A tough question on the minds of many engaged couples is whether or not they should invite guests to bring their children to their wedding. If you’ve decided to allow children at your wedding the next question on your mind is likely how they will behave! While you certainly can’t predict everything, we have some kids’ wedding activity tips to help your day run smoothly for even the youngest of guests.
- Create activity books – Take a page out of the book of your favorite family restaurant and offer activity books or coloring pages and crayons for children to draw in during the reception or the ceremony. These can be as simple as coloring books from the dollar store, or you can go all out and create a personalized activity book or favor kit! Some fun games to include could be coloring pages with a bride & groom cartoon outline, an “I Spy” that challenges them to find and draw specific items around your ceremony space, a wedding-themed word search or Mad Libs.
- Offer “busy bags” – If you are having some older children in attendance, consider putting together special favor bags for them with activities. Try to keep the items small so they can fit nicely in a small tote bag or favor box, like a slide puzzle, legos, a disposable camera or even an age-appropriate book.
- Set-up outdoor games for kids of all ages – Although games like Connect Four and Jenga are usually reserved for kids, consider setting up large versions of them if there’s a flat or grassy area at your venue. Not only will the adults enjoy the activity, but it will also be a fun and unexpected source of entertainment for children (weather permitting).
- Provide personalized placemats – If they will all be seated together, make the kids’ table look and feel special (sans centerpiece!) by printing fun single-use placemats. Make sure to leave crayons, colored pencils and markers out for them too! This way they have something to do during the meal, and you won’t have to worry about them making a mess on a fancy tablecloth when they eat.
- Offer kid-friendly desserts – One sure fire way to entertain your smaller guests is to give them an opportunity for some sweet treats! If you’re having a self-serve candy or dessert table make sure that they have a chance to visit it, perhaps even before the adults! If you want to make it extra-special, put out icing or sprinkles with your desserts (flat treats like cupcakes or macaroons would work best) for them to decorate as they’d like.
Now that we’ve covered how to keep kids entertained at your wedding, don’t forget to think about the parents! If you’ll have young children or babies in attendance, create a small basket of diaper changing supplies for the restrooms, should they be needed. You could even go as far as having a babysitter available to watch children in a room outside the main venue space should the parents want to spend a few minutes away! Any way you can arrange for activities for children during the wedding will be appreciated by their parents, and will ensure that even your smallest guests enjoy the day!
Erika focuses on email marketing, copywriting and merchandising at Zazzle, but she has a secret obsession with all things wedding! During the week you can find her writing punny subject lines while also pinning the latest wedding trends, and outside of the 9-5, she is usually cheering on the San Jose Sharks, reading a good murder mystery, or hunting for the best Philly Cheesesteak in the Bay Area.
