As adorable as page boys, flower girls and ring bearers look as they saunter up the aisle on your special day, how many people breathe a sigh of relief when the words “Adult Only Reception” are affixed to the wedding invitation?

Let’s be honest. Weddings are joyous occasions that bring together family and friends to celebrate the love and commitment of two people. However, when it comes to including children in the celebration, there can be mixed opinions.

Let’s explore the pros and cons of having children at weddings and offer some tips on how to make the experience enjoyable for everyone involved.

Pros of Having Children at Weddings

• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Children present at a wedding create a warm and welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere. It allows parents to attend the wedding without the added stress of finding childcare or leaving their kids at home.

• Adorable Photo Opportunities: Let’s face it, kids in formal wear are always adorable! Including children in your wedding can create some fantastic photo opportunities that will be cherished for years to come.

• Fun on the Dance Floor: Children bring an element of fun to any party, and weddings are no exception. Kids love to dance and can add a contagious energy to the dance floor.

Cons of Having Children at Weddings

• Disruptive Behaviour: Children can be unpredictable, and their behaviour can be disruptive during the ceremony or reception. Crying, whining, and running around are not ideal during the wedding ceremony, and some parents may find it challenging to keep their children under control.

• Additional Costs: If you decide to have children at your wedding, you’ll need to consider additional costs such as providing kid-friendly meals, entertainment, and possibly hiring a babysitter.

• Limited Adult Interaction: When parents bring their children to the wedding, they may not have as much time to socialise with other adults. They may need to tend to their children’s needs, which can limit their interaction with other guests.

Tips for Including Children at Weddings:

• Set Expectations: If you’re planning to include children at your wedding, do communicate your expectations with parents beforehand. Let them know what kind of behaviour is expected, whether there will be any designated play areas, and what kind of entertainment will be provided.

• Provide Kid-Friendly Activities: Consider providing kid-friendly activities such as colouring books, board games, or even a designated play area. This can help keep children occupied and prevent them from becoming bored or restless.

• Hire a Professional Babysitter: If you’re concerned about children’s behaviour or want to ensure that parents fully enjoy the wedding, consider hiring a professional babysitter. This will allow parents to relax and enjoy the celebration, knowing that their children are being taken care of by a qualified individual.

• Choose Kid-Friendly Meals: Children can be picky eaters, so do ensure kid-friendly meal options. This can include simple items like chicken fingers and french fries or more sophisticated options like pasta dishes.

Including children at weddings can be a fun and memorable experience for all involved. However, it’s important to consider the pros and cons and make an informed decision that works best suited for you and your partner. By setting expectations, providing child-friendly activities and meals, and hiring a professional babysitter, you can ensure that the wedding is enjoyable for everyone, regardless of age.