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The Whole Works
By Louise Baltruschat Hollis
Are you parents planning a wedding? Or perhaps you are thinking of inviting children to your wedding celebrations? Then this guide written by me (mum of two and wedding blog editor of 13 years) is here to help. I will be sharing all you need to know about hosting a family-friendly bash!
Here’s the guide on how to involve and ensure happy children at weddings.
Photo: Gem Hicks Photography via Apricot Wedding Ideas
Being a mummy of two myself when we tied the knot meant that our children were integral to our wedding. It was super important that our kids enjoyed the experience as much as we did.
There are things I perhaps didn’t consider as much as I should have and others that I did. I thought it would be useful to all the wonderful mums and dads out there to give my top tips for wedding planning when you are a parent. As well as tips for couples that don’t have children who are thinking of having kids at their wedding.
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Not all kids work with a routine, but ours really did. Each family has a different setup and daily routine. So when working out timings on your day don’t forget about children’s routines and potential needs.
Think about timings for lunch and dinner, also naps and bedtime.
To help assist with a child’s routine on the wedding day, it really depends on the child. But when putting together your timeline for the day think about the little ones too. Here are some things to consider:
Parents or carers may be unavailable during these times to take part in your day. So if a member of your wedding party is looking after a child, perhaps ask them if there are any times when their child’s needs are. That way you may be able to adjust your timeline.
Photo: Sophie May Photo via Family Elopement Ideas
Ensure you have a booty of healthy snacks for kids if your wedding food timings are a little later than their usual dinner time. Ice cream and sweets will keep the kids happy, but the parents may struggle if they are full of sugar. Instead, think about supplying dried fruit snacks, a fruit table or nibbles like breadsticks, rice cakes, cheese or crackers.
That’s not to say that kids can’t enjoy the treats on the day too. But having some healthy options too gives more balance and hopefully, calmer happier kids through the day and evening.
If you have babies attending work out how parents can feed them milk on the day. Do parents need a microwave, steriliser or any other equipment? You will need to consider space for prams around tables or your ceremony venue.
It’s also a good idea for highchairs to be supplied too. You can always ask parents if they need one in advance, that way you’ll have the right number for your reception.
Photo: Jess Yarwood Photography via Big Stylish Outdoors Glamping Wedding
Talk to your caterers about child-friendly menus and a ready supply of soft drinks for the kids. Cartons of juice, water and plastic cups/straws are good options. For the main meal, depending on what you are having you could have mini portions. Or a completely different menu for children. Plain and simple food is usually a good idea and your caterers will have a good idea of what goes down well.
As a reminder:
Photo: Barbara Markiewicz Photography via Christmas Tree Farm Wedding
It may be a good idea to assign a loved one or a professional to watch children at your wedding. They can ensure they are looked after and things such as feeding/naps are cared for.
That way you and your parent guests can relax, mingle and enjoy the day. Not to mention you get the fun bits with children too, win-win. When it comes to caring for little ones think about:
Photo: Hannah Brooke Photography via Blush Wedding Ideas Flower Girl Dresses: Laura Lea Boutique
Photo: Monisa J. Photography via Arkansas Wedding
Think about hiring a crèche or setting up a dedicated area for the children. Here are some fun ideas:
Fun for kids and adults alike!
Photo: Paige Mary Photography via Italian Wedding Ideas Childcare: Little Wedding Creche
There are other activities you may already be putting on that kids will enjoy. Such as a photo booth, glitter station, temporary tattoos, glow sticks, dance floor, animal visits, quizzes and more. So you may be able to tie the two together, especially if children attending your day are a little older.
When thinking about when to entertain children, think about times when they may be prone to getting bored. Times, when they need to sit still for a while, is a great time for a goody bag or kids’ colouring sheets.
Perhaps while the photos are being taken or there are welcome drinks you could have some outdoor games? And then, during the speeches have something for them to do at the table.
What’s better than hearing the joy and seeing the sparkle in children’s faces while they make memories on your day after all?
Photo: Kazooieloki Photography via Pampas Grass Barn Wedding
Giving jobs to children gives a real sense of being included and feeling important. Roles such as posting the cards in your wedding post box or ensuring guests take home favours, are really cute.
Other roles for children include:
Photo: EKR Pictures via Free Spritied Bohemian Luxe Wedding Ideas
You could be surprised at just how wonderfully they carry out their tasks. Plus they will feel really responsible and involved too.
Some children may be nervous about being the centre of attention if they have a special role in your day. Think about practising walking down the aisle or getting them to attend a rehearsal to settle their nerves.
One thing to remember with kids, they may not end up doing a task that you hoped they would do. That’s completely normal, so be prepared to expect the unexpected. It all adds to the joy and memories from your day.
Photo: Steph Kiely Photography via Orange Blue Wedding
When it comes to choosing clothing for little members of your wedding party; junior bridesmaids, flower girls and page boys here are some tips.
Pretty attire is lovely, but practical wear is essential for kids. Think about if clothes are able to be moved in easily, can be adjusted/changed during the day if needed and suit the season. Layers are a good idea so no matter the weather kids can feel comfy.
Is the clothing comfortable? If a child finds the label annoying, the fabric scratchy or loose/tight, they may not wish to wear what you’ve chosen. Speak to parents if the child has any sensory needs or struggles with a particular type of clothing/footwear.
Photo: Carey Sheffield via Blush Blossom Wedding Ideas Dress: Nicki Macfarlane
Do they like their outfit? It may be a good idea to involve kids in choosing their outfits. Buy some different options for them to try on/choose from or head to the shops together. It’s a good idea to say beforehand what you are looking for and encourage them to help.
If they love their outfit they will be overjoyed on the day to be putting it on and will feel wonderful. Some compromise may be needed, but it will be worth it when you see their happy face.
You could choose to go for a long exotic honeymoon if you feel comfortable with that and have help at hand or a simple minimoon getaway.
The other option is to take the kids with you for a super duper familymoon. Yay!
Photo: Berni Palumbo Photography via Dutch Art Wedding Ideas Baby Dress: Monday’s Child
And that's a wrap. Planning a wedding with kids is so fun, as long as you are fully prepared! Hopefully, now you have all the know-how on how to pull off a child-friendly wedding.
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