How to include children at a wedding

Young Children at Weddings

Weddings are a time for celebration, but they can also be a challenge for parents of young children. After all, long ceremonies, formal attire, and loud music can be a lot for little ones to handle.

If you (or someone you know) is planning a wedding and you know that there will be young children in attendance, there are a few things you can do to make the day more enjoyable for everyone.

1. Think about the flow of the day.

Will the children be involved in the ceremony? If so, make sure they have appropriate roles that they can handle. For example, they could be flower girls or ringbearers, or they could help to hand out programs or escort guests to their seats.

If the children won't be involved in the ceremony, you'll need to decide whether they'll be staying with their parents for the entire day or if they'll need a designated space to play. If they're staying with their parents, make sure there are plenty of activities for them to do, such as colouring books, puzzles, or games.

2. Choose age-appropriate attire.

Weddings can be formal affairs, but that doesn't mean that young children need to be dressed up to the nines. Choose outfits that are both comfortable and stylish, and make sure that the children have plenty of room to move around in them. And definitely nothing too hot or itchy!

3. Provide snacks and drinks.

Young children get hungry and thirsty quickly, so it's important to have plenty of snacks and drinks available. You can provide a table with snacks and drinks for children, (and make sure there are kid-friendly options on the menu for the main event!).

4. Provide activities to keep them entertained. 

Goodie bags are a great way to keep kids occupied, but they're not the only option. Consider setting up a designated children's area with toys, games, and books. You could also hire a babysitter or entertainer to keep the kids engaged. Sitters can provide fully-vetted, professional childcarers at hotels and wedding venues nationwide.

5. Communicate with parents. 

Let parents know your plans for the day and what you're providing for their children. This will help them to make the necessary arrangements, such as finding childcare for the evening.

So, if you’re off to a wedding - your own, or someone else’s - then we hope you have a fabulous time!

Book your babysitter today so that you can relax and enjoy the celebrations, wherever you are.