4 minute read
Entertaining Kids at Your Wedding
CJ Jackson
There are three divided camps when it comes to the topic of having kids at a wedding. One group says they’re as much part of the family as the adults and they should be there every step of the way to celebrate with us throughout the day. Another group who thinks they should attend the ceremony but not the reception and dance, and yet another group that thinks they shouldn’t be a part of the day at all because they distract parents who then can’t relax and enjoy themselves. Whatever you decide, we support your decision - it’s your day after all! We gathered a few ideas from couples and guests to give you some ideas to keep the littles occupied, should you decide to include them.
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HIRE BABYSITTERS
For a minimal fee, you can have a couple of local teenagers or a church/school fundraising group keep the children safe for a few hours in the evening while the parents relax and enjoy the celebration. As an added bonus, some groups also offer cleanup services at the end of the night as a part of their fundraising efforts!
CROWD PLEASING DANCE PARTY MUSIC
The first half hour following your few formal dances can be dedicated to the dance songs that kids of all ages love. They will have plenty of energy to burn, and you can let them request songs or give the DJ a list of old well known dance favourites to choose from like the Macarena, Twist and Shout, Happy, and anything else they’re likely to know the words or dance moves to.
PAPER TABLE CLOTHS AND ACTIVITY MATS
There’s a reason most family restaurants have paper placemats or booklets for kids to colour on. It’s a tried and true way of keeping little ones busy and having fun. You can roll out plain craft paper or get a bit more creative by adding printed puzzles or scavenger hunt items and games for the older kids with colouring pictures for the younger ones.
BUILD A FORT
Wait! Just listen for a minute before you move on to the next one. Some old blankets and a few chairs, or a
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Kids at Your Wedding Continued from pg. 12
cloth teepee style canopy hung from wires above with pillows underneath can give kids endless ways to use their imaginations together. Add some twinkle lights inside and it might even be the nap zone once the dance is underway!
CARNIVAL GAMES
If you have a large reception space or a grassy area near the ceremony, enlist an older cousin or two and even a few grown-ups to take turns leading the kids through simple and easy-to-set-up carnival style games. Every parent volunteer hour I have spent with our school has taught me that kids love these simple games and we all know that fun is contagious!
VIDEO GAME STATION OR MOVIE THEATRE
These are similar, but both are great options if you have the space during your dance. If you have old video game consoles or a DVD player and a TV that can be moved, set up a quiet area for kids off to the side or tucked away behind a stage.
CARD MAKING STATION
Have blank cards and markers at a separate station or right on the tables so each kid can make a special keepsake for you. Kids love to have their skills in demand and would jump at the chance to show off their artistic flare!
PHOTO BOOTH
Set a few packages of inexpensive photo props and a couple of disposable cameras aside and have parents or older kids take pictures of the littles hamming it up for the camera.
There’s no one way to throw a wedding celebration, and whatever you do to create lasting memories for you and your guests will be perfect!
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