Do you invite the kids to your wedding?

We know how restless kids can get at weddings, the stories we have heard from brides who wished they had thought of their child guests needs at their wedding are endless.  

Children are adorable but unpredictable!   If the thought of a child interrupting the peaceful proceedings of your ceremony or crawling around the tables and dance floor in the evening fills you with horror, then perhaps a child free wedding is for you.   If however, this isn’t an option, perhaps you both have children from a previous marriage, or a large family with young children then plan, consider them, think about what there will be for them to do all day!      Think about what role you want the children to play (some ideas below) and make sure they don’t get bored and “unpredictable” on your big day.

There are some companies who can assist, perhaps a puppet show in the evening, some craft activities and games during the day or perhaps a sit down with some pop corn in a quiet area to watch a movie with a sitter.   Create a an agenda for them and link it in with yours to make sure they are around for the food, photographs and get to spend some time doing the fun stuff at the wedding

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Consider the venue also if you are thinking of having a child free wedding.   Can the doors be closed to the nearby traffic dangers?    Is there steep stairs all over the place?   Is the building used as a museum with “very precious things” all around?

Children are part of our lives and being at a wedding is something they will cherish, your responsibility as “wedding planner” is to do just that…….plan!

Some official roles for children at weddings:

Ideal roles for younger Children:

Flower girl –   usually a young girl between the ages of 3 and 8 who has a special connection to the bride and groom. Perhaps she is a niece or cousin, or a family friend. She follows behind the bridesmaids (sometimes before and sometimes after the maid of honour) with a basket of flowers, scattering them down the aisle.   She can also help the maid of honour or bride pass out any favours to female guests.

Ring bearer - A ring bearer is usually a young boy between the ages of 3 and 8 who has a special connection to the bride and groom. He may be related to them, or just be a family friend. He walks down the aisle immediately after the flower girl, or last bridesmaid, with the wedding rings tied to a small pillow.

Bouquet holder – hold's the bride's bouquet during the ceremony.

Ideal roles for older children:

Junior Bridesmaid/Groomsman
They will wear an outfit similar to the other members of the bridal party, and fulfill many of the same roles as they do. They need not attend bachelor/bachelorette parties or showers.

Reader - They will read a passage about marriage or love during the ceremony.

Escort - There's no reason why your child can't be the one to walk you down the aisle.

Usher -   They will help guests to their seats, pass out programs, and do everything the other ushers do.

Debbie Shearer is co-owner and founder of Splodge children’s Entertainment providing entertainment for children of all ages at birthday parties, corporate events, shopping malls and weddings.

Check out Splodge facebook page at www.facebook.com.au/splodgeevents

and website: http://www.splodge.com.au/