From ice-cream vans and activity packs to photo booths and role play, there are loads of ways to make your children part of your wedding day whatever your budget
08:00, 26 Dec 2016Updated 11:05, 27 Dec 2016
Getting married when you have children can completely transform the dynamic of the wedding day.
The focus shifts from thinking solely about what will please you as the bride and groom to what will keep your kids happy.
Outdoor weddings are ideal for little ones as there’s plenty of space for them to let off steam and nobody worries so much about the noise.
We asked Charlotte Gifford of The Vintage Chic Wedding Fair for her top tips for hosting weddings when you have kids ...
Choose an outdoor venue
Outdoor venues are usually self-contained and offer exclusive use. So everyone on site be will attending your wedding and there’s no danger of children wandering off in to the wrong room or event. Outdoor venues also offer loads (and loads) of space. Everyone knows that children like nothing more than to run about at weddings. Here are 14 quirky places you can get married near Birmingham.
Role play
All children like feeling part of the event so give them a role. They could let people know what is taking place in which tent, they can hand the microphone round during the speech or they can present any gifts to guests.
Let the kids have their own area
Outdoor venues allow you to create your own little wedding village so you may have the main events in a tipi or marquee, but you can book smaller tents such as a bell tent or yurt especially for the children. You can even book a mini cinema! Provided they are supervised, this will give you a dedicated area for children’s activities.
Hire a professional
Consider booking a dedicated professional crèche or babysitter who can take care of the children all day leaving the adults to enjoy themselves completely worry free.
Add some fun food to the menu
Child-friendly food is vital and an outdoor venue really allows you to choose some creative options that kids and adults will love. Consider an ice cream van or a fish and chip van, or even afternoon tea. Children will enjoy this much more than a formal sit down meal.
Personalise the day with some quirky extras
Photo booths are great fun for everyone and there’s a huge choice available now from caravans to New York taxis. You’re sure to find one to fit your theme.
Activity packs for quiet moments
Even at the most relaxed wedding, there are still times when the children need to sit still, such as during the speeches. To keep them occupied provide activity packs which they can do at their seats, for example stickers or puzzles.
Party games and fairground rides
The space that an outdoor venue provides is such a huge benefit because it allows you to indulge in some creative party games such as giant Jenga or Connect 4. You can even go one step further and have a bouncy castle, or even the ultimate, a full size carousel!
Child-friendly favours
Even if they are eating a full meal during the wedding breakfast, children still love sweet treats so make your favours child-friendly. You could use cupcakes, personalised lollies or bags of sweets. And if the cost is a concern then don’t forget the favour can double up as the name cards too.
Relax!
And finally, the most important tip of all, don’t worry! Guests all ages will have a great day.
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