5 Ways to Make Your Wedding Kid-Friendly
As with all things, people seem to have very strong opinions when it comes to inviting children to a wedding. I’ve seen brides with strict “no kids” policies and others who didn’t mind having youngsters around.
If you’re firmly set in the “Kids are welcome!” camp, there are a few things you can do to help keep the littles ones feeling comfortable and engaged.
Here are 5 ways to make your wedding more kid-friendly.
Incorporate them into the Wedding Party
One of the best ways to keep kids interested (and well-behaved) during your actual wedding ceremony is to invite them to become members of the wedding party.
It’s not uncommon to find a handful of flower girls, ring bearers, and junior bridesmaids walking down the aisle at modern weddings. First off, it’s genuinely cute and heartwarming to see the kids dressed up in their Sunday-best.
Plus, when you give a child a job to do, no matter how small or trivial it may be, they’re less likely to get sidetracked or in trouble. So, invite them to throw flowers and entrust one or two lucky little gentlemen with your special rings and you’ll keep them busy all ceremony-long.
Hire a Babysitter
While it’s by no means necessary, a hiring a babysitter to help watch over the children is a really great idea to allow the parents to have a good, relaxing time at your wedding. Some brides choose to keep a babysitter on-site, while others bring in a babysitter off-site, such as at a hotel or house.
The babysitter needn’t be responsible for the kids the entire event, but it’s always nice to give parents the option for a break.
Plan a Few Kid-Friendly Activities
It doesn’t take much to entertain kids. After all, a bit of music and a dance floor may be plenty of entertainment for most. However, it’s always good to have a few extra activities for the young’uns.
Try a few board games, coloring books, or balloons. You don’t have to spend an arm and a leg either, just browse the Target $1 section or go to a craft store.
Designate a Kid’s Table
Keeping kids all together in one space, such as a kid’s table, is a great idea if the youngsters are around the same age. At their own table, the kids can be themselves, eat and play with their new activities.
With smaller kids, consider a shorter table and chairs so they can sit comfortably.
Order Some Kid’s Food
How many kids do you know who eat steak or fish? Even if they do, any parent will tell you that kids usually prefer a hearty mixture of chicken fingers, pizza, and macaroni and cheese. So don’t throw away your money on a fancy plated meal for your young attendants. Instead, talk with your caterer about their kiddie menus. They’re usually cheaper and they’re guaranteed to be consumed.
Of course, you don’t actually HAVE to do anything extra, but these few extra touches are bound to make everyone, including the children and their parents, happier and more likely to have a wonderful time at your big event.
Do you plan to invite children to your wedding? Let us know in the comments below.