Children: Wedding Guests Not to Be Overlooked!

The first question you should ask yourself (and therefore the first decision you need to make!) is: Do you want children at your wedding? This is a very important consideration that shouldn’t be overlooked when planning your wedding. I always bring this up with the couples I work with right from the start of the planning process.

How should I answer this question?

Making a list of the children who might be present can be helpful. Note down their number and ages. It’s not the same to host 3 children as it is to host 25! Similarly, it’s less of a hassle to have 3 teenagers than 3 babies!

Keep in mind that if children will be attending, special attention must be given to them to ensure everyone’s comfort (yours, their parents’, and the guests’). If their presence isn’t properly planned for, it can have a negative impact on the atmosphere and the flow of your big day. But don’t panic—I’ll give you the keys to making sure everything goes wonderfully! Because having children there can also add a touch of tenderness and emotion to the wedding ceremony, for example.

A childless marriage is possible!

However, if you prefer a wedding without children or with limited attendance (close family only), you should explicitly inform your guests of this. You can include a note on the invitations to avoid any confusion.

For example:

“We love children, but we already have more than fifty of them among our friends and relatives. We are unable to accommodate any children other than our nephews, nieces, and the children in the wedding party.”

“Since the facility has limited capacity, we cannot accommodate all the children.”

“Don’t forget to book your babysitter now!”

A happy wedding with children!

On the other hand, if you decide to host children, there are a few precautions you should take to ensure the children’s safety and give parents peace of mind! After all, when the kids are busy, parents can relax and fully enjoy the festivities with you!

First of all, when it comes to your own children, realize that you won’t be available to them much on the big day. It’s best to explain to them in advance what the day will entail and who will be there for them. This will reassure them; they can quickly feel lost amid the day’s hustle and bustle, especially since you won’t be available. You can designate a relative (a grandma, an aunt, an uncle) and give them some instructions (what to wear, a comfort blanket, meals, etc.). This way, you’ll have peace of mind, free from that worry.
Next, when it comes to all the young guests, careful planning is required.
If there are young children present (under 3 years old), one or more nannies would be better suited to meet their needs. They can set up in a quiet area with the necessary equipment (travel cribs, changing tables, play mats, etc.) and take care of the babies’ meals, sleep, and well-being. Parents can visit them from time to time.
For older children (up to about 10 years old), activity leaders can supervise them starting with the reception: the program includes outdoor games, face painting, balloon sculpting, dancing, magic shows… This will be determined based on the children’s ages and the choice of activity leaders. Additional activities can be added if desired: inflatable structures, duck fishing, carnival games…
We’ll provide some quiet activities to keep them occupied indoors, such as coloring books, stickers, and board games. If space allows, it will be more comfortable to set them up in a separate room. The children are still welcome to join you for dancing or to watch a special performance, at your convenience.
For the end of the evening, it’s best to have some mattresses ready so they can rest or watch a cartoon.
When it comes to food, the children will be delighted to discover a cocktail reception specially designed for them with simple fare (they generally aren’t too keen on overly elaborate receptions). Dinner will also be simple (a single course and dessert) served at a separate table. The children will love it, and it will be easier on your budget!