You've been dreaming of your wedding since you were a little girl. But those visions probably haven't included children throwing dinner rolls or screaming during your first dance. It happens.
Cute as they are, children can be disruptive when boredom and fatigue set in as your wedding day unfolds.
You have three choices when it comes to children and weddings. No. 1: Exclude them from your celebration.
No. 2: Rely on their parents to entertain them.
No. 3: Plan activities that keep children from running wild, leaving adults free to enjoy the evening.
Mindy Weiss, nationally known celebrity event planner and lifestyle expert, votes for No. 3. “It has definitely become a trend. That's because children have become part of the adult social scene . . . Parents' friends have become so close with the kids they can't imagine excluding them.”
Weiss suggests the bride and groom and their families be responsible for organizing fun children's activities. Then hire a baby-sitter to execute your plan. “Do not rely on a member of the family to watch the kids.”
Work with your caterer to develop an inexpensive kids menu. Plate the food for younger children and set up a mini buffet for the older children. Chicken fingers, cheese pizza, plain pasta with sauce on the side, French fries and fresh fruit are sure to be hits.
ACTIVITY CORNER
— Bring in a balloon artist, magician or clown to entertain before the meal is served.
— After dinner, entertain with table games, puzzles and prizes. Glow-in-the-dark necklaces and bracelets tend to be a hit with children ages 7 and younger. Jacks, yo-yos and marbles are ideas for ages 8 and older.
— An activity like cookie decorating or face painting can take up most of an evening and involve all ages.
— Have children make something for their parents or the bridal couple. A bead station works with boys and girls. Ditto for a coloring or stamping station. For a Christmas wedding, make an ornament for the tree. At an autumn wedding, decorate mini pumpkins.
SOURCE: Mindy Weiss
PHOTOS: Eliza Portrait Design and Design Studio Photography
