Kids at weddings. Best? Worst? Best worst? They’re adorable when they’re all dressed up and their hair is slicked and they’re awkwardly dancing with each other. It’s heartbreaking when they’re so tired, they’re sobbing hysterically in the coat room. But they’re a part of your family and you want them at your wedding – heck, they’re probably the only people who might be as excited as you are! So what can you do with kids at weddings?
Image via Tara Whittaker Photography.
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1. Give them a camera and let them be photographers Kids at weddings love an “official” job, something to sink their little teeth into. Giving them a camera (digital, disposable or even polaroid) and letting them get creative and interact with guests is a great way to occupy their minds before the dance floor opens and they can boogie their hearts out.
2. Kids Only Station Depending on the age of the children (and your venue of course) having a table of arts and crafts, or even a side room with a TV for movies or some video games is a great way to keep them occupied if the odds that they’re going to sit still through the entire reception is unlikely. For added ease, hire a teenage neighbourhood or babysitter to help look after them! There’s only one thing that kids at weddings love more than activities – it’s a fun teenager to hang out with them!
3. Special Personalized Goodie Bags If you only have a few kids who will be at your big day, personalize goodie bags for them. Include a sticker book or activity book of their favourite theme, puzzles, special treats, glow sticks or create a little quiz for them to complete by listening close to the Emcee.
4. Outdoor Games While you’re off having photos taken, have a few of your more outgoing guests grab as many adults as they can and get a rousing game of Red Rover or Tag going, it’s an easy way to make sure kids at weddings feel like they are a part of the action. You could also have a time during the reception between dinner and desert for these same kind of outdoor games, to help kids burn off all the extra energy they’ve been so politely saving up!
5. Go back to basics If none of these fit the bill, go back to the basics of things that kids love. Balloon, bubbles, and glow sticks, and encourage them to make little forts under their table. Might not be perfect, but it will keep them entertained and happy. Kids at weddings know how to make their own fun!
