Among all the tasks related to planning and executing your wedding, coming up with entertainment options might take the most creativity. One particular demographic that often requires special attention is the little ones. If there will be children in attendance at your wedding, you might wonder how you're going to manage their energy and cater to their interests so that your big day isn't full of tantrums and tears. Here are some creative and practical ideas to entertain children at your wedding.
Children as Wedding Guests: Benefits and Drawbacks
Children are full of innocent joy and enthusiasm, and their happiness can be infectious. That's one of the joys of embracing the presence of little ones on your big day. Having children around on your wedding day will allow you to share the gravity of the event and the excitement with your entire family. You will create cherished memories that will last a lifetime.
However, it's essential to acknowledge that having children at your wedding can also present some challenges. Young children, especially toddlers and infants, may become fussy or restless during the ceremony or reception, potentially disrupting the proceedings. Parents may need to step away to tend to their children's needs, which could derail certain portions of your wedding day, especially if anyone in your wedding party is a parent.
Children can be unpredictable, and you may decide that your event is going to be for adults only. Communicate your wishes with close friends and family and be kind when you explain your reasoning. Organizing a micro-wedding or a destination wedding may work for you if you want a more manageable group of guests, but if you are happy to have the little ones present, consider these tips for entertaining them.
Designing Wedding Entertainment and Activities for Children
To embrace the good and avoid the bad of having children at your wedding, you'll want to build in some specific aspects of the day specifically for them. From food to games, here are the ways you can do it.
Create a Kids' Zone
Designate a specific area at your venue just for the kids. Set up tables with coloring books, crayons, puzzles, and other age-appropriate activities to keep them engaged.
Provide Snack Stations
Hungry kids can become cranky kids in a flash. To keep the children well-fed, set up a snack station with a variety of treats like popcorn, cheese, fruit skewers, mini sandwiches, and juice boxes. Don't forget to work with your caterer to offer kid-friendly menu options as well.
Offer Games and Activities
Children love games, so consider setting up crowd-pleasers such as giant Jenga, cornhole, or ring toss at your wedding. Interactive activities like DIY craft stations or a photo booth with props can also be a big hit.
Prepare Kid-Friendly Favors
Put together personalized goody bags filled with toys, games, and snacks just for the kids. Include items like bubbles, stickers, temporary tattoos, and small puzzles to keep the fun going even after the wedding.
Include Them in the Celebration
Make the kids feel like a special part of your big day by inviting them to participate in the ceremony and the reception. Plan for a group of flower boys and girls to walk down the aisle. Then, set up a designated kids' dance floor where they can show off their moves later in the day. You could even consider giving children disposable cameras to let them capture a unique perspective of the wedding.
With some precise planning and out-of-the-box thinking, you can ensure that the youngest guests at your wedding have just as much fun as the adults. After all, a wedding is a celebration for everyone to enjoy, regardless of age.