Children on the Guestlist – How to Keep them Entertained!

Kids at weddings is always a tough one… Have you found the summer holidays stressful trying to entertain little ones? Whether it was your own, or you’re a doting aunt, uncle, godparent, or just a lovely friend. Either way, if you’ve spent any time with any kids, you’ll know fine well, kids need plans! And the same goes for a wedding. Inviting children along is one thing, but keeping them entertained? Well, that’s another thing altogether! If you’re going to play it smart, it’s wise to plan and think ahead to ensure your best chance of mastering a hitch-free, uninterrupted day. I remember worrying a little about this whilst planning my wedding, so I made sure that I was well equipped to keep the children busy – I set up a designated kids table, supplied outdoor toys (little sit-on tractors, ride-on cars, hula hoops, skipping ropes) and made sure they had crayons, paper and sweets to keep them quiet during the speeches. (My pet peeve is noisy kids during ceremonies and speeches.)

Here are just a few ideas that might help your wedding go to plan by keeping the children happy, busy and having fun!

Not On The High Street

Setting up an activity place mat for the children during the wedding meal is a great way to ensure they are occupied whilst the adults and parents enjoy their food in peace! It will also make them feel that little bit special and excited to sit down at the table with everyone.

Hive Miner

I absolutely love a polaroid camera and they work brilliantly at weddings. Quite often, the snaps taken by table cameras capture moments that even the professionals can’t catch! Why not buy a couple of child-friendly cameras that the children can go wild with? This is a great way to keep the older kids busy whilst the little ones play.

Hey Let’s Make Stuff

Potcakes

Fun, outdoor, den-like spaces are a wonderful way to keep children playful and entertained. I mean, who wouldn’t like a tent full of colour, blankets and games? It’s just the perfect chill-out zone and hidey space for kids. It’s also a good idea to set up an Arts and Crafts station. Include lots of paper, crayons, glue-sticks, pipe cleaners, pom poms and stickers to keep little hands creative and busy. You could even set them an art challenge like ‘who can create the best picture of the bride and groom?”.

Crate and Kids Blog

Renee Bell

We love a wedding photo booth! Dressing up in crazy masks and props after a few glasses of prosecco seems to go down a storm at weddings these days. Kids will love this too! Any excuse to dress-up, be silly and part of the fun.

Voltaire Weddings

Bubbles are a great way to keep children entertained. You could even set up an outdoor bubble station with cups and blow-sticks so that children can come and go as they please. Whilst the grown-ups enjoy their ‘bubbles’, why not let the kiddies enjoy theirs! (Probably best to keep this one outside though…!)

Some brides like to keep children and their wedding day separate, but they can also they add to the joy and sparkle of the big day. So, if children are on your guestlist, make sure to include them in all of the fun and give them lots to do, too!

Photography Credits: Crate and Kids Blog | Voltaire Weddings | Renee Bell | Potcakes | Hey Let’s Make Stuff | Hive Miner | Not On The High Street