Wedding Tips: Inviting Children to Your Wedding

Some people say "Yay" to inviting children to weddings and some say "Nay," it's absolutely a matter of opinion. There is no steadfast rule to tell you whether or not to do it, but no matter what you choose there are ways to make it the right choice for you.

So I suppose if there was a rule it would be this: it's your wedding, it's your choice.

There is no denying that children look oh-so-cute all dolled up in tulle and mini tuxes at weddings. But if you're not careful, the day can turn into being all about them — getting them ready, entertaining them and watching them so they don't misbehave or have a temper tantrum during the ceremony.

It's up to you — if you have kids or know children who are very special to you then by all means make them the flower girl, junior bridesmaid or ring bearer for your special day. And keep in mind that the children you invite to be in your wedding party don't necessarily need to be invited to the reception.

children at weddings

Even something as simple as giving them a job like picking up confetti or blowing bubbles at you as you walk by after the ceremony will help keep them busy, at least for a little while. But more importantly, it's a way to make them feel involved.

Here are some opinions and ideas shared in a recent poll on our Facebook page. We asked: Yes or No to inviting children to wedding receptions?

"No children at the reception... It's for adults to celebrate."

"Depends on the type of wedding and the age of the kids."

"I feel that children are family too, and they get the party started with their awesome dance work!"

"We kept our wedding to children of just our brothers and sisters, and any infants of course were invited. One or 2 other children showed up and were not a problem."

"You can have an area set up with games or movies to watch...and even go so far as have kid-friendly food at dinner...fries, chicken fingers, etc...works real well!!!"

children at weddings, clown, coloring books

Some couples have opted for a magician, clown or other forms of live entertainment to keep the children busy during their wedding receptions. Others have set up coloring book stations, a movie or other interactive activities.

If you do plan to invite kids to your wedding, consider giving the DJ a few kid-friendly songs to play or set up a milk and cookie station to satisfy their sweet tooth after dinner.

Make it a morning or afternoon ceremony and reception to avoid many of your guests having to leave by 9 p.m.

Weddings can be a very long day for kids, so if you're planning an extravagant all-day event, perhaps it's best to opt for a no-kids clause on your invites. But more casual, outdoor weddings can make for a fun day for kids.

Hope that helps!

P.S. A big thank-you to all of you who participated in the poll!

Photos included in this post courtesy of: Gordon Tarpley, Simon Shaw, Sarah Elvin, edenpictures and Mark Hillary.

Views: 64

Tags: children, guests, ideas, invations, inviting, planning, reception, tip, tips, wedding, More…wedding-ideas, wedding-inspiration, wedding-tips, weddings

Comment by Carol Smith on July 22, 2011 at 4:37pm
Hey everyone, we are new to the site. I am the owner of My Busy Bees, a company that provides childcare for weddings and special events. Whether you are planning a child-friendly event or an adult-only reception we are here to help. We can plan and supervise activities for children at the ceremony, reception, or even in a hotel room or at a private residence. We give the couple planning a wedding options and information to pass on to their guests invited. We hope to help make your wedding as carefree as possible when it comes to the kids!

Comment

You need to be a member of TyingTheKnott.com Wedding Network to add comments!

Join TyingTheKnott.com Wedding Network

Wedding Info & Bridal Sales

HUGE BRIDAL SALE
Free Personalization on Favors Wedding Sale The Knot Wedding Shop Bridal Sale Weddings Deals Brides Sales Wedding Sale
CLICK THE BANNER TO SEE
THE KNOT WEDDING SHOP
3-DAY WEDDING SALE
Bridal Sale The Knot Wedding Shop Clearance Sale Brides Wedding Sales

SAVE 50-75% OFF EVERYTHING
Click Here For Our Bridal Sale

___________________________

WEDDING SURVEY

Powered by TyingTheKnott.com Wedding Community

___________________________

Wedding Reception Essentials On Sale Brides Deals Wedding Sales Best Wedding Deals Sales Bridal Wedding Sale Weddings Sale Wedding Favors Decor Gifts Bridal Wedding Supplies Sale Wedding Favors Sale Bridal Wedding Sales

___________________________


wedding community wedding forums guide wedding community resources find local wedding vendors directory
Wedding Resources For Brides Planning Their Wedding. Find Local Wedding Vendors Here!
___________________________


___________________________


TOP CONTENT THIS MONTH 

TOP WEDDING DEALS TODAY

Wedding Sale Brides Sales Weddings Sales Bridal Deals Wedding Sales Brides Sale Wedding Sales Discounts Wedding Sale Discount Weddings Sales Brides Sale Wedding Sales
___________________________

Free Personalization on Wedding Favors Sale Free Wedding Supplies Bridal Sale Free Wedding Favors Wedding Sale Brides Sales Wedding Sale Bridal Sales Wedding Favor Sale Brides Deals Free Wedding Favors Sales Weddings Sale Brides Sale Free Wedding Favor Sales
___________________________


© 2013   Created by Phillip Brunelle.

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service