Managing Your Wedding Around Your Lovely Little Ones

The traditional view of wedding planning is that it centers around a couple, for obvious reasons, but likely pictures a newlywed couple on their first marriage new to the whole process and without any dependents to think of.

That’s not always the case, of course. You may have children who you’d love to share your beautiful day with, not just having them as a side consideration but of course, a central part of your day. It doesn’t matter if you’ve recently welcomed your bundle of joy into the family or if you have younger kids from another relationship, that’s entirely your private business and yours alone.

However, curating a joyful wedding day you can welcome and include your little ones with is surely a beautiful element of putting this event on in the first place. Without them, nothing happens. But of course, that means the wedding planning may have to veer off traditional means. Consider the following to see some tips for achieving the best outcome:

Find A Suitable Venue

While most venues are going to welcome children and not cause you any trouble about that, some are way better with kids than others. Look for spaces that aren't super refined or expensive, or with designs that could be breakable. Places with outdoor areas or rooms where kids can move around work best. It’s worth thinking about whether there are spots where children can play or take a break if they get tired. Wedding venues of this nature are worth their weight in gold.

To start with, check if the venue has kid-friendly spaces. Maybe a separate room where they can color or watch a movie. Some venues have gardens or small areas where kids can run around without disrupting the main event, but of course, making sure they behave well is also still our responsibility. You can always ask how accommodating the venue is to children before you select it.

Consider Age-Appropriate Entertainment

Kids get bored fast, so it’s worth planning some entertainment that keeps them interested outside of the standard options you may have for the adults. You may need to set up a distinct play area or space they can retire to while the guests arrive and you welcome everyone. In this case, you could maybe set up a small craft area with coloring books and simple activities. Older kids might enjoy a photo booth or a special dance area just for them depending on how your reception space is set up. 

Now, this isn’t a child’s birthday party so you don’t need to bring along a magician or a bouncy castle in the garden, but just having a few distractions they can enjoy while you take care of the general wider purposes of the day can be important, and prevent tantrums or tired outbursts.

Rethink The Reception

Receptions can be long events, which may not always work for children with shorter attention spans. Think about breaking it up with moments they can join in, like a family-friendly first dance or a fun group activity. 

If your budget allows, having a quiet area with cushions or even a small tent where they can nap or wind down can be a nice benefit, though of course, you shouldn’t think that expecting them to stand around for an hour or so is asking too much depending on age. The idea isn’t to turn the whole event into a kid’s party but to make sure they have moments that feel fun and inclusive for them.

Of course, this also means considering how you might also plan adult entertainment. If children are around, you might think twice about having an open bar free for all patrons. That in itself is completely your decision, don’t think you’re being too brittle for wanting the space to feel more inclusive or only run on until a certain time.

Consider Children’s Provisions

Now, it’s of course important to make sure our children are cared for. That means assigning trusted family members to their care even if you can’t quite be as hands-on as you would while getting married and talking to the guests. That might be a sibling or a parent you can trust to keep watch over the little ones and their friends. Make sure there’s no less than one adult per three or four children just so they don’t become overwhelmed.

It’s also important to have a convenience kit, including extra nappies, wipes, or even a couple of spare outfits for unexpected spills that can save the day. If you have babies or toddlers in the mix, a private corner for feeding or changing is worth arranging, especially if a parent needs to breastfeed privately. In terms of older children that may be present, you may just think about putting together little goodie bags with snacks and small toys to keep them happy throughout the day.

Work Out A Kid’s Menu Variety

While you might be dreaming of and planning a delicious and even gourmet menu for your guests, it’s a good idea to have kid-friendly options on hand too. That’s not to say they shouldnt’ eat their vegetables in this space either, but dishes they’re liable to like, such as chicken, pasta, or gourmet sandwiches often work well. Of course, having room to heat up baby food where appropriate is necessary too. 

From there, offering a dessert like ice cream or cupcakes can also make them feel like they’re getting something special and can participate in the exclusivity of this amazing day. Don’t forget to ask parents about allergies or dietary needs to make sure everyone is safe and catered for just in case. Sometimes it’s best to just provide a simple option through your caterer to make sure everyone eats.

Consider Child-Inclusive Honeymoon Plans

If your kids are part of your wedding day, as they should be, why not think about including them in your honeymoon plans too? A family-friendly getaway could be a wonderful way to celebrate your new life together as a new unit. 

Destinations with activities for all ages, like theme parks or beach resorts, can offer something for everyone even if they’re not what someone might consider a standard honeymoon spot - if it works for you, it works for you. Of course, if you’re craving a bit of alone time, you can always plan a separate mini-honeymoon later to focus on just the two of you.

With this advice, we hope you can more easily manage your wedding around your lovely little ones going forward.