ADVICE TIME - No Kids Wedding
Are you one of many pondering whether you should invite children to your wedding day?
I hope this helps you decide and then what to consider in your planning either way. This is a purely personal decisions and you know your guests better than me! I just realised that a lot of couples question this and how to approach the matter. Everyone has different desires and pressures but maybe I can throw some light on items you didn’t think of…
So, having kids there….
Pro’s
If you have a load coming anyway, they will play together
They can add great conversation starters or dollops of fun!
They will be captured on the images etc forever
Cons
They are a huge distraction for parents / carer’s
They can require different entertainment, catering options and seating
Most wont understand the reason for the day
If you decide to have children there…
Prepare - Gather info about each of the kids coming such as ages, likes, dislikes, if they can be away from parents, dietary requirements, comforters, seating / equipment needs.
Location - Ask parents to position themselves near aisles / doors in case something is happening that others wish to hear and their darlings are getting bored / loud.
Entertain - Depending on the ages and amounts of kids there, plan to distract them at key times like the drinks reception (after the ceremony) and during speeches. Then the parents can enjoy these moments carefree.
Plan - Offer some links to parents for local babysitters or self catering that could accommodate grandparents aka babysitters!
Predict - Chill. Just know that kids at weddings can be a bit of chaos but thats ok. Its all part of the memory making! Enjoy it, take a moment to watch them play, see the love oozing from the parents (between the ‘stop that, no, get off it, come back!’).
If you decide not to have kids there…
Communicate - Explain to the parents your main reasons, honestly but kindly. Some parents will relish the time away, adulting, but others will either worry or feel sad. Keep all this in mind with your wording.
Plan - In case this worries any parents / carers, give them options for childcare (as above).
Share - On your wedding website or invites, here are some nice ways to explain: https://theweddingplaybook.com/adults-only-wedding-wording/
Let me know if you are still struggling, just drop me a line. Planning this event, all the time and money invested, should be joyous not stressful so let me help you get in the right mindset.
I have worked with many styles of weddings and have seen all kinds of methods and tactics to keep kids happy, involved, etc but also let the parents roam and chat. Its all doable!!
Happy Planning! A x
Photos - Heather Capture Photography - Askham Hall, Lucy G Photography - Bristowe Hill & Miss Elodie Photography - Low House
