Including the Kiddos, or not

Are you including children - either your own, your relatives, or your besties - in your wedding? The traditional ways this can happen is with flower boys/flower girls, ring bearers, and junior bridesmaids/groomsmen. I also love those stories where the partner includes vows to children who are not biologically theirs (talk about a tearjerker moment).

You don't have to include children in your ceremony to include them in your wedding day though! You can have also have a kid-friendly event while still having an awesome party for the adults.

This can be accomplished a number of ways, but most commonly is having special wedding favors for the kids that have coloring sheets - or books - with crayons, a small kid-friendly snack, a juice box, and maybe even a small game depending on the ages of the children. If you have children, or have ever been to a kids birthday party, your favor bags for kids at your wedding can be just like a favor bag a child would get from another child's birthday party.

Other fun ways you can entertain the children - without actually entertaining them - is through fun yard games (especially for outdoor tented events or at venues that have a large courtyard/yard available alongside your indoor reception) which will also entertain adults! A really cool idea that I've seen is a large paper coloring page that serves as the table cloth for a kids table - not necessarily where they eat unless they are all older children. You could also do a kids corner with toys and games, or even a fun and cozy spot where you project kids movies. The possibilities are endless! I have pinned some ideas over on Pinterest that you can find here: https://www.pinterest.com/seaevelyn_weddingsandevents/wedding-planner/for-the-kiddos/

Now, I know that including children in any capacity isn't something everyone wants to do. There is absolutely NOTHING wrong with having an adults only event! It doesn't mean you hate children, though (unfortunately) some parents may feel that way, don't let them pressure you into letting them bring their children...if they really want to attend your event they will sort out how to do that kid-free!

Since I am not an expert in how to tell your invitees not to bring children here is a GREAT resource with different ways to politely let people know that your event will be kid-free.

https://cws-designs.com/cwilmotdesign/2018/6/12/ways-to-announce-an-adults-only-wedding#:~:text=%E2%80%9CThe%20bride%20and%20groom%20request,is%20an%20adult%20only%20affair.%E2%80%9D

So, children or not, I know that many of your events will include tons of child-like fun, laughter, and silliness. I mean, if a reception isn't a little bit like this then I feel like you might be missing a part of the fun!

Happy Planning! I hope everyone you want at your celebration is able to attend!