Planning a Wedding Your Kids Will Love

According to the latest British Social Attitudes Survey, almost two-thirds of people now see little difference between living together and getting married and only 28% say they believe married couples make better parents. Indeed, many people are leaving marriage until after they have kids, with psychologist Donna Dawson telling the BBC that for them, a wedding is seen as “a ceremonial creation of a family” and a symbol of family union. If you have kids and you are excited about them forming part of your Big Day, the following tips may help you plan an event they will love as much as you will.

Choosing an Exciting Destination

Destination weddings were becoming increasingly popular prior to the current health crisis, with 25% of marriages taking place abroad and destinations like Las Vegas and the Maldives being considered popular destinations. However, if you love the idea of celebrating your event away from home, there are many beautiful urban wedding venues in the UK to choose from. Places your kids will love in the city include The Natural History Museum in London, The Garden of Eden in Liverpool, and 200SVS in Glasgow. All these locations are central so in the days leading up to your wedding, kids can enjoy a wealth of cultural and leisure pursuits. If countryside destinations are more your thing, look into venues like The Elms Hotel in Worcestershire, Llangoed Hall in Wales, or Guyers House in the Wiltshire Cotswolds. All these stunning spots provide kids with all the space they need to run and play.

Finding the Perfect Role for Your Kids

One of the most exciting components of a wedding for children is being able to form part of the ceremony. Depending on the age and wishes of your children, it won’t be difficult to find the perfect role for them. They (and you) can choose from tasks such as walking you down the aisle, serving as altar child, carrying the bride’s train, scattering rose petals, greeting guests, informing guests of their tables at the reception, and so much more! Older children who are into social media and photography might enjoy snapping shots of the guests, sharing images on a dedicated website, or even running your wedding app. Those who are little show kids, meanwhile, may enjoy putting together a special song or choreography for your guests.

Making Your Reception Fun

Weddings last for hours so try to think back to when you were a child and you attended a family friend’s wedding. You may have enjoyed the meal then felt a little bored or tired afterwards. If there will be a few other children at your wedding, you can organise games and activities like egg and spoon races, sack races, pin the tail on the donkey, and the like. Consider hiring a child entertainer for younger kids (think a party clown, magician, or Disney character). Food should be equally dazzling. In addition to your wedding cake, why not have a three-tiered kids-themed one with fondant characters from popular kids’ shows, films, and other media? Additional features to include are doughnut walls, colourful muffins, and of course, a photo booth with lots of props and themed clothing.

If a destination wedding appeals, choose a place that offers a wide array of cultural or outdoor activities for kids in the days leading up to the event. At the wedding itself, assign your children roles that suit their desires and personalities. Finally, make sure that the wedding has games and fun entertainment and food features so that kids are happy to party as long as their parents are.