When planning your wedding, creating a memorable experience for your adult guests is often a top priority—but what about the little ones?
Welcoming children to your wedding can add a sense of joy and playfulness to the day, but it also requires some thoughtful planning. By ensuring your younger guests are entertained, safe, and well-catered for, you can help their parents relax and enjoy the celebration too.
Here’s how to plan a child-friendly wedding that keeps everyone happy.
1. Consider Your Guest List Carefully
When deciding whether to include children at your wedding, take a close look at your guest list. Determine how many children will be attending and their ages, as this will influence the types of activities and accommodations needed. You might decide to invite only close family members' children or have a broader "kids welcome" approach. Whatever you choose, make sure your invitation is clear to avoid any confusion.
2. Communicate Clearly on Invitations
If you're inviting children, make this clear on your wedding invitations. You can include the children's names on the invitation or add a note such as "Children are welcome!" Alternatively, if you're hosting an adults-only event, a polite line like "We respectfully request no children at the ceremony and reception" can help set expectations. Clear communication will help your guests plan accordingly.
3. Provide Child-Friendly Food Options
Kids are often picky eaters, so it’s a good idea to offer a child-friendly menu. Consider serving familiar favourites like chicken nuggets, pasta, mini pizzas, or sandwiches. If your wedding includes a formal meal, ask your caterer if they can provide smaller portions or simpler dishes for children. For dessert, an ice cream station or a candy bar can add an element of fun that kids (and adults) will love.
4. Create a Dedicated Kids’ Zone
A designated kids’ area can be a lifesaver for parents and children alike. Set up a safe and supervised space with activities, toys, and games to keep children entertained. You could include colouring books, puzzles, soft toys, and crafts. If space allows, a quiet area with bean bags or cushions where little ones can take a break or nap is also a great addition.
5. Hire Professional Childcare
If your budget allows, hiring professional childcare providers or entertainers can make a huge difference. Professional babysitters, nannies, or activity leaders can supervise the children, allowing parents to relax and enjoy the festivities. You could also consider hiring a children's entertainer, such as a magician, face painter, or balloon artist, to keep kids engaged.
6. Plan Age-Appropriate Activities
Catering to different age groups is key to keeping all your young guests entertained. For younger children, provide soft play areas, sensory toys, and simple crafts. Older children might enjoy board games, scavenger hunts, or even a small gaming station. You could also set up an arts and crafts table where kids can make cards for the bride and groom or create keepsakes to take home.
7. Offer Wedding-Themed Activity Packs
Activity packs can be a brilliant way to keep children entertained during quieter moments, such as speeches or formal meals. You could include colouring books, crayons, stickers, puzzles, and small toys. Personalise the packs with each child’s name to make them feel extra special and part of the celebration.
8. Include Kids in the Ceremony
If you’d like to involve children in your wedding ceremony, there are plenty of roles they can play. Traditional roles like flower girls and ring bearers are always a hit, but you could also have older children hand out programs, scatter petals, or participate in a unity ceremony. Including kids in meaningful ways can help them feel special and reduce boredom.
9. Schedule Kid-Friendly Entertainment
Beyond the kids' zone, consider scheduling specific entertainment just for the children. This could be a magic show, a puppet theatre, or even a mini disco with age-appropriate music and games. If your venue has outdoor space, garden games like giant Jenga, bubble stations, or sack races can provide endless fun.
10. Be Mindful of Nap Times and Routines
For families with younger children, planning your wedding schedule around typical nap times can make a big difference. If your ceremony or reception runs late, consider providing a quiet area where little ones can rest. Including a few familiar items, like blankets or soft toys, can help children feel more comfortable and settled.
11. Provide Safe Spaces for Parents and Children
When choosing your wedding venue, ensure there are suitable facilities for families. Accessible restrooms with changing tables, quiet spaces for nursing or feeding, and safe areas for children to play can make your wedding more welcoming for parents. If your venue has outdoor areas, ensure they are secure and safe for kids to explore.
12. Consider Bedtime for Evening Receptions
If your wedding reception will run into the evening, think about how to accommodate children who may need to wind down or sleep. You could set up a ‘kids' movie corner’ with blankets and cushions, where they can relax and watch a film. Alternatively, a quiet room with supervised sleeping arrangements can allow parents to enjoy the evening without worrying about overtired little ones.
13. Plan Shorter, Engaging Speeches
Wedding speeches are a wonderful part of the day, but they can be a challenge for children with shorter attention spans. Keeping speeches short and engaging will help, as will scheduling speeches earlier in the day before kids get tired. You might also consider providing quiet activities, like colouring sheets, to keep them occupied during this time.
14. Prepare Parents with Key Information
Provide parents with important details ahead of time, such as the schedule, meal options, and available facilities. Let them know if there will be childcare services, where they can find quiet spaces, and what activities are planned for children. The more prepared parents are, the more relaxed they will feel on the day.
15. Send Kids Home with Fun Favours
Instead of traditional wedding favours, consider giving children something fun and age-appropriate to take home. This could be small toys, craft kits, or treat bags. Personalised favours can be a lovely touch and help keep the wedding fun going even after the event is over.
16. Capture the Fun in Photos
While much of the focus might be on capturing beautiful images of the couple, don’t forget to include the children in your wedding photography. Candid shots of kids playing, laughing, or participating in the ceremony can add a charming and heartwarming dimension to your wedding album.
17. Enjoy the Playful Energy
Children bring an unfiltered joy and energy that can make your wedding day even more special. Embrace their spontaneity and let their natural enthusiasm add to the celebrations. Some of the best wedding moments come from the adorable and unexpected antics of the little ones.
Final Thoughts
Planning a child-friendly wedding doesn’t have to be stressful. With thoughtful preparation and a few creative touches, you can create a celebration where kids are entertained, parents feel relaxed, and everyone has a fantastic time.
By keeping the needs of your youngest guests in mind, you’ll ensure your wedding day is a memorable and joyful occasion for all.
