How do we keep the little ones entertained at our wedding?...

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How do we keep the little ones entertained at our wedding?

I'm the youngest in a large family so we will have a lot of children at our wedding.

9 RESPONSES

Tammy
June 27, 2008

i recently came across a bunch of neat party games for kids at a wedding -- stuff like coloring books, puzzles and other things to keep them busy! Here's some ideas:
party games for kids

SERENITEA CATERING (Vendor Comment)
October 6, 2007

I do not recommend popcorn for small children, as it is a choking hazard, but with proper supervision of a licensed childcare professional who knows first aid and CPR, you should be in good hands.

SERENITEA CATERING (Vendor Comment)
October 6, 2007

I had a bride go as far as rent a giant inflatable jumping thing to keep the kids occupied, and professional nannies are great to have around.

CHERISHING MOMENTS ﾖ WEDDING CONSULTANT (Vendor Comment)
July 19, 2007

Goodie bags are always a great way to entertain the little ones.
You can replace the childs place card with an age appropriate goodie bag. This allows the child to remain seated next to their parents while offering entertainment during those down times; like waiting on food to be served, during speeches, etc.

Remember that kids of all ages love to dance so once the music starts everyone will most likely be greatly entertained. Youre already spending a nice chunk of change in this area so make sure your DJ is kid friendly!

It has been my past experience that hiring babysitters has often backfired. Unless youre hiring a sitter just for say the wedding party and the kids know the sitter well you might end up with some separation anxiety.
Ive seen couples hire sitters/entertainers in the past and although the effort was pure you always end up with some shy kids that dont want to leave their parents then the parents spend half the night fighting with their children.
Plus if some of the kids arent interested in participating it can make it very difficult to keep the other kids focused.

A GREATER PLAN (Vendor Comment)
July 18, 2007

I respectfully disagree regarding the "no sugar what so ever" comment. This is a party... a big one. To expect children to be denied cakes & goodies, while adults entertain in decadence, is unrealistic and impolite.

The key is moderation. Supply healthy, appealing foods for children. Then make a linited number of kid-friendly treats available, after they've had a chance to partake of the healthy fare. Their treat can be something special, like petit fours or cupcakes that match your theme. If you're set on low-sugar options, offer carrot cake, popcorn (great if you've provided them with a movie too) or custom-made fruit tartlets.

To see entertainment ideas, please visit my blog.

HAWAII WEDDINGS AND EVENTS (Vendor Comment)
July 18, 2007

Depending on budget and the ages of kids, the following has are a few things we've done:

1) Separate kids table with crafts such as coloring, cookie decorating, TV with DVD player in separate section of ballroom (ie: foyer) and/or separate banquet room along with pillows and blankets.

2) Hiring a babysitter or two to watch the kids so the parents can enjoy the party has also been worth it.

3) Hire DJ that cannot only do dancing, games for adults, but has some games that parents/children could get involved with.

4) Separate children buffet (set lower) so that they can reach with favorites such as chicken nuggets, pizza, etc.

5) Balloon person that can make balloons on site (quiet and the kids love watching them!)

MOWERY'S PHOTOGRAPHY (Vendor Comment)
July 18, 2007

It is important to not tire the children by asking them to be available all day for photo session, so have your photographer schedule time for the images that include the children and then allow them to get out of their dresses and tuxes, to go get snacks and then play for a bit before the ceremony.

Chris@mowerys.com
Mowerys Photography

PARTNERS PANTRY (Vendor Comment)
July 17, 2007

In the past, we have had brides who have hired child sitters for the event. These folks have a planned activities to do with the little ones. They have played games, colored pictures for parents and the bride and groom. We plan a kid friendly menu that meets the tastes of kids (at a reduced cost from the main menu). The bride provided party bags with goodies for each child. It really helped keep them busy.

Chefshawn@partnerspantry.com

VERSATILE SOUND PRODUCTIONS (Vendor Comment)
July 17, 2007

Most Important! DO not give them anything with sugar what so ever.

How do we keep the little ones entertained at our wedding?

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