Planning A Wedding With Kids: A Guide For Parents

Planning a wedding is a big task, and it can be even more challenging when there are children involved. From seating arrangements to entertainment, there are many factors to consider when creating a kid-friendly wedding. In this guide, we will explore the key considerations for planning a wedding with children, including how to accommodate their needs and ensure they have a fun and memorable experience. We will also offer tips on how to involve the kids in the festivities, from dedicated dance times to special performances, so that they feel like an integral part of your special day.

Seating arrangements: place guests with children away from the band or speakers, and consider their need for an easy exit

When planning a wedding with children in attendance, it's important to consider the seating arrangements carefully. Firstly, place guests with children away from the band or speakers, as these areas tend to be noisier and more crowded. This will help to create a calmer environment for families and reduce the risk of little ones becoming overwhelmed or fussy.

Secondly, consider the need for an easy exit. Parents may need to make a quick getaway if their children become restless or need a change of scenery, so seating them near an exit is a thoughtful touch. This simple measure can help parents feel more at ease and ensure that they can enjoy the celebrations without added stress.

In addition to thoughtful seating arrangements, there are several other ways to accommodate guests with children. For example, providing amenities such as nursing or changing areas, and high chairs can be incredibly helpful for parents with babies or toddlers.

It's also a good idea to know in advance how many children will be attending, their ages, and any special needs or dietary requirements they may have. This will enable you to plan appropriate activities and ensure that there is something for everyone to enjoy. Games and dedicated dance times can be a great way to keep kids entertained, and including them in the festivities will create lasting memories for all.

Amenities: nursing or changing areas, high chairs, and other essentials for babies and toddlers

When planning a wedding with children in attendance, there are a few important details to consider. Firstly, it is essential to know how many children will be attending, their ages, and whether they have any special needs or dietary requirements.

Amenities such as nursing or changing areas, high chairs, and other essentials for babies and toddlers should be provided. Ask your venue if they can provide these, or source them yourself. If there are babies and toddlers joining the festivities, it is also a good idea to be mindful of seat placement. Place guests with children in seats with less commotion, away from the band or speakers, and ensure parents have an easy exit if their children get fussy and need to take a break.

In addition to amenities, it is a good idea to provide separate activities for children. These can be tailored to the age groups present and can include games, crafts, or a dedicated dance floor for kids. If there is a kids' dining table, add entertaining activities that complement the reception, such as activity packs with bubbles. You can also make children feel special by having dedicated dance time just for them or asking kids from the wedding party to put on a special performance during the reception.

Childcare: consider hiring babysitters or nannies to look after children at the same venue

If you're planning a wedding with children in attendance, it's worth considering hiring babysitters or nannies to look after them at the same venue. This can be a great way to ensure that both the children and their parents have a good time.

First, you'll need to know how many children will be attending, their ages, and any special needs they may have, such as learning difficulties, allergies, or dietary requirements. This will help you to plan the number of babysitters or nannies you'll need and ensure that they are equipped to handle any specific requirements.

When choosing a babysitter or nanny service, look for one that provides a safe and nurturing environment for the children. You may also want to consider hiring someone who can provide entertainment for the children, such as games or crafts. This will help to keep them occupied and ensure they have a fun time.

On the day of the wedding, it's important to consider the seating arrangements for guests with children. Place them in seats with less commotion, away from the band or speakers, and ensure they have easy access to an exit in case their children get fussy and need a break. If there are babies or toddlers attending, amenities like nursing or changing areas, and high chairs, will also be essential.

By hiring babysitters or nannies to look after children at the same venue, you can create a kid-friendly and inclusive wedding where both children and parents can relax and enjoy themselves.

Activities: think about what the children enjoy and how to incorporate this into the wedding, such as games or a dedicated dance time

When planning a wedding with children in attendance, it's important to consider what they will enjoy and how to incorporate this into the wedding. Think about the ages of the children and what activities will be suitable for them. For example, if you have a lot of toddlers, you might want to set up a craft corner, or if you have older children, you could organise some games. If you're planning to have activities for the adults, such as cornhole or ring toss, you could also have a child-friendly version for the younger guests.

If you're having a kids' dining table, you could provide activity packs with bubbles or other fun items to keep them entertained. You could also have a dedicated dance time just for the children, or ask them to put on a special performance during the reception. If there are any shy children, you could ask the parents in advance if they would be happy to participate, and if there are any hams in the group, they will love being the centre of attention!

It's also a good idea to be mindful of seat placement. Place families with children in seats with less commotion, away from the band or speakers, and make sure parents have an easy exit if their children get fussy and need to take a break. If you have babies or toddlers attending, amenities like nursing or changing areas will be essential, and you may also need some high chairs, so check with your venue if they can provide these.

Food and drink: if there's a kids' dining table, add entertaining activities like bubbles

When planning a wedding with kids, it's important to consider their dining experience. If there's a kids' dining table, add some entertaining activities to keep them occupied. For example, you could provide activity packs with bubbles, or set up a snowman craft corner if you're having a winter wedding.

It's also a good idea to be mindful of seat placement. Place guests with children in seats with less commotion, away from the band or speakers. Keep in mind that parents may need an easy exit if their children get fussy and need to take a break. If you're inviting babies or toddlers, amenities like nursing or changing areas will be essential, and you may also need some high chairs.

Before you begin planning, it's helpful to know how many children will be attending, whether they'll be coming just for the ceremony or the reception as well, their ages, and any special needs or dietary concerns. This will help you plan activities that cater to the ages present and ensure that everyone has a fun and inclusive experience.

Frequently asked questions