Children at Weddings – Yes or No?!

Children at weddings can be a contentious subject! There are pros and cons to both options. Ultimately it’s up to the couple getting married and their preferences.

Pros of having children at weddings

Joy, Innocence and Cuteness

Seeing kids in their cute outfits, dancing on the dancefloor or just being adorable puts a smile on faces! Kids are so full of joy and innocence and remind us of the circle of life. Even if they don’t truly understand the significance of the day, they find it fun. Their antics can provide priceless moments throughout the day!

Family Occasion

The couple may have close family members or friends with children who they want to include in their special day. Some people with children may not be able to arrange for childcare cover at home. This could mean that they would not be able to attend if their children are excluded.

Food etc for children at weddings

The children’s meals are cheaper than for the adults at weddings. They tend to be much simpler and therefore cheaper. You can hire child care services to look after the children. This allows there to be children in attendance whilst also allowing the parents some down time to enjoy the celebrations. A separate tent for children to be looked after in is a good idea. You can see our suppliers page here and some of them will be able to help with this.

It can be a good excuse to have some entertainment that adults and children alike will enjoy!

 

Cons of having children at weddings

Noisy and unpredictable

Children can be noisy and unpredictable. Depending on how old they are you can’t always reason with them! Babies and toddlers especially won’t understand that screaming during the ceremony is not the done thing.

Hog the limelight

It’s the couple’s day and they may not want to have children hogging the limelight! Having children at weddings can also mean that some guests might miss certain aspects of the wedding. This could be because they have to leave the ceremony with a fussy child, or go home early with the child/children.

Entertainment for children at weddings

If you do choose to have children at your wedding, will you have to supply entertainment for them? Child friendly activities and/or providing a separate room for them to nap or play in adds to the planning/cost. Who is responsible for catering for the children’s needs – the parents or the couple?

What’s your verdict on children at weddings?

Is it a firm Yes or a hell No from you?! Ultimately there’s no right or wrong, it’s the couple’s choice. I do see quite a few posts in wedding groups on Facebook where family members or friends have waded into the discussion. It shocks me to see how many people think that they have the right to influence a couple’s decision. On anything to do with their wedding really, not just children attending. The stories of how couples are “guilt tripped” into allowing things/people at their wedding is terrible. Whatever happened to a polite acceptance or declining of an invitation?!