You must be kidding! An estimated fifty per cent of couples now enforce a no children rule on their wedding day but if you do decide to invite them, how can you ensure they won’t disrupt the event?
Choosing whether or not to invite children to what is probably one of the most monumental occasions of your life is without question a major decision.
Around half of couples getting married today decide not to, often much to the despair of their family and friends. Even the most well behaved children can get tired and boisterous; being asked to stay quiet and well mannered for a full day is a challenge for most adults, never mind your average toddler.
Traditionally weddings have always been a celebration to be enjoyed by the whole family and children are a key part of that family unit. They bring a unique element of fun and will add to the celebratory atmosphere on the day.
Entertainment
Planning an entertainment schedule is a great way to ensure they don't become bored and begin disrupting things.
Children's Corner
Setting aside an area just for them is a good idea if there are going to be a lot of children present. Devising a children's corner will ensure they are all kept together and, perhaps more importantly, keep them busy. Depending on the age of the children, you could fill the area with soft cushions and toys and bring along some basic games. Alternatively, you could set up a table at the drinks reception with some crayons and paper. Get one of your more responsible teenage guests to supervise and ask them to draw a picture of the bride and groom. This is not only a lovely memento for you but will make them feel included.
Goody Bags
 Depending on how much time you have on your hands you could either make up goody bags for your younger guests or buy them ready prepared.
There are a number of online shops from which
you can order these from - either items to fill them yourself or ready to give to the kids. At EventSmiles.co.uk you can tailor your gifts according to the age and sex of the child. There
are even special packs for your pageboys and flower girls.
Picture Perfect
Ask your photographer to take a picture of you with all of the children. The kids will love being lavished with attention and you will have a great keepsake from the day.
Traditional Entertainment
A puppet show, clown or magicians are always party hits and there is no reason why you can't arrange to have some traditional entertainment on your wedding day. The kids will love it and chances are they will attract an older audience as well. Plan for your entertainers to arrive during the drinks reception - hopefully they will wear the kids energies down and keep them quiet during the speeches.
High Tech Fun
Kids today are so used to being entertained all the time with high tech solutions that you may find that the only effectual way to keep them busy is by bringing in some games consoles. The Nintendo Wii is the most talked about of these right now with their interactive games such as bowling, golf and baseball.
Afternoon Games
If your venue has large grounds a nice idea would be to lay on some afternoon games. Traditional games like races or an egg and spoon obstacle course are great fun and cheap to organise.
Another idea is to hire a bouncy castle or some over sized board games such as Giant Jenga or Connect Four.
Capture the Moment
There are a number of caricaturists in Ireland whose talents can be hired out for weddings. Your guests and kids alike will love being sketched and having a unique picture to take home from the day.
Racing Challenge
If you can get your hands on a Scalextrics set you are onto a winner. Kids and big boys will love this 1950s racing classic. Nominate a responsible guest to take control and organise a mini-tournament.
TOP TIPS
· If there are any new mums among your guests check that there are baby
changing facilities and a place for them to feed.
· If you are asking the hotel to provide a children's menu, opt for meals without
artificial colourings or flavourings. Make sure they aren't too high on sugar either -
you don't want to have any hyperactive tots on your hands.
· Delegate the task of looking after the children during the wedding breakfast to
one of your more responsible teenage guests. If possible put them all together at
one table - preferably within eye shot of their parents but not right beside the
main table. Reward the babysitters for a job well done with a small gift and
provide them with money to buy the kids drinks when they want them.
· If you like the idea of having children present but aren't 100 per cent sold on the
idea, consider throwing a post-wedding party. Hold an informal gathering at your
house or your parents' home when you return from honeymoon. Ask every family
to bring a dish - a salad, main course or dessert - and tell them to bring their kids
too. Post-wedding parties are a great idea. They are the perfect way to reminisce
about the wedding day and best of all you'll really enjoy it because all of the
wedding stress will be behind you.
Kid Free Zone
If you decide you don't want kids at your wedding, take comfort in the fact that it is becoming more socially acceptable to state your wishes. Be aware however that it can still cause offence. It's not unheard of for couples to receive refusals from parents who are put out by the fact that you do not want their little lovelies present.
Stating ‘No children allowed' on your invitations is likely to cause upset, especially if you are inviting guests who have very young babies. It can be a lot to ask parents to get their children minded for a full day, especially if they are travelling a long distance to the wedding.
For a lot of brides, their decision not to invite kids stems from the worry that screaming children will ruin their wedding day. But if you do decide that you don't want children present then it has to be an all or nothing rule. When people start putting up their arguments about why they should be able to bring their lovely brood, prepare to stand firm and not be swayed by sob stories. An exception here and there just won't do.
For other couples whether or not to invite children is a financial decision. Inviting full families can be expensive but if money worries are the only thing holding you back find out if your venue provides a kids menu. The cost of their meals may not turn out to be as expensive as you had feared.
|
Reception 
Our fab finalist scrolls from Craft World 
