Keeping on with the Mother’s Day vibe, we would like to bring on a controversial, yet necessary, topic of conversation. Does every wedding need to be a “no kids allowed wedding” or could we, as an industry, encourage our couples to have such important members of every family present at their celebration and help them make the day a bit more accommodating to tiny humans? We at ThistleBEA are ready to assist you with whatever we can to make your special day as fun as possible, including for parents and their young children. Weddings are joyous celebrations, and including kids can add an extra layer of fun to your big day. Making children feel part of the celebration ensures they have a memorable time, and it helps parents relax and enjoy the festivities too. Here are some creative and thoughtful ways to include and entertain kids at your wedding.
Special Roles for Kids
Making them feel part of the whole thing by giving them small responsibilities will make them feel valued and involved. Give children personalized tasks, such as handing out programs, leading guests to their seats, or even holding a sign that says, “Here comes the bride.”
Flower Girls and Ring Bearers
Assigning children special roles such as flower girls or ring bearers not only makes them feel important but also adds an adorable touch to the ceremony. Choose outfits that are comfortable and kid-friendly, so they feel confident and excited to participate.
Junior Bridesmaids and Groomsmen
For older kids, consider giving them roles as junior bridesmaids or groomsmen. This allows them to be part of the wedding party and participate in pre-wedding activities like rehearsals and photo sessions.
Kid-Friendly Ceremony Ideas
Creating a dedicated seating area for children during the ceremony helps keep them comfortable and entertained. Use small chairs, cushions, or bean bags to make the space inviting and appropriately sized for little ones. This designated area ensures that children have their special place, making them feel included and considered.
Activity Kits
Provide activity kits at each child’s seat to keep them occupied during the ceremony. These kits can include:
Colouring Books and Crayons: Choose wedding-themed colouring books or those featuring popular cartoon characters to capture their interest.
Small Toys: Quiet toys like small puzzles, fidget spinners, or stuffed animals can keep their hands busy without causing a distraction.
Stickers and Sticker Books: These are always a hit and can keep children engaged for extended periods.
Portable Games: Simple, mess-free games like magnetic travel games or handheld electronic games can be great options.
These activities help keep children quietly entertained, allowing parents to enjoy the ceremony without worrying about restless little ones.
Interactive Elements
Incorporating interactive elements into the ceremony can add excitement and anticipation for the children. Here are some ideas:
Blowing Bubbles: Provide small bottles of bubbles for the children to blow as the couple walks back down the aisle. This creates a magical and joyful atmosphere and gives kids something to look forward to.
Petal Tossing: If you prefer a more traditional option, give children small baskets of flower petals to toss during the recessional. This can be both fun for the kids and visually stunning for photos.
Handheld Flags or Ribbons: Hand out small flags or ribbons for the children to wave as the couple exits. These can be customized with your wedding colours or personalized messages, adding a festive and personal touch.
Pre-Ceremony Announcements
Before the ceremony starts, consider making a brief announcement to guide children and their parents on the use of the kids’ seating area and activity kits. This helps set expectations and ensures everyone knows about the fun activities available.
Include Kids in Your Reception Activities
Kids’ Table
Create a dedicated kids’ table at the reception with age-appropriate decorations and activities. Stock it with colouring books, puzzles, and crafts to entertain them during dinner.
Entertainers and Activities
Hire professional entertainers such as clowns, magicians, or balloon artists to provide interactive fun. Set up activity stations with face painting, a photo booth with props, or a craft corner where kids can make their own wedding-themed creations. You can even have an aesthetic bouncy castle to burn their energy to the ground and have them ready for dinner time.
Dance Floor Fun
Organize a kids’ dance-off or a few fun group dances like the Hokey Pokey or the Chicken Dance. This gives children a chance to burn off some energy and join in the dancing festivities.
Thoughtful Touches
Kids’ Menu
Offer a kids’ menu with child-friendly favourites like chicken fingers, mac and cheese, or mini pizzas. Ensure there are plenty of healthy options and treats to keep them satisfied.
Goodie Bags
Prepare goodie bags for kids with small toys, snacks, and games. These can be handed out at the beginning of the reception or as a special treat for them to take home.
Quiet Space
Designate a quiet area with comfy pillows and blankets where younger children can rest if they get tired. This is especially helpful for parents who might need a break or a spot to calm an overstimulated child.
Including and entertaining kids at your wedding doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With a bit of planning and creativity, you can ensure that the children feel special and have a great time, making your wedding a truly inclusive and joyful celebration for guests of all ages. Happy planning!