Should I invite children to my wedding?
Whether or not you should invite children to your wedding will almost certainly be the cause for great debate. Unfortunately there is no right or wrong answer. Some friends will be delighted to leave their little darlings behind and enjoy a day of entertainment without them. On the other hand, relatives may feel that their children are such an important part of the family that they should be included in all family events.
There is a risk the bride can feel overlooked if there are children around. For example, so many of us missed "The Kiss" at William and Kate's royal wedding because of the grumpy bridesmaid.
Many venues will offer a children's menu and even a separate area for a creche. However, there is still a considerable cost implication in catering for and entertaining your little guests. On the other hand it is not easy to arrange child care for an entire day and evening. Some guests will find it difficult to attend without their children at all.
You may have children from a previous marriage who will (obviously) be attending or you have young bridesmaids or pageboys. If so. you may decide to invite additional children to keep them company. This in itself creates even more of a dilemma and the rule is often "invite one, invite all".
Do venues usually supply a suitable space for children?
Most venues understand the challenges of having children at weddings. They're typically open to setting up a nearby room as a creche or “chill out zone,” stocked with toys, books, beanbags, and maybe even some video games or cartoons. This gives children a space to unwind away from the main festivities and gives parents peace of mind.
If you opt for a creche, make sure it's staffed by professionals who are fully insured and background-checked. While it might be tempting to ask a local babysitter, a professional creche company comes equipped with the right gear and experience to gently coax tired kids into a quieter environment when the sugar rush wears off.
Keep kids involved
Children love feeling like they're part of the action. Beyond the flower girl and pageboy roles, think about giving other kids small jobs—maybe handing out the order of service, tossing confetti, or snapping candid photos with disposable cameras. These little responsibilities can transform even the shyest child into an eager participant.
Photography and Children
It's also worth thinking about photography when it comes to children at your wedding. While it's generally expected that bridesmaids and page boys will be photographed as part of the day, some parents may feel differently about pictures of their children, especially if they're in a crèche or kids' area without them present. If your photographer is capturing moments in those spaces, it's a good idea to check with parents before sharing any images on social media. A quick conversation can help avoid any awkwardness and ensure everyone feels comfortable.
Entertain Them with Activities and Favours
Boredom is the enemy, so arm yourself with activities. Wrap up small gifts—think wedding-themed colouring books and crayons, mini Lego kits, or puzzles. Goody bags filled with age-appropriate games and snacks can buy you precious, tantrum-free time. Quiet treats like mints or polos are great for keeping little mouths busy during speeches or long ceremonies.
Feed Them Well
Hunger and fatigue are the fast track to meltdowns. Ask your caterer about offering a children's menu—simpler, familiar dishes served at a reasonable hour. Don't expect kids to wait until the adults are finished with canapés and champagne. A scoop of ice cream or a fun dessert can also work wonders for morale.
Get the DJ On Board
Kids want to dance too! Make sure your DJ mixes in some age-appropriate songs so the little ones feel welcome on the dance floor. You might find the hardest part is getting them to leave it.
Create a Space to Unwind
Weddings can be overwhelming for kids—so give them a soft place to land. If your venue allows, set up a space with beanbags, blankets, and maybe a TV playing cartoons. Even an hour of downtime can help them recharge for more dancing later.
What If You Don't Want a Creche?
If hiring a creche isn't practical, you can still make things work: keep kids busy with little jobs, have quiet activities on hand, make sure they're fed at the right times, and arrange a spot where they can take a breather. Sometimes, all it takes is a teddy bear and a cartoon to turn a tired child back into a happy wedding guest.
Including children in your wedding can be a challenge, but it's not impossible. With a bit of planning, you can strike a balance that lets everyone—young and old—enjoy your special day. Whether you go for a professional creche, a stash of fun favours, or just a playlist that gets everyone moving, your celebration can be memorable for all the right reasons.