Many couples choose to have adult-only weddings and receptions. If you want to invite children, however, you must make sure your big day is kid-friendly. Here are some ways to ensure they have as much fun as the adults do.

Incorporate Them Into the Ceremony or Reception Festivities

The best way to communicate that children are welcome at your wedding is to make them an integral part of it. There are many roles children can play in the ceremony itself:

• Flower girl or boy
• Ring bearer
• Junior attendants
• Greeters
• Ushers

If either you or your partner has children, include a unity ritual in the service to signify the two families becoming one. This can be just as meaningful for your kids as it is for you. At the reception, consider options such as a kids' parade where they get to show off their special outfits or a children's dance to make sure they know they are treasured guests.

Have a Designated Children's Area

No matter how much you adapt your festivities to make it easier for kids to have fun, the long day is likely to take its toll on even the most resilient toddler. When this happens, you need to have a plan in place. Designate a specific area of your venue as a quiet place just for kids. That way, they can take a little time away from the party if they need to. If there are many children on the guest list, it's probably a good idea to hire a babysitter as well.

Check with your venue coordinators to see the options you have available. They may have an extra room or even a nursery that's already set up for such a purpose. Make sure it's equipped with some toys, games or other entertainment options. Having a special space just for the children not only helps them make it through the whole day but also can give their parents peace of mind.

Serve Kid-Friendly Food and Drink Options

Satisfying the gastronomical preferences and needs of wedding attendees is a big job all on its own. Adding children to the guest list can complicate your plans further. You want them to be able to enjoy the reception, but you don't want them to spill punch all over their nice clothes. This means not only an adjustment in what you serve but the options you give for serving it. Parents will likely appreciate the offer of sippy cups or unbreakable dishes for their little ones.

Your caterers are a great resource for tips on how to appease younger palates. They likely already have a selection of options in place that they can either serve along with the adult food or in a special serving area just for the children. If you are planning your own menu, don't despair! You can easily find simple, good food that kids will like and still looks fancy, and the adults may even prefer these items as well. In fact, you may like the ideas you find so much that you decide to make the entire menu kid-friendly.

Include Their Essentials in Amenities

Most venues recommend special amenities for guest restrooms, including aspirin, mouthwash, feminine hygiene products, first aid supplies and other common needs. It's a good idea to include items that serve your younger guests as well. A stash of diapers, wet wipes and plastic diaper disposal bags can be a godsend to frazzled parents. 

Party favor bags often cater to adult tastes. Make sure you also have bags with treats for the kids so that they don't feel left out. When you see the looks of delight on their faces, you will be glad you made the effort.

Children can bring a lot of joy to your wedding day. With a little extra planning, you can make it enjoyable for them, too.