Children at Wedding Ceremonies & Receptions
It’s an age-old debate; should children be invited to the wedding or is this an age restricted event? Couples and their families have debated, argued, and weighed the pros and cons for years.
- Should we invite the babes under 3 years of age?
- How will this affect our costs?
- Will unhappy children be a distraction?
- Is there a safety concern?
- What if we do not invite them? Will their parents still come, must leave early, or be upset with us?
Personally, I usually love to see children at a Wedding. The sheer excitement of the day, the opportunity to spend time with family, often only seen on these special occasions, and to create memories that will last a lifetime.
When my Husband and I wed in 2010, we had several children, under 12 years, at our Wedding Ceremony and Reception. We couldn’t imagine the day without them and made sure there were aspects of our day that would appeal to them, including party favours and bubble guns! Some amazing photo opportunities resulted!
With that said, I have also planned and attended formal, adult celebrations where I have seen children bored to tears – literally! Sometimes it’s kinder to make other arrangements for them. Perhaps an on-site sitter or sitters. A separate room can provide a buffer while still feeling included with parental access just a few feet away. Games and activities that echo the adult celebration can be imaginative and fun without disrupting formalities.
Venues that offer hotel options can be helpful when managing and caring for young children. Having an on-site baby-sitter can alleviate the stress of a long drive between parent and child, making periodic check ins a possibility.
The bottom line; “your day, your way”. Consider your vision and what is the best solution for all.
Consult with your wedding planner for ideas on how to address invitations, suggestions on what to say if asked and ideas for child friendly activities that do not compromise the adult gathering.
