Whether you’re hosting a weekend or weekday wedding, it’s likely that one or more of your guests has kids. A fact that means you’ll never escape the “should I invite kids to my wedding or not?” question. It’s something of a controversial query, and there’s plenty of reasons for and against inviting children to weddings. Kids can be a magical part of a wedding ceremony and reception, there’s no doubt about that. It’s entirely up to you whether they’re a part of your big day vision. If you’d prefer an adults-only occasion, that’s great too.
Here we discuss the pros and cons of inviting kids to your wedding so you can make, and explain, your decision with confidence!
The extra entertainment will be enjoyed by all
For adults, a wedding is the perfect excuse to have a party, celebrating a friend or family member’s union with food, drink and frolics. For most children however, the occasion is an entirely different beast. Whilst weddings are, in small doses, dancing away in a cute little outfit and enjoying lots of treats and sweets, they’re also extremely long and dull for younger guests. If you’re inviting children to your wedding you must bear in mind that extra entertainment may need to be laid on to amuse and/or distract them. One Fab Day provides a few ideas to keep kids entertained at weddings, including:
“If you are having your reception in a venue which has a garden or decent outside area why not provide old school outdoor games in good weather? Fun lawn games such as hopscotch, lawn bowling, Twister, outdoor Jenga and Connect4 will keep them occupied for hours. Simple kites, skipping ropes and hula hoops are also great options.”
Whilst the extra entertainment will mean another thing on your to-do list, many of the options can be enjoyed by kids and adults alike. You can also ensure that friends and family members with children can enjoy all your wedding has to offer, instead of being driven insane.
Kids add the cute factor to any wedding
Kids are cute, even the mischievous ones! They can play an integral part of wedding ceremonies in particular. Flower girl and ring bearer roles are often filled by children. Sharing your occasion with those important children in your life can add the cute factor and create treasured memories for all the family.
Remember it’s your day and your decision
For every person who loves kids, there are others who are nervous that the romance of their wedding day may be disrupted. It’s important to make the decision about children invitations early on. If you decide against letting younger guests into your soirée, don’t feel bad – it’s your day. Their parents may even thank you for their adults-only experience later down the line, if not before.
It’s sometimes more appropriate to have a no-kids rule, especially at formal, overly opulent weddings. Other couples also choose to invite children to their evening reception instead of during the daytime. Evening receptions tend to have less formality and more going on to keep children entertained.
