How to Have Kids at Your Wedding

Photo: Our Labor of Love  Location: City Club of Los Angeles

There are many, many articles online about how to not have children at your wedding.  How to  tell your guests they can’t bring children, what to do when they write their children’s names into their RSVP regardless, and what to do when they show up at your wedding with their children anyway.

But if you do want your guests to bring their kids – or at the very least, you’re expecting them to – you need to prepare for their arrival.

Your Venue

Ask your venue manager if there are any liability issues with having children at your wedding. Specifically, if there are certain areas on property that kids needs to stay away from – the pool, a pond, the kitchen – or any general concerns that you need to pass on to their parents, like, kids under 8 can’t wander around unsupervised. Either way, give your venue a heads up, and have the discussion.

Meals

Contact your caterer and about separate kids meals. What’s available? Is there a different cost? Depending on the age of the children, their parents might choose an “adult” meal for them, but it’s good to know what’s possible. And, be aware that these are the days of allergies and food preferences, so just as some of your grown guests are vegetarians or gluten free, some of your tiny guests might have food restrictions of their own.

The Kids Table

I’ve seen this done a couple of different ways. A separate guest table for all the kids who are old enough to be on their own. Or,  children sit with their parents (parents usually prefer this) and you designate another table where children can go hang out during the reception. The latter is stocked with toys,  games and craft projects, and supervised by an adult. You can set it up yourself,  or hire a wedding babysitter service to manage it. If you do it yourself, don’t forget the adult supervision.

High chairs

For little ones who can’t sit in their own chair, have a couple of high chairs on stand by. You might be thinking, “Why would someone bring a baby that’s too young to sit up in their own chair to a wedding?” They do, and looking at your guest list, you know who they might be.

Nursing spaces

For your REALLY tiny guests. A semi-private or private area. Wherever you were hanging out before your ceremony would work. Again, your venue manager can give you suggestions.

Communication

As far as letting your guests know what accommodations are available, this is where a wedding website comes in handy! Send out a group email when that information gets updated. Parents will not be shy about telling you what they need, either, so expect questions. Be clear about what you can and can’t do, but  stay willing to help however possible.

Let’s talk about your wedding. Complete the form below, and I’ll get back to you quickly to schedule a complimentary consultation. I’d love to find out what you want your wedding to look and feel like…

See you at the end of the aisle,

Liz Coopersmith