Planning a wedding often involves making many decisions, some more difficult than others.  When it comes to inviting children to your wedding, this is often a decision that is split right down the middle.  Some couples welcome children to their event while others want a “kid-free” wedding…however you and your beloved feel about this, we are here to help.  

Inviting Children to Your Wedding

Having children on your wedding guest list may cause slight panic for the engaged couple.  Wanting to have children as part of your celebration is a beautiful sentiment, but worrying about whether the kids will be bored silly or drive their parents insane is a valid concern.  As much as you may want to invite guests of all ages, we do not need a mutiny of little ones taking over the dance floor.  Making sure the youngest guests are entertained and happy throughout the reception is an ideal way to keep all emotions at bay…for both parents and children alike.

Couples who embrace children at their celebration, should think of them throughout the wedding planning process. Keep the ages of the children in mind when choosing activities and treats.  Some couples will even consider having a “nanny” or some professional entertainment to keep their attention piqued. Here are some ideas we love to incorporate when children are included in wedding festivities.

• Outdoor Lawn Games:  Fun games such as Connect 4, outdoor Jenga, lawn bowling and hopscotch are all great ideas to keep kids entertained if the weather is nice.  Simple kites, jump ropes and hula hoops are also great options. If the weather is not agreeable, indoor board games such as Operation and Monopoly will work.  Jigsaw puzzles are also a great, time consuming option for rainy or chilly weather. 
• Arts and Crafts: Occupy their creative genes with some arts and crafts…without the glitter!! Kids love to make and do, so a kids table stocked with crayons, stickers, pipe cleaners and playdough will be a simple treat to keep kids entertained.  Wedding themed crafts like decorating a cake, designing a wedding dress or making cards for the happy couple can create hours of fun for little ones. 
• Professional Entertainment:  If you really want to up the ante (and your budget allows) consider hiring a magician, clown or balloon modeler.  This will give the children something to distract them from the adult fun, and give the parents a bit of a break. 
• Wedding Nanny: A professional wedding nanny can be hired to look after the children, as well as entertain and supervise them in a room separate from the wedding reception, stocked with toys and treats.  This will help you and your guests relax and enjoy the wedding knowing that the kids are in good hands, but most of all having fun. 
• Kid’s Photo Booth:  If guests love a photo booth…kids really really love a photo booth.  So much so, that they may just not want to share.  Having a separate kids photo booth stocked with fun (and age appropriate props) is a great way to keep the little ones entertained while also giving the older guests the opportunity to get some cute photo opps in their own booth. 
• Movie Room: Set up a quiet room to show a movie, complete with comfy seating and snacks.  This is also a great place for kids to come and wind down after dinner or if the celebration gets too overwhelming and loud.   In order to make sure you are piquing the kids interest, you can add something to your invitation or wedding website asking the younger guests what movies they are interested in. 
• Goody Bags: Filling up goody bags for each of your little guests with age appropriate treats is a great way to keep the kiddos entertained at your wedding.  Fill the bags with a coloring book which tells your love story, some crayons, bubbles, glow sticks and an assortment of snacks to keep young kids happy and distracted. 
• Sweet Treats: Everyone loves a sweet treat after a savory dinner…especially kids.  After making sure that the dinner options are kid appropriate, enticing them with some sweet treats to end the night will certainly keep them happy (the adults too).  A s’mores station, plenty of cupcakes and a take home candy bar are all great ideas.  Passed cookies and milk at the end of the night, make your own milkshakes and ice cream are also the perfect treats for kids.

How to Politely Say No Kids

It is absolutely okay to be selfish in your decision to not want children attending your wedding day events.  It’s your day, your wedding guest list is completely up to you, even if it means a child-free celebration.  If you have decided to throw a wedding sans kids, there are a few things you need to know (because etiquette is key).  

• Let your guests know as soon as possible, whether you post it on your wedding website or attach a little PS on your save the date, giving parents the heads up is gracious and will help with the task of finding child care. 
• Be very clear about your request.  Whether you have to give an age range or title your wedding as “adults only”, make sure you pose it so there is no room for error. 
• Do not pick and choose which children are allowed.  Never call out a specific child because you don’t like their temperament.  Decide all or none…it helps alleviate any hurt feelings. 
• Don’t waver on your decision. Once you decide to have a child-free celebration, don’t let anyone coerce you otherwise. Backing down and allowing one child will definitely cause some bad blood.

Your wedding is one moment in your life when you can be completely selfish, so decide early on if you are embracing the idea of an all inclusive wedding or would prefer an adults only affair.  Whatever you decide, it is your choice to make.  If you are leaning toward the latter, take a look at our blog, Let’s Party Like Cool Kids, for a bit more insight on letting your guests know your wedding is a child free zone.