youngs kids at a wedding. some people raise their eyebrows and think who wants young kids at a wedding? ummmm…A LOT OF PEOPLE! ever heard of flower girls and ring bearers? 🙂

anytime you include children at a wedding…there are a few complications. so i will give a few tips for including them on your wedding guest list 🙂

1} have a quiet place

weddings are LONG days for EVERYONE involved. if you’re planning on having a child under the age of 7 in your wedding party…please plan ahead and have a quiet room or space just for them. kids need time to unwind and be themselves…or nap! this quiet space gives them the opportunity to do just that – REST!

2} provide entertainment

whether they are in the wedding party or just a guest, provide entertainment for the kids! have a small table set up with reading books, legos or coloring books and crayons. goodness…even a play doh table would work! the possibilities are endless…make it match your wedding color scheme or even the theme. have fun with it 🙂

3} have kid friendly food readily available

about 1% of kids will eat salmon, shrimp, chicken breast or filet mignon. personally, i wouldn’t want to serve my child this at a wedding unless i am 100% sure they’re going to finish it…because it know it was pricey – no need to waste it! have fruit, macaroni and cheese, chicken fingers, even hot dogs are a good kid friendly food! and guess what…a lot of adults would love this too!

4} give them a job

are you worried about your flower girl getting antsy during the reception? give her a job. she can pass out the bubbles to the guests to prepare for your exit. she can hand out napkins to the elderly…anything! just give her a job and make her feel important. being a flower girl is a big deal to a little girl!!!

5} give them a thank you gift

there is nothing more special to a child than an adult giving them a gift because they’re proud of them for doing a good job! every wedding i’ve been to, the bride and groom have a goody bag or a prize for the children in the wedding. it’s a small thank you and the child appreciates it so much! it really does make them smile 🙂