venue and caterer. Some venues may charge a reduced rate for children or consider them “half guests” in terms of food consumption. Ultimately, it is important to clarify the venue's policies to ensure accurate headcount and food arrangements.
Now, let's talk about children's meals for weddings. It is important to consider the preferences and dietary needs of younger guests when planning your wedding menu. Here are some ideas and suggestions for children's meals:
Children's Menu Options:
- Chicken nuggets or tenders: This is a popular option for children's meals and can be served with French fries or mac and cheese.
- Pizza: Cheese or pepperoni pizza is a kid-friendly option that is widely enjoyed.
- Hamburgers: Mini cheeseburger sliders or regular-sized hamburgers can be offered to cater to different age groups.
- Kid-friendly finger foods: Options such as fruit kebabs, veggies with dip, cheese and crackers, or mini grilled cheese sandwiches are easy to eat and can be presented in a fun and elegant way.
Tips for Planning Children's Meals:
- Communicate with parents: Reach out to the parents of the young guests to understand their preferences and any specific dietary needs or restrictions. This can help you make informed decisions about the menu and accommodate any special requests.
- Consider the age range: Different age groups may have varying dietary needs and preferences. For example, younger toddlers may require softer foods or finger foods, while older children might enjoy more variety and adult-like meal options.
- Work with your caterer: Discuss children's meal options with your caterer, as they may have specific suggestions or a separate children's menu. They can also advise on portion sizes and pricing for children's meals.
- Presentation matters: Just like adult meals, presentation plays a crucial role in making children's meals appealing. Use similar place settings as the adults, such as fancy plates, flatware, and napkins, to create a cohesive and elegant look while making the young guests feel special.
- Offer variety: Include a mix of familiar and new foods on the children's menu. This can help accommodate different taste preferences and encourage young guests to try new, sophisticated options.
By considering these suggestions and tips, you can create a well-rounded and enjoyable dining experience for the children attending your wedding. Remember to keep the lines of communication open with parents, your venue, and your caterer to ensure that everyone's needs are met.
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Invitations
When it comes to wedding invitations, it is important to consider whether children will be included in the festivities. While some couples choose to have an adults-only wedding, others may prefer to include children as guests. Here are some things to keep in mind when deciding whether to include children in your wedding invitations:
The Venue and Catering
Firstly, it is crucial to communicate with your venue and caterers about their policies regarding children. Some venues may have specific rules or discounts for children, while others may charge a flat rate for all guests, regardless of age. Understanding the venue's policies will help you determine whether children need to be included in your headcount. It is also essential to consider the space available at the venue. Children, especially those with strollers or pushchairs, can take up more space than adults, impacting the overall capacity.
Seating Arrangements
When creating your invitations, consider whether each child will require a separate seat or if they will be seated on their parent's lap. If they need a seat, it is courteous to include them in the headcount and provide a designated space for them. This ensures that the venue can adequately prepare in terms of seating arrangements and table setups.
Food and Beverage Considerations
Discuss with your caterers whether they offer children's meals or if they will be charged as full-price guests. Some caterers may provide discounted rates or special menus for younger guests. Understanding their policies will help you decide whether to include children in your food and beverage headcount. It is also a good idea to reach out to the parents to understand their children's dietary preferences and requirements.
Childcare Services
If you plan to provide childcare services or a separate play area for children during the wedding, it is essential to communicate this in your invitations. This information will help parents make informed decisions about attending the wedding and utilizing the childcare services offered.
Invitation Wording
When addressing the invitations, it is customary to send a separate invitation to any child over the age of 18. For children under 18, they can be included in the invitation sent to their parent(s). It is also considerate to call your guests with children in advance to clarify whether your wedding is child-friendly and to provide reassurance about any childcare arrangements.
In conclusion, when planning your wedding invitations, it is important to consider the inclusion of children and communicate your decisions clearly. By taking into account the venue's policies, seating arrangements, catering considerations, and invitation wording, you can ensure that your guest list accurately reflects the number of adults and children attending your special day.
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Seating arrangements
When it comes to seating arrangements for weddings, there are a few things to consider when it comes to children. Firstly, it is important to decide whether children will be seated with their respective families or if there will be a separate room or table for them. Some venues offer discounts for children under a certain age and may provide a separate space for them to eat and play, which can be convenient for parents.
