Children can be a wonderful part of a wedding ceremony, full of joy and spirit. It does take a little extra thought, planning, and accommodation, however, to include them successfully. We’ve compiled a list of helpful tips and things to consider to make your wedding celebration a kid-friendly event!
#1 – Consider their ages.
Young children are adorable, but their behavior can be unpredictable. If you do include them, be prepared for the unexpected. Do what feels most comfortable to you, taking into consideration your personalities, your families, and your wedding style.
#2 – Ask in person.
For older children, ask them in person to be a part of your wedding (after running it by their parents first.) This makes them feel involved, important, and honored.
#3 – Spend time with them.
Try to include them in pre-wedding events and activities, and just generally spend time with them before the wedding, so they feel connected and involved. Again, this is more important for older children and is certainly dependent on their age, interests, and hometown (whether they live near you or not.) The point here is simply to make sure they don’t just feel like a ‘prop’ in the wedding, but instead, a valued and important participant.
#4 – Practice, practice, practice!
Be sure to include them in the rehearsal, so they feel more comfortable with what is going to happen, how and when. Even young kids will benefit from making everything feel more familiar.
Vickie Ross Photography
#5 – Give a special gift.
Consider making or purchasing a special gift for them, to honor their participation. This will also help them remember this special event and their involvement. Gifts will vary widely by age.
#6 – Keep parents close.
For younger children, keep parents seated up front. It’s ideal if young children can walk down the aisle with someone (a parent, bridesmaid, or groomsman), and then sit down immediately with their parents in front. It’s way too much to expect a young child to stand quietly up front during the whole ceremony!
#7 – Give a “goody bag.”
Goody bags at the reception (or even during the ceremony, if they’re filled with non-messy, quiet items) for kids are a great way to keep them entertained. Special kids’ meals, art supplies on a table in the corner, and videos playing in a corner or adjoining room are all good ideas if children will be participating in your big day.
#8 – Be conscientious of naps.
For young children, their nap and bed times are as sacred as your wedding! If your rehearsal or wedding will take place after their bedtime, or during their nap time, you may want to reconsider the extent of their involvement. One option is to use a private room at your venue as a place for parents to have a quiet place to feed/change small children and a special nook for older toddlers to color or have some time to rest and recharge for the rest of the day’s festivities!
Would you like to see more ideas for wedding inspiration? Check out our latest issue of Premier Bride of Mississippi magazine here!