Deborah Chan
Whether or not to invite children to a wedding is a passionately debated topic. Some people feel that having kids at a wedding evokes a fun, laid-back vibe, while others may see them as a distraction. It's important to remember that it's your wedding and your rules, so don't be afraid to decide whether or not to include kids. If you do choose to invite them, there are several ways to keep them entertained, such as providing colouring books and crayons or setting up a separate kids' room with babysitters, dinner service, and games. Alternatively, you could invite children to the ceremony only and ask them to leave before the reception.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Inviting kids to a wedding | It is up to the couple to decide whether to invite kids to their wedding. Some see it as adding a fun, laid-back vibe, while others may find them a distraction. |
| Age of kids | Couples can choose to invite kids over a certain age who they feel will be better able to enjoy the ceremony and behave throughout the day. |
| Active members of the wedding party | Couples can make exceptions for kids who are active members of the wedding party, such as ring bearers and flower girls. |
| Seating arrangements | Kids younger than eight years old will probably want to sit next to their parents. Kids eight years old and older might prefer to sit with other kids at an adult-supervised table. |
| Kids' room | A separate kids' room can be set up with babysitters, dinner service, movies, and games. |
| Food | It is a good idea to have a child-friendly menu with options like chicken fingers, mac 'n' cheese, or sliders. |
| Timing | It is easier to restrict children from attending a daytime or casual wedding. If the wedding is in the evening or is very formal, it may be more challenging to exclude children without offending people. |
| Entertainment | To keep kids entertained, provide quiet distractions like coloring books, crayons, toys, puzzles, and printable wedding games. |
| Babysitters | Wedding babysitters are not required but are a hospitable gesture if the budget allows. |
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What You'll Learn
Childcare options
If you decide to invite children to your wedding, there are a few things you can do to make sure they are well looked after and entertained. Firstly, it is important to consider their comfort and happiness. This includes thinking about their food choices and seating arrangements. You should ideally have more than one child-friendly menu option, such as chicken fingers, mac 'n' cheese, or sliders. It is also a good idea to ask your catering manager for a lower per-person price, as children have smaller appetites. In terms of seating, younger children will probably want to sit next to their parents, while older children might prefer to sit with other kids at an adult-supervised kids' table.
If your wedding budget allows it, you may want to consider hiring a babysitter or childcare provider for the event. This can be a very hospitable gesture and can give parents peace of mind. You can set up a separate kids' room at the venue with babysitters, dinner service, movies, and games. Alternatively, you can provide childcare in a separate room for younger children, as suggested by Donnie Brown, a Dallas-based celebrity wedding planner. He recommends seating kids aged 7 to 14 at a separate table and providing childcare in another room for children under 7, who will likely want to be near their parents.
To keep children entertained during the reception, you can create a kids' area with toys, puzzles, and games. You can also offer quiet distractions during the ceremony, such as colouring books and crayons. Another idea is to ask your invitation designer or stationery company to make small activity books, colouring pages, or word finds that complement your wedding theme. Goodie bags with bead sets, drawing kits, sticker books, and other identical treats can also keep children occupied and happy.
If you prefer to have an adults-only reception, you can still include children in the ceremony. This way, they are a part of your special day and will also have a lifetime memory. After the ceremony, they can head back home or stay at the accommodation with a babysitter. If you have flower girls and ring bearers, you can also allow them to attend the cocktail hour and then offer to find them babysitters for the rest of the night.
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Child-friendly entertainment
If you're planning on inviting children to your wedding, it's important to keep them entertained. Here are some ideas for child-friendly entertainment to ensure that the little ones have a memorable time at your wedding:
Kids' Table
Set up a designated kids' table with colouring books, small toys, and games. This not only keeps them entertained but also allows them to interact with other kids their age. You can even cover the table with a giant colouring poster or tablecloth, providing instant entertainment during dinner and speeches.
Outdoor Games
If your wedding has an outdoor space, consider setting up lawn games such as giant Jenga, horseshoes, cornhole, or even Connect4 and Twister. These games are budget-friendly and can be enjoyed by kids and adults alike, adding a touch of nostalgia to your reception.
Kid-Friendly Entertainment
Hire a balloon artist to create fun balloon animals and shapes for the kids to take home as keepsakes. You can also set up a kids' tent stocked with outdoor games and activities or create a "Kid Zone" with toys, games, and snacks to keep them occupied.
Interactive Food
Offer a kid-friendly menu with interactive food options like making s'mores. Other kid-friendly food options include mac and cheese, fries, and fruit slices.
Hand-held Bubble Machines
Provide small bubble machines for the kids to run around with. This way, adults won't have to supervise closely, and even the youngest guests can join in on the bubble-popping fun.
Stuffed Animals
Bring stuffed animals to the reception and invite the kids to toss them around with the wedding party as the dancing begins. These stuffed animals can also double as favours for the youngest guests.
With these ideas, you can ensure that the children at your wedding will have a wonderful time and create cherished memories.
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Seating arrangements
The bride and groom have the option to sit at a sweetheart's table together or at a bridal party table with all members of the bridal party. If you opt for a sweetheart table, consider asking the wedding party to "host" the other tables. The wedding party is usually seated at a head table, which is in a prime location, often facing the other guests. This table is usually made up of the best man, maid/matron of honour, the couple's parents and grandparents. The bride traditionally sits to the groom's left.
