TOP TIPS Experts

“I always ask on the first inquiry if there are any children or toddlers included in the numbers so that we are thinking about those younger guests from the start. We have two menus in our wedding brochure – one is a box or plate for toddlers which contains finger food, and the other is a three-course children’s menu, including dishes like tomato soup, chicken goujons and mac ‘n’ cheese. What’s really important for us is that it’s all freshly made by our chefs with

From The

homemade ingredients, properly sourced from our local suppliers.

If a bride and groom have children who are a little bit older, if they would like to have the wedding breakfast in a smaller portion, we can also do this. We recently did a private event where the couple put up tipis in the garden and we set up little afternoon teas.

During the meal we will always offer to keep a plate back for a parent or carer who is prioritising a child so there’s no

“More and more couples have their own children and are feeding back to me that they don’t want their family members to miss out on the wedding day. Just being there as that sole person for the children, this completely eliminates any worry for the couple, grandparents, or other carers. I know their allergies or any illnesses, what they need to wear on the day. There are so many different

“There are two schools of thought – embrace the kids and make sure you cater for their age-specific needs at every part of the day (which can mean the day revolves around them) or leave them out completely!

Remember, it is a long day for everyone and it is unfair to think kids will just blend in.

If the venue can accommodate it, set up a kids-only quiet space where younger ones can nap and older ones can watch a film. Provide supervision, whether this is a friend, relative or registered childminder. It is best to have a responsible adult who is not a wedding guest.

Think carefully about including children in the ceremony itself. Even the most self-confident and outgoing young people can have a last-minute change of heart when the time comes to walk up the aisle.

If you are desperate to include children under 12 in the wedding celebrations, organise an escape option which is flexible at any point of the day, for example, getting picked up by a trusted friend for a sleepover just before you sit down to dinner.”

Katie Hart, Get Knotted Events

pressure. We’re very used to catering for children and ensuring they’re safely looked after and are a high priority.”

Kate MacDonald, weddings & private events planner at Saltire Hospitality

scenarios that could happen and I always say to people, ‘I’m your plan B.’

If things don’t go to plan, I’m there – the ceremony doesn’t have to be ruined. And when the children are happy, relaxed and calm you’ll get the most wonderful pictures and cheeky little smiles because they are comfortable in their environment.”

Jenn Bray, owner of The Event Nanny

“Couples often want to include and involve children in the ceremony, and there are lots of ways to give children a special place. Here are a few ideas:

• You can involve them in handfasting or drinking from the quaich, giving out Orders of Service or distributing bags of confetti to family.

• A short naming or welcoming can be added, they can be ring bearers (or ring “security”) and they can walk the bride or groom down the aisle.

• Let them choose a special piece of music for them to walk down the aisle, have a sand ceremony where all the family pours coloured sand into a container.

• Do a reading, sing a song or receive a gift or ring as part of the vows.”

Gerrie Douglas-Scott of Celebrate People

Turn to page 152 to see how bride Sophie included her son Travis as “Ring Security” for her wedding to Chris