Deciding whether to include children at your wedding is a big decision to consider as you plan your big day. Whether you're hoping to welcome close family or friends with families, children can bring an extra layer of high energy and heartfelt moments, but they also come with unique considerations.
By: Meghan Ely
Photo: Julia Wade Photography
Our industry experts will help walk you through some top tips for incorporating young kids at your wedding so your big day goes off without a hitch.
"Our top tip for couples looking to include younger children at their wedding is to decide what parts of the day they would like them included in. It would be smart to have a plan to include them for the parts that would be enjoyable for them and guests, but to also have an exit plan for the parts of the day that would not make sense for them to be in attendance. For instance, having little ones walk down the aisle if they are included in the wedding party, but then quickly escorted out of the ceremony with a guardian so they can do something enjoyable." —Rebecca Love, Rebecca Love Photography
"Start with information. Knowing children's ages, dietary needs, and routines allows couples to plan in a way that supports parents and caregivers and helps the day run more smoothly. Preparation goes a long way in keeping everyone comfortable.
It’s also important to remember that young children don’t understand wedding etiquette yet. Thoughtful distractions like activity bags, kid-friendly seating, or planned breaks in the timeline can make all the difference. When children are considered in the planning, the experience is easier and more enjoyable for everyone." —Sara Landon, Sara Landon Events
"Couples will need to specifically indicate on the wedding invitations that both the parents and children are being invited to attend the wedding. It will be important to make it clear that the wedding is indeed child-friendly and arrangements are being made to ensure the little guests can safely enjoy themselves at the wedding as much as the adults. Including information on the invitation as well as the wedding website that shares details pertaining to the children in attendance will be helpful." Kelley Nudo, Momental Designs
"If there are kiddos in attendance, sometimes it is nice to have a kids table that is covered in paper that they can color on, provide a small gift bag with crayons, toys, etc. to be waiting for them at their tables, provide some bubble guns for the older ones to bring to the dance floor, and if the venue allows, having a side ballroom where you can have a TV set up with a movie and have pizza delivered for their dinner." —Loni Peterson, LP Creative Events
"Speaking of dinner, be wary of picky eaters. Some kids will try anything, while others will be turned off by your exquisite culinary selections. Ask your caterers if there are meal options for kids and make sure there’s enough to go around. Cheese pizza, macaroni, and chicken nuggets are usually safe bets." —McKenzi Taylor, Gather After
"If children are going to be present, offering childcare can be a game-changer. One of the best setups I have seen is when the couple hires a few babysitters and designates a separate room away from the main wedding space. This gives kids a quieter environment if they get overstimulated or just need a break, and the babysitters can keep them entertained with movies, crafts, and activities while parents enjoy the evening." Emily Reno, The Vegas Planners
"Referrals are great. Having a list of local babysitting services or trusted people on your wedding website is excellent. Especially for destination weddings, ask your planner for a referral. There are new wedding sitting services popping up in New York and surrounding areas that even offer on-site nanny services." —Irene Katzias, Irene + Co Events
"Crafts are always a big hit and fairly easy to offer to children at weddings. Another great option, if the venue space allows for it, is setting up a movie in another room. Once the formalities of the day are over and dancing is underway, offering a movie night complete with snacks and soft seating can be a really memorable experience for kids at a wedding." —Kristen Gosselin, KG Events & Design
"From start to finish, curate your food & beverage menus to appease the little ones. A fun sparkling mocktail, a nostalgic appetizer, and a fruit cup before dinner will make them feel included throughout the entire event. Hire a tasteful magician at dinner time and the children (and adults) will be in awe. Add a bubble machine on the dance floor for a whimsy vibe that will be great in photos." —Carin Hunt, Coconut Palm Inn
"Book an all-ages resort for your destination wedding — if you're having a destination wedding, for example, in the Caribbean or Mexico, make sure the resort venue you choose is family-friendly and caters to all ages. Some resorts go above and beyond to maximize children's comfort and parents' needs — everything from in-room cribs and bottle warmers to waterparks and kids clubs to keep them entertained." —Jen Avey, DestinationWeddings.com
"It's completely okay to set boundaries and still love the kids in your life. If you want a mostly adult evening, you can invite children to the ceremony only, or have a firm no kids under X age rule. In my opinion, I'd say a 'no kids under 13 rule' will make your wedding a little less stressful for you and the parents." —Craig Peterman, Craig Peterman Photography
With a bit of extra planning and guest communication, having children at your wedding can make for some special memories — both for you and your younger guests. As long as you bear in mind some logistical details for the parents, your celebration will be stress-free and fun for everyone involved.
Meghan Ely is the founder of OFD Consulting, a public relations agency specializing in publicity, speaking engagements, and thought leadership for wedding and event professionals. She is a longtime wedding industry speaker, traveling globally.
