This article outlines things to consider when including younger guests in your wedding, and how to ensure that your big day goes as well as it can.
A Child-friendly Wedding - Is It RIght For You?
It is worthwhile considering if this is really the best course of action for you. Some brides-to-be positively welcome the thought of children at their wedding. You, however, may be approaching your nuptials with dread at the thought of being interrupted by plaintive cries of ‘Mummy, I’m bored’ or the constant wail of a hungry baby. Remember that it is your wedding; you are not planning to repeat the experience and your needs should be paramount.
Inconveniencing friends with the trouble of getting a babysitter is infinitely preferable to having ruined memories of a toddler drowning out ‘I will’ with his own running commentary. If they are good friends, they will understand (In reality, many children feel over-awed by the formality of a wedding ceremony and remain uncharacteristically quiet throughout).
Of course, guests who are reluctant to leave their newborn children, may have to turn down your adults-only invitation. A good compromise here is to invite both adult and baby, but ask them to leave the ceremony if their child starts crying.
How To Entertain Children At A Wedding
So, you have decided to include children in your wedding. Entertaining your younger guests is essential to ensure everything goes as smoothly as it can. This need not be expensive, but does need a certain amount of planning. Consider how many children you are inviting. How old are they? This will help you plan the entertainment better.
Here are some ideas to get you started:
Activity Bags
These colouring and craft packs are available from wedding and party retailers such as Busybags. Debbie Diggle, tutor for the Institute of Professional Wedding Planners and founder of Wedding Wonders ( www.wedding-wonders.com) has some good advice in this area: ‘Don’t be tempted to leave the gift bags on the table for when the children sit down, or they will be bored before they have finished their starter! The best time to give these to the children is just before the speeches as this is the most difficult time to keep them entertained.’
A Children’s Table
The Bridalwave website suggests ‘a dedicated kids table with plenty of juice, candy and a fun children's menu’. This has the advantage of youngsters being able to have fun without being constantly shushed by the adults discussing their own topics of conversation. Parents can take it in turn to supervise; alternatively hire a childminder.
Toys and Games At Weddings
Why not ask any guests with children to also bring any favourite toys and games? Children enjoy the novelty of playing with each other’s toys. It is worth consulting parents about this, as you don’t want World War III to break out over who has custody of Thomas The Tank Engine. Debbie Diggle recommends outdoor games such as Twister, giant Jenga or a bouncy castle, if appropriate to your venue.
Mobile Creches and Children's Wedding Entertainers
If money is no object, why not hire a mobile creche or children’s entertainer? Visit www.partypop.com for more details.
Harriet Morris - I started my career in education in 1995 as a secondary (high school) languages teacher, with a B.A. degree in French from Manchester ...
