Every wedding is different, and some weddings are family events with lots of little ones (or older children) running around. If you’re planning a wedding, you may want to spend a little time coming up with the ideal setup for a truly child-friendly wedding.
With a little forethought and careful wedding planning, you will create an atmosphere where children feel happy, stimulated and valued…while also providing enough grown-up sophistication to make your wedding romantic and memorable.
Here are some tried-and-true tips for putting together a child-friendly wedding that appeals to guests of all ages:
Keep Them Entertained
Children have tons of energy, and it needs to be diverted properly, or kids may act out and cause a ruckus during your wedding ceremony. Since these minutes are so important, find a way to keep smaller children (who aren’t in your wedding party) occupied.
A clever little goodie bag stuffed with age-appropriate small toys can be an excellent idea – just opt for quiet toys that will stimulate them and keep them happily entertained until you’ve walked down the aisle and exchanged vows with your groom.
Even small and healthy snacks, such a boxes of raisins, may keep children quietly munching while you get married in peace. Your goody bag will be your first defense against the natural high spirits of your youngest guests!
If children will be in your wedding party, let them know they will receive their own goodie bags as soon as the ceremony is over, or offer them little presents beforehand to sweeten their moods. For flower girls, pretty pendants or bangle bracelets in sterling silver will be fine choices for special wedding favours. Fun hair accessories that match the color scheme of the wedding will also be great gifts, and they don’t have to cost a lot.
For boys, puzzles, miniature cars, or sports balls may be popular gift choices for goody bags; if you want to give boys something they can wear during your ceremony, consider fun, yet formal bow ties that make them feel all grown up.
Making Kids Happy at Your Reception
Most kids won’t want the sort of gourmet food you dream of for your wedding reception – children have delicate palates because their taste buds are still developing. Therefore, getting too creative with cuisine may ensure a gaggle of hungry and potentially agitated kids.
To cope, set up special kiddie tables where children can enjoy their own “child-friendly” menu – to make it fun, lay down paper tablecloths and set up plastic cups filled with crayons at each table. Of course, very young children, for whom crayons are a choke hazard, will need to stay with their Mom and Dad at the grown-up table.
Let kids draw and create while they sample food and drink that is just right for them. One example of impressive wedding food that is still fun for kids to eat is healthy chicken nuggets without any “filler” or additives – talk to your caterer about choices made from fresh ground chicken and high-quality breading – then, brainstorm some high-end dipping sauces (honey mustard, barbecue sauce, and homemade ketchup, for example). Homemade french fries baked in olive oil and sprinkled with sea salt can be healthy versions of fast-food faves – and even picky kids will love them.
Pasta is also a simple (and inexpensive) way to please children – it doesn’t have to be fancy, just fresh and tasty with a healthy, homemade tomato sauce, a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil, and a touch of grated, good-quality cheese. Another workable idea is homemade mac-n-cheese – it’s awesome comfort food, it can be frozen and reheated, and just a couple of baking dishes full of this child-friendly staple can feed a lot of kids.
For desserts, let kids have some wedding cake, or make them a fun cupcake arrangement of “mini” wedding cakes, and then let them choose their perfect cupcake. Drinks should be healthy – avoid pop, as it will only make them more hyper. Limit sugary treats to dessert only – opt for natural fruit juices and pure bottled water.
If you have room at your reception venue, set up a playroom for kids, equipped with a TV and some popular movies on DVD. Cartoons are always a safe bet. Hiring a babysitter for the playroom area and “kid’s table” can be an extremely wise decision that barely puts a dent in your wedding budget, and all of the parents attending your wedding will be so grateful for your thoughtfulness.
Best For Bride is Here to Help
When you’re planning wedding decor ideas, wedding invitations, bridal dresses, and everything else you need to make your wedding special, you may need a little help along the way. At Best for Bride, we know how to take the pressure off of your shoulders. Our wedding planning services run the gamut…our team of caring and experienced specialists know how to find the perfect dress for your personal tastes and body type, while also offering advice on Feri jewelry bridal rings, cheap bridesmaid dresses, and wedding flowers.
For full-service wedding assistance that allows you to relax and enjoy this special time in your life, contact us today – Best for Bride is here to help…
