Weddings are all about love, laughter and happily ever afters, but for guests with children, weddings also come with stress. Finding childcare is not always easy, and bringing a child as a “plus one” can leave parents focused on making sure their child is entertained, well-fed and happy instead of celebrating the big day with those closest to them.
With a few small adjustments, your wedding can become a child-friendly event that everyone can enjoy! This guide provides activities, snacks and tips to help make your wedding the most memorable night for everyone, no matter how little they are.
Kids Wedding Activities
Despite being love-filled, joyful events, for kids, weddings can sometimes feel long and maybe even boring. Allow them to entertain themselves! Provide activities for younger guests to keep themselves busy during speeches, first dances and more.
Kids Activity Table
Make a kids activity table by providing white or brown paper table covers with crayons and colored pencils so they can create their own masterpieces. Or, if looking for a bit more fun, provide activity bags for weddings! Fill “lunchboxes” or plastic pencil boxes with a variety of activities like card games, glow sticks, fidget toys and more.
Coloring Pages
Get kids in on the fun and let their creative side shine. Provide paper for children to fold and design a card for the bride and groom or prepare ahead of time with printable wedding coloring pages. Allow them to decorate their own wedding dress or color in their own flower bouquet.
Outdoor Activities
For outdoor wedding fun, bubble wands give the younger guests a chance to add to the whimsy, and giant outdoor games like bowling, Jenga or bean bags can keep the fun going while parents are chatting with other guests or on the dancefloor. For a fun and exciting activity, try a wedding scavenger hunt!
Sensory Activities
Weddings can be overwhelming especially when the music gets pumping, so be sure to limit sensory overload! Start a silent disco for the kiddos. Provide headphones playing children’s music so kids can join the grownups on the dancefloor for a night of fun.
Kids Party Foods
When making menu selections, don’t forget about the little ones! Having child-appropriate snacks and beverages makes sure that dinner goes off without a hitch. Snacks, desserts, and mocktails are a great (and tasty) way to make sure everyone is included.
Milk and Cookie Bar
If you’re looking for bite-sized sweet snacking, consider adding a Milk & Cookie Bar to your wedding dessert or happy hour spread. These delicious cookies paired with mini glasses of milk are sure to bring a smile to any child’s face – and provide a sweet taste of nostalgia for the grownups. If you’re looking for a recipe that can’t go wrong, try out the HERSHEY’S Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Popcorn Bar
If you want to provide more snacking options, create a Popcorn Bar! Line a table with a variety of snacks for guests to choose from, no matter if they want something sweet, salty or both. Offer options like SKINNYPOP Snack Packs, Mini Unwrapped REESE’S Candy or KIT KAT® Bars, TWIZZLERS Candy, REESE’S DiPPeD Pretzels and more!
Mini Sandwiches
Most kids probably want to skip the steak! Providing mini sandwiches are sure to be a hit with the youngsters. Offer favorites like ham and cheese, peanut butter and jelly, grilled cheese and more. Tip: Use heart-shaped cookie cutter to remove the crusts and keep the sandwiches cute and on-theme!
Mocktails
Make child-friendly toast options! Sparkling juice in fancy plastic glasses are a worthwhile substitute for champagne flutes. Plus, specialty mocktails can provide delicious options for sipping all night long! Try fruit-infused water or flavored lemonade for an extra special drink for the little ones. If you’re looking for one to try yourself, JOLLY RANCHER Lemonade allows for a variety of different flavors.
More Kid-Friendly Wedding Tips
With some creative planning and few thoughtful touches, hosting a child-inclusive wedding will add an extra layer of joy to your special day! With fun activities and substitutions, you can be sure that every guest, from the youngest to the oldest, have a memorable time.
Childcare Service
If able, hire a babysitter or childcare service for the night! By setting up a children’s tent for toddlers and babies and hiring childcare, parents can rest assured that their little ones are safe while they have a fun night with the bride and groom. Bean bags, kid-friendly movies, and tabletop activities are a great way to keep kids entertained.
Timing Considerations
Create a kid-friendly meal buffet with some “children’s favorites” like chicken nuggets, mac and cheese, pizza, french fries and more that can be served with or before the adult meal. If able, consider moving the cake cutting to earlier in the evening. (No one complains about early dessert!) Then, while the adults are digging into their dinner, dedicate some kids-only time on the dance floor.
Planning a kid-friendly wedding doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice the elegance or fun of your theme. A few additions to your plans can make sure the night is memorable and fun for all ages! By including some crafts for kids, kid-approved snacking menus and more, you are sure to have a day all about togetherness from toddlers to grandparents.
