A wedding is a celebration of two people coming together. It is one of the only times in your life that you can be completely self-centered and create a day focused around you. But it’s also a day for the people you love. Just as rare is this unique opportunity to bring all of your family and friends together in one place. This is a day for you, but it is also for them.
And that means you need to be accommodating. That means you need to think about how you can ensure that your visitors enjoy the day too and that they feel comfortable and relaxed.
How to Incorporate Kids Into Your Wedding
One of the most important ways you accomplish this is by not only welcoming kids but also making the day into something that they can really appreciate too. Here are some things you can do to incorporate kids into your wedding.
Give Them Roles
Children love being given roles and made to feel as though they are an important part of something. Stir a pot of pasta and any child under the age of 7 will want nothing more than to take that pot of pasta off of you so that they can do it! Kids are strange.
So it is with weddings and occasions. So imagine how over the moon any child will be if you give them an important role to fulfill! They’ll feel not only welcome but integral to the day. And their parents will be thankful for a distraction that prevents them from bouncing off of the walls for a moment!
Of course, there are a number of roles that popularly and traditionally go to young children. These include:
- Ring bearer
- Bridesmaid
- Usher
- Page boy/girl
- Flower girl
Choosing to let kids at your wedding take on these roles will not only make them feel important but will also be a great gesture for their parents.
But what about children who aren’t so close to the family? You’re not going to want to give the children you hardly know important roles like carrying the wedding ring! In this situation, the better option is to give them roles that are less important but still enough to give them a “job.” For example, they could get groups together for photos, they could bring presents up during the speeches, or they could even be given a small polaroid camera and asked to get some photos!
Have a Kid Table
A kid table is a great way to ensure that the children at your event are having a great time. They’ll be able to chat amongst each other without feeling the watchful eye of their parents, and of course, you can find ways to make the table more kid-friendly. How about balloons for example? Or games in the middle of the table?
Kids love “being kids” and this way they’ll be able to talk with like-minded friends and relatives, rather than being on their “best behavior” while their parents talk.
Think About Child-Friendly Activities
Another important tip is to think about child-friendly activities. Most weddings will have a few things to do, which typically include things like games, photo booths, and the like.
Ask yourself which of these will be things that children enjoy, versus things that force kids to be quiet and still while their parents have fun! Photo booths are the perfect example of a kid-friendly activity that any child will appreciate. Other great examples include magicians, balloon artists, and simple games like giant Jenga!
Wedding Favors
Wedding favors are your way of showing guests that they are appreciated; so try not to leave kids out! Providing additional favors that children will appreciate is not only a way to thank them (and their parents) for coming but can also be useful if you want to keep them entertained for the day. The perfect example of something that will help you to do this is a coloring book.
Kid’s Disco
A kid’s disco is another great way to keep your younger guests entertained and to ensure that the day feels “for them” as much as it is for everyone else. If your venue has space, then you can accomplish this by including a separate dance floor. If you don’t have that option, then ask your DJ to do a Kid’s set at the start of the night that will include mostly songs that they will enjoy.
All these things should make the day as fun for kids as it is for adults. This is important as it will help the kids to feel like they are welcome and wanted, and it will make the day far more enjoyable for them. The best part is that everyone enjoys watching kids have a great time – it’s cute and it creates great vibes for your big day!`
Complete Weddings + Events in Austin, TX
If you’re planning a wedding in Austin, then you’ve landed at the right place! Now that you’ve said YES! to spending your life together, you have some exciting decisions ahead. At Complete Weddings + Events planning in Austin, wedding events are what we do best. Complete Weddings + Events, Austin’s leading provider of event and wedding photography, videography, lighting, coordination, DJ services & photo booth rental.