How to Keep Children Quiet and Prevent Interruptions During Your Wedding

We've all seen it. The bride and groom begin to exchange rings and vows in the most meaningful and romantic ceremony of their lives as they gaze deeply into each other's eyes, and then suddenly someone in the audience realizes they can no longer sit in silence due to an impending call of nature. Usually five or under (or at least hopefully), this young guest then proceeds to squeal, squirm, or even cry out. If that doesn't occur, some ill-timed laughter or loud talking are guaranteed. Many couples worry about possible embarrassing occurrences due to children being present at their wedding ceremonies, but most feel that there's nothing that can be done. Rather than fretting over what will almost certainly occur if no intervention takes place, take the initiative with the following tips on how to keep children quiet and prevent interruptions during your wedding ceremony.

Child Silencer #1: Provide a nursery with hired personnel. Many parents would love to drop off their children with a qualified caretaker before entering a silent and sacred wedding ceremony, but they simply aren't given that option. Prepare a room for guests under a certain age of adequate space that is close to the entrance of your ceremony's locale. Have an attendant direct any parents with young children to the nursery for the ceremony and designate pick-up time for immediately before the reception. Because parents aren't likely to want their children to be kept in a nursery for the duration of the entire wedding, having a nursery available for just the main ceremony should be sufficient. Be sure that all children are signed in and out for safety.

Child Silencer #2: Provide reading materials to smaller guests for the ceremony. Tiny handheld books with hard covers that aren't noisy may be a good idea for fidgety children. Have an attendant hand them out from decorated baskets as children enter the ceremony area. Light page turning will be much less of a problem than crying. Of course, be sure that the literature is of a subdued nature. Humourous books will guarantee laughter at the most inopportune moments of your wedding.

Child Silencer #3: Keep changing rooms at a distance. Thinking that crying won't be a problem if parents simply remove the children from the room? Think again. Balling and screaming don't stop when the diaper comes off and cold wipes are applied. It also may not stop for a bottle or a toy. Have a changing and sitting room ready that is close enough for convenience but far enough away that muffled cries and shouts from sleepy or disgruntled children won't be heard after they have left the room.

Child Silencer #4: Provide a quiet room with snacks, first aid kits, a crib, soft chairs, a television, children's movies, toys, and books for parents to use before, during, and after the ceremony. Your quiet room will differ from a nursery. Quiet rooms are for parents to take children to calm them down and keep them satisfied during a long adult event that would otherwise seem very boring and unnerving for them. This is basically a room for quiet play and snacking to soothe children and keep them from feeling too tired, upset, or cranky. This is an excellent alternative for parents who are uncomfortable leaving their children in a nursery with paid personnel during the ceremony. Allowing a bit of energy output and keeping little minds creatively occupied intermittently throughout the event may turn out to be a lifesaver.

Child Silencer #5: To calm the restless nerves of any children in attendance, fill your wedding ceremony with scents of lavender and chamomile. Wall plug-ins, potpourri, and even wedding flowers offering the calming aromas of lavender and chamomile may soothe any children (and even adults) who might otherwise become cranky during a long wedding ceremony. Used in everything from diaper wipes to bubble bath for kids, these scents are renowned for their capabilities to fill the senses with a deep feeling of comfort and calm.

Child Silencer #6: Create a children's section for the reception. Afraid that a child might accidentally ruin the best man's toast? Create a section especially for the children during your wedding reception, complete with child-sized tables and chairs, coloring materials, kid's snacks, and adult attendants. Whether hired personnel or young adults willing to help out for free, have a handful of attendants available to keep children happy, occupied, and relatively quiet during toasts and special dances.

To ensure that parents of young children are aware of your accommodations for younger children, send out an announcement politely outlining all available options for their convenience well in advance. While not all parents will take advantage of them, most will be glad to enjoy your wedding without worrying about keeping their kids in compliance. Do try to be respectful of the wishes of parents who would prefer not to utilize what is made available, as some may be weary of leaving their children in different areas or of leaving the wedding ceremony for any reason. Of course, you may use your own discretion when it comes to requesting that all children under a certain age use nurseries and quiet rooms provided. Most parents will be more than happy to comply.