Inviting Children to Your Wedding

Children are not always invited to weddings and receptions. However, these little ones are important in our lives and the lives of our guests. Consider making your event a family affair. Inviting children to your wedding is completely appropriate no matter how formal your wedding will be.

Inviting Children
If you don't feel having children at the actual ceremony is appropriate you can invite them to the reception later. This will work well if the events of your day are split up. An example would be having a garden wedding in the morning and then having the reception later in the evening under a beautifully lit canopy. This give parents the opportunity to pick their children up and get them ready.

Inviting children to the ceremony itself is usually not a problem. The actually ceremony is usually short. If it will be in a church make sure there is an area that parent can take children if they need to leave the ceremony.

Make it absolutely clear on your invitations that children are welcome and to what parts of the event.

Food
While planning your menu remember that children won't be impressed by fancy salmon and intricate hors d'oeuvres. If you are having a sit down meal offer kid friendly entrees like macaroni and cheese or grilled cheese sandwiches. Your caterer can still present these in a fun and elegant way. The kids will love it and the parents will be pleased you were so thoughtful. If you are having a buffet or just a dessert bar include things children will enjoy. You can even set up a specific children's table full of fun and whimsical treats. Don't be surprised if the adults find them irresistible as well.

Favors
Give the children their own special wedding favor. At each child's place setting include a decorated bag full of fun surprises. Little games and things to color with colored pencils or crayons will keep them busy while the adults enjoy conversation. Do not include candy unless you are sure the parents will approve. You don't want to give them something that will get taken away.

Entertainment
Set aside an area for children's entertainment. If you are having an outdoor event set up a separate tent for the children or partition off an area of a hotel ballroom or reception center. Keep the area within sight of where their parents will be. The idea is to give the kids something to do while the parents dance and socialize. Coloring tables and entertainers like magicians or a balloon artist will be well received. Don't have them participate in anything messy since they will be dressed in their fine clothes.

Other Tips
The reason for inviting children to a wedding is to make them feel special and a part of your life. Keep in mind some older children won't want to be treated like "babies". Ask parents of children ages 8 to 12 if they would rather have a smaller version of the adult meal. Customize the favors to the ages of each child.

Children will bring a youthful zest and spontaneity to your event. They also love to be included and will remember your wedding for years to come. Have fun celebrating with everyone important in your life.