If children are seated with their families, it is generally recommended that younger toddlers and infants sit next to their parents. Older children may prefer to sit together at a dedicated kids' table, where you can provide age-appropriate activities to keep them occupied. It is also a good idea to seat parents with young children at the heads of tables to allow room for highchairs or prams.
When allocating seats for children, it is important to count them as guests if they require a seat and a meal. Some venues count everyone, including babies and children, towards the guest count for occupancy limits. However, children under a certain age may not be included in the guest count for catering purposes, especially if they will be sitting on a parent's lap or sharing a meal with their parents. It is advisable to check with your venue and caterer to understand their policies on children's meals and seating arrangements.
To make the seating arrangement process easier, consider using a digital seating chart tool that allows you to map out your floor plan, assign seats, and track dietary requirements and special requests. Start creating your seating chart early, as it can be a time-consuming task. Displaying your seating chart at the entrance to your reception will help guests find their places easily.
Lastly, don't forget to include your bridal party and parents in your seating arrangements. The bridal table, also known as the "head table," should be centrally located, allowing the bride and groom to look out at their family and friends. Traditionally, the bride and groom sit in the middle, with the bridal party filling the remainder of the table. You may also choose to include your parents or scrap tradition and sit amongst your family and friends.
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Babysitters
When it comes to weddings, children do typically count as guests, especially if they require a seat or a meal. However, this may depend on the venue and caterer, and some couples choose not to include infants in their headcount.
If you are inviting children to your wedding, it can be a thoughtful touch to hire a babysitter or childcare service for the event. This can help parents relax and enjoy the celebration, knowing their children are being well looked after. It can also increase the likelihood of their attendance, especially if they are travelling from out of town and may struggle to find childcare.
There are a few options for providing babysitting services at your wedding. You could hire a professional babysitter or childcare service with experience in weddings. These services can be found through online marketplaces or via referrals from your wedding team or local contacts. The cost of these services will vary depending on factors such as location, the number of children, and the duration of childcare. It is recommended that you book a babysitter around three months in advance, providing them with a list of children's names, ages, and contact details for their parents.
Alternatively, you could consider asking a trusted friend or relative to supervise the children, especially if there are only a few young guests. Some couples choose to set up a "kids' area" with games and activities, providing entertainment for the children and allowing parents to keep an eye on them while socialising.
It is important to communicate with parents about your plans for childcare. While some parents may be happy for their children to be supervised by a stranger, others may prefer to keep their children with them or only allow supervision by someone they know. It is recommended to pose babysitting as an option rather than a requirement, giving parents the choice to opt in or decline the service.
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Venue pricing
When it comes to venue pricing for weddings, there are a few things to consider regarding children. Firstly, it is essential to understand that the venue's pricing policies may vary depending on their specific guidelines. Some venues charge a flat rate per head, while others offer discounted rates or special menus for children.
In terms of headcount, children generally need to be included in the total number of guests. This is particularly important for venues with capacity limitations, as they need to adhere to fire codes and other safety regulations. However, infants or small children who will be seated on their parents' laps may not be included in the guest count. On the other hand, if a child requires a separate seat or will be eating on their own, they will typically be counted as a guest.
The age of the children plays a significant factor in venue pricing. Some venues offer complimentary meals for infants or toddlers, while others provide discounted rates for children up to a certain age. For example, venues may charge half price for children under 5 or 10 years old, or offer specific meal options like chicken fingers and fries at a lower cost. It is essential to communicate with the venue to understand their policies on children's meals and seating arrangements.
When planning your wedding, it is advisable to inquire about the venue's pricing structure for children. Some venues offer flexible options, such as tiered pricing based on age or separate dining areas for children. Additionally, consider the dietary preferences of the children and whether they would prefer a "kids' meal" or a regular meal. By understanding the venue's policies and making informed decisions, you can ensure that both the children and their parents have an enjoyable experience at your wedding while managing costs effectively.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, children count as guests. If they need a seat, they are counted as a guest.
Generally, infants do not count as guests if they are sitting on their parents' laps. However, if they need a seat, they are counted as a guest.
It depends on the venue and the number of children. If there are many children, it may be a good idea to set up a separate children's table or room.
Yes, children should be included in the headcount for food. Some venues offer discounted meals for children, but this is not always the case. It is important to check with the venue and consider the ages and preferences of the children.
No, you are not obligated to invite children to your wedding. It is your guest list, and you can choose who to invite. However, it is considered good etiquette to call guests with children before sending out invitations to inform them whether or not your wedding is child-friendly.