If you have children at your reception, you can either seat them at a separate kids' table or with their parents. If you choose to seat them separately, ensure the kids' table is located near their parents. You can also arrange for engaging activities and crafts to keep them occupied. For smaller groups of children, such as the flower girl and ring bearer, seating them with their parents is usually the best option. This ensures they feel included and can enjoy the day with their family.
To ensure your guests are comfortable, it is important to create a seating plan. This can alleviate guest confusion, facilitate efficient service by staff, and contribute to the overall flow of the event. It is also a good idea to obtain the floor plan and make several copies, so you can experiment with various arrangements. You should also consider the shapes and sizes of your tables, where the dance floor will be located, and other details. Once you have this information, you can create your seating chart.
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Inviting some children, but not others
It is generally considered impolite to invite some children while telling other parents that their kids are not welcome. However, there are ways to navigate this tricky situation.
Firstly, you can allow children over a certain age who you believe will be better able to enjoy the ceremony and behave throughout the day. Communicate any age restrictions clearly on your invitations, and specify if there are exceptions for children who are part of the wedding party, such as ring bearers or flower girls.
If you are inviting younger children, consider providing childcare or a separate kids' room with babysitters, movies, games, and dinner service. This allows parents to relax and know their children are safe and occupied, while still including children at your wedding.
If you are only inviting older children, you can organise entertainment to keep them happy, such as child-friendly scavenger hunts or a kids' area with toys and puzzles. You could also provide quiet distractions like colouring books during the ceremony to prevent boredom and keep them settled.
Remember, it's your wedding, so make your own rules! If you want to invite some children but not others, be mindful of potential hurt feelings and communicate your plans clearly to your guests.
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Child-friendly food options
Including children in your wedding plans can be a fun and laid-back addition to your special day, but it does require some extra considerations to ensure that both the children are happy and their parents are comfortable. One of the most important aspects is providing child-friendly food options that will satisfy their unique tastes and dietary needs. Here are some ideas for creating a kid-friendly food menu that will be a hit with your tiny guests:
Familiar and Comforting Dishes:
Kids tend to enjoy familiar foods that provide a sense of comfort. Offerings such as chicken fingers or nuggets, macaroni and cheese, sliders or mini cheeseburger sliders, grilled cheese sandwiches, and pizza are sure to be a hit. These options are easily recognizable and provide a sense of familiarity for young palates.
Finger Foods and Easy-to-Eat Options:
Opt for foods that are easy for children to pick up and eat with their hands. Finger foods like chicken tenders, mini grilled cheese sandwiches, or small bites like mac and cheese balls are ideal. You can also provide fruits cut into bite-sized pieces or fruit kebabs on bamboo sticks, which are both nutritious and convenient for little hands.
Mess-Free and Sophisticated Twists:
While kids may enjoy feeling a bit grown-up, it's essential to consider mess-free options. Instead of spaghetti, for instance, offer pasta in a bite-sized form, such as macaroni and cheese balls. Swap salsa for zesty ceviche on a crispy tostada, or offer mini cheeseburger sliders. These options are sophisticated yet still appealing to younger guests.
Allergies and Dietary Restrictions:
Be mindful of food allergies and dietary restrictions common among children. It is wise to list the ingredients on all items served to kids to avoid any potential issues. For example, consider offering peanut butter and jelly sandwiches with the option to omit the peanut butter for allergic guests.
Early Dinner Service:
Children often eat on an earlier schedule than adults, so consider providing an early dinner service for them. This ensures that they won't have to wait too long for their meal and can stick to their regular mealtimes.
Healthy Options and Hydration:
While indulging in treats is part of the fun, offering some healthy options is also a good idea. Include veggies like carrots and celery with hummus or ranch dip, or provide fruit kebabs. Ensure there are plenty of hydrating options, such as water or fresh fruit juices, to keep your tiny guests energized and refreshed.
Remember, it's essential to communicate with the parents of your young guests to understand any specific dietary needs or preferences. By offering a thoughtful selection of child-friendly food options, you'll create a wedding reception that caters to all ages and ensures a memorable experience for everyone involved.
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Frequently asked questions
It's up to you! Some people like the fun, laid-back vibe that kids can bring to a wedding, while others may see them as a distraction. If you do decide to invite kids, there are ways to keep them entertained, such as providing colouring books and crayons, or setting up a separate kids' room.
There are lots of ways to keep kids entertained at a wedding reception. You could provide colouring books and crayons, set up a kids' table with toys and puzzles, or organise a kids' room with babysitters, dinner service, movies and games. You could also provide a kids' menu with child-friendly food options.
It's up to you! Some people invite kids to the whole wedding, while others only invite them to the ceremony. If you choose the latter, parents can take their kids home or back to their accommodation after the ceremony, or you could provide babysitters for the reception.
If you're having a child-friendly wedding, you can include the names of children on the invitations. If you'd prefer an adults-only wedding, it's important to make this clear from the outset. You could include a note with your invitations stating that the wedding will be an adults-only event.
Not having kids at your wedding reception can save you money, as you won't need to provide dinner or entertainment for them. It can also avoid potential distractions, giving you and your adult guests a kid-free night.
