|
It’s Child’s Play Making the decision whether or not to invite children to your wedding can be a controversial one, so make your choice clear and prepare to stand firm…
The issue of whether or not to invite children to your wedding is one that can quickly turn ugly. While some might say that it is rude and even improper to exclude the younger members of the family from the day's celebrations, many others argue the case for an ‘adults only' wedding.
It may be tough, but ultimately you must remember that this is your day and so the decision of what to do should be made by you and your beloved. So, prepare to bite your tongue, resist the pressures of those around you and think about how you want the day to be.
The Pros and Cons
Some couples, for reasons of their own, simply do not want children present at their wedding. That's understandable. Concerns about wailing babies, temper tantrums and hyperactive tots are enough to send some brides screaming down the aisle, while others cite concerns about the reception costs as their main reason for not wishing to invite the little lovelies along. 
Whatever your own opinions, the rules of wedding etiquette are clear on this; make your decision and make it resolutely. In other words, if you decide you are not going to have kids, then don't invite them! No exceptions! Ultimately it will only cause offence to others if you do.
That said, it is important to remember that traditionally weddings have always been family events. Historically children, as the centre of the family unit, have played an important role in weddings and therefore if you do choose to have a childfree reception you should prepare yourself for the inevitable gasps of horror your decision will evoke from some of your less understanding guests.
If concern over rising costs is the main reason you are thinking about opting to make the event a kid free zone, it is worth remembering that many venues offer special children's menus. Look into what your venue offers before you make your decision. Most caters will offer children menus to those under the age of 12, often at a dramatically lower price than the food on offer on the standard menu.
The Rules of Modern Etiquette
· Make your decision clear
Inform your guests of your decision as early and as clearly as you can. Be careful with what wording you use on your invitations. Adult Reception or Adult Only Reception is perfectly acceptable, where NO KIDS ALLOWED is likely to ruffle feathers. Ideally you should have this information printed on your invitations, leaving no room for misunderstandings.
If you would rather not be this direct, it should be enough just to leave the children's names off the invitation but it may be worthwhile asking close family and friends to politely pass the word round that you don't want children there. Another way round it would be to simply add, ‘We hope that the two of you will be able to join us' - subtly getting your point across.
 · Including Children in the Wedding Party
Ideally if you are excluding all children from the wedding party, that should go for the wedding party as well. Creating different rules for different children will potentially cause upset amongst their parents. The only possible exception to this would be if the children are within your immediate family - it is understandable that you should want your own children, or even your nieces and nephews there, even if you have decided there will be no other children present.
· Worse Case Scenario
Okay, you have written it on the invitations, put the word out among family and friends and still someone turns up on the day with their kids. What do you do? At this point there is little really you can do. There is no point causing a fuss or creating any unnecessary unpleasantness. It may be infuriating but the dignified thing to do it is just to let it go, after all you don't want a negative atmosphere getting in the way of your special day.
· A Post Wedding Party
A post wedding party is a great way of softening the news that there will be no children present on the actual day. Have a get together in your home after the day and make it a truly child-orientated affair.
That's Entertainment
If you do decide to include children in the day's celebrations you will need to think about what clever distractions you are going to employ if you are going to successfully keep them occupied.
Try to remain realistic when you are planning what to do. Bear in mind that you are going to have to be smart if you are going to keep them busy for any length of time
Many venues offer their own children's entertainment packages, such as clowns, magicians and movies, speak to them and see what solutions they can offer.
 | Clowning Around
Hiring a specialist entertainer, puppeteer or clown is a great way to keep kids busy. There are plenty of professional companies around who will be able to tailor a package to delight your youngest guests.
*Kids Party Club put on puppet shows and discos across the country.
Tel 1890252 382 for more details or
visit www.partyclub.ie |
Children's Table
Depending on the age range of the children you are inviting, it may be worth considering creating a designated kids table at your reception. Provide them with fuss-free food that they will enjoy, even if that means adapting your wedding menu to suit their miniature taste buds.
Movie Marathon
It may sound like an easy option, but laying on a games room or a movie showcase is a great way of grabbing attention spans for a longer periods of time.
Garden Party
Bring the party outside by hiring a bouncy castle or trampoline. Cover a table with paper, crayons, pencils and colouring books and let the kids decide what they want to do.
*Bounce Crazy offer a range of inflatable play equipment to rent and buy
Tel: 0404 61304 or visit www.bouncecrazy.ie for details
Fun Favours
Place party bags at the kids places, filled with balloons, bubbles, toys and treats. Colouring books and crayons are an effective and inexpensive way to keep the kids busy during the speeches.
*There are plenty of great online shops that make kids play out of shopping for parties www.kidspart.com and www.littlestarparties.ie
Story Corner
Employing a storyteller provides the perfect
wind-down after a hectic day of fun.
Mobile Crèche
Contact a professional childcare company about coming to the venue, leaving your adult guests free to kick back and have some fun of their own. Make sure to thoroughly check references, bearing in mind that some of your guests may be reluctant to leave their children with a stranger.
|
Reception 
Our fab finalist scrolls from Craft World 
