Kids: they're adorable, cuddly, and super unpredictable.
When things are good, they're great! But a cranky infant, curious toddler, or eye-rolling pre-teen can really put a damper on your big day. If you aren't super jazzed about the idea of having to feed and/or be responsible for children during your wedding follow our fool-proof guide!
Kid-Friendly 101 | Bring on the adorable baby converses & tuxedos
1. Include Them: Time to break out the infant bow-ties and toddler flower crowns! All the feels will immediately hit you as you watch a stumbling baby carry flowers, rings, or vows down the aisle.
PHOTOGRAPHY | Amanda Sharp Photography
2. Let the Parents Know!: Whether you are or are not having a kid-friendly day, give parents a heads up. This rule is especially true if you have a lot of out-of-town guests attending. Be explicit on the invitation. Want to know how to address an invite to include kids? Check out our past post for a how-to.
3. Don't Do Anything Special: Kids are their own entertainment. Shelling out a bunch of $$ isn't necessary. Kids will run, dance, get messy, make new friends they'll forget by morning, and probably fall asleep.
4. Do Something Special: I know, I know, we just just said not to spend too much time creating kid-friendly spaces but, if your inner creative just can't resist, do it.
EVENT PLANNING | Amorology
PHOTOGRAPHY | Josh Elliot Photography
STATIONARY | Be My Guest
EVENT PLANNING | Amorology
STATIONARY | Lovely Paper Things
Include bubbles, hula hoops, or other low maintenance kid exciting games and toys. If you're really trying to wow your guests, create an entire experience like a mini carnival.
SOURCE | Style Unvieiled
SOURCE | Style Unvieiled
5. Hire Someone: An agency can provide lots of insights, options, and insurance for children during wedding. Hiring professionals often also means there's a certain level of care and medical security attached. In short: Parents want to know their kids are safe. Leave them in good hands (that aren't yours).
6. Chicken Nuggets For All: One of my favorite memories from last season was overhearing a groomsmen request chicken nuggets and friends from the kid's menu. If you know you'll have kids in attendance, anticipate picky eaters as well. Talk with your caterer about different kid-friendly options for food.
7. Let the DJ know it's a kid-friendly wedding before "Pop, Lock, & Drop It" comes on: Everyone loves a good DJ but, not all songs or artists are appropriate for the tiny tots present on your big day.
Not-So-Kid-Friendly 101 | Let's skip the spilled juice boxes and tantrums
8. Compromise: Don't feel compelled to include kids 100% of the time. Consider hosting children during the ceremony, especially if they're in the bridal party, and then excusing the into a separate child friendly area later in the night.
9. Hire Someone: I'm going to say it again because, it's just that simple. Hiring experts or a seasoned team to help supervise and care for children during the ceremony saves you the time and headache of wondering whether or not little Cindy Lou Who has her blessed hands in your dream wedding cake. There are loads of agencies and price points to chose from!
Will you be inviting kids to your wedding?