Should we include children at our wedding or not?

Some wedding couples can’t picture their wedding day without the children in their lives, while others are worried about little children grabbing all the attention. Whichever choice comes with pros and cons, so the answer is to be equipped.

Including Children in your Wedding:

Give the children something to do at the wedding. Create a kids area or table at the wedding reception. Depending on the ages of the children, activities might include colouring ,reading and portable video games. Kid-friendly munchies will help with crankiness. Don’t forget to provide child friendly meals and beverages.

Always have a sense of humor during your wedding.  Children are fickle. Flower girls could freeze just before walking up the aisle, ring bearers may drop their pillow and the rings attached to it. Other children may start to scream and fuss as the couple exchanges their wedding vows. Be prepared to laugh off the actions of the little guests.


Including No Children, or Just a Few Younger Guests:

Some of your guests may be upset. While many guests may be thrilled at the prospect of enjoying a day or evening without their children, others may be offended or annoyed. It is possible that even close friends and relatives may refuse to attend the wedding ceremony as a result.

 

 

Be up front with your guests. Notify guests as early as possible. Include the words “Adult only ceremony and reception” in all of the wedding correspondence, starting with the save-the-date cards, if your sending them out.  This gives guests ample  time to make some important decisions and arrangements. If there are certain children included, but not others, make that clear as well. It will avert hurt feelings on the day of the wedding

Finding a Compromise

Hire a Sitter. If there are a lot of out-of-town guests, or even local guests with families, consider hiring a sitter to occupy the kids during the wedding reception. This is a possible compromise, allowing the adults to enjoy the event, while the children have fun in their own way. Keep in mind, however, that some parents may not be comfortable leaving their children, especially infants, with a strangers.