For many years, people would either stipulate that children were not invited to attend a wedding and they would be given to a babysitter, or the parents would bring children along but spend the day/evening trying to entertain them or being frustrated with them because (shockingly) they would not behave like adults. Nowadays, people are much more flexible in their attitude towards weddings and almost every aspect is customizable. So, if you want children to enjoy your wedding as much as their parents do, who’s to say you can’t make it happen? While everyone’s wedding will be a unique occasion which should be personal, here are some tips and ideas to help you plan a child-friendly wedding.
Finalize the guest list
Find out how many children will be coming, how old they are and if there is anything else you should know, e.g., allergies, learning difficulties, physical disabilities. This will enable you to plan the menu, seating and entertainment. Depending on the ages of the children, you might even want to have a table just for children with a simpler menu and wedding activity packs. This might include some coloring books, activity books or games for the table.
Think about the venue
If your venue can accommodate it, it might be worth arranging a special children’s area or room where they can be kids without having to sit through the ceremony, speeches or meal. If they want to see the formal parts of the wedding they can, but they also have the option to go and relax if they need it. You may want to hire someone to supervise this area or ask members of your family to take shifts.
Provide child-friendly entertainment
While you will want to have entertainment for the adults, it’s worth considering the kids. A professional children’s entertainer, fun and adventurous inflatables for rent and games can keep the children happy for hours while their parents relax and unwind. Make sure the children leave at the end of the day with a special bag of treats just for them including sweets and a small toy and they’ll be just as happy as your adult guests.
Hire a professional nanny service
Many nanny services offer bespoke wedding packages, which include professional and experienced nannies who will care for the children while their parents enjoy the wedding. They can provide games, crafts and activities, an area for the children to relax as well as small gifts for the end of the night. Some will even help your page boys and flower girls before the ceremony to make sure they are comfortable with their duties and help to round up children for the photographs.
Play child-friendly songs early
Guests of every age love to dance, and playing the songs they love early on will get them up on their feet, happy and – crucially – burning energy. Ask your DJ to play the high tempo songs that the kids will love, whether they’re from the charts or their favorite movies and the children will be having a great time while providing some always welcome entertainment for the watching adults.
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