Written by Chiswick House & Gardens
When you’re planning your wedding, one of the big questions you’ll have to answer is whether or not to make your wedding reception kid-friendly. On the one hand, having kids at your wedding reception can add a lot of joy and laughter to the day. On the other hand, it can also be a lot of work to keep them entertained—and they can be disruptive if they get bored or restless. So, how do you decide? Here are a few things to consider.
Pros of Having a Kid-Friendly Wedding Reception:
One of the biggest advantages of having a kid-friendly wedding reception is that it allows you to invite more people. If you’re not worried about keeping the kids entertained, then you can invite all of your friends and family—even those who have young children. This can make your wedding day even more special because you’ll be surrounded by the people you love most.
Another advantage is that kids can add an element of fun and spontaneity to your wedding day and your wedding reception. They might not always behave perfectly, but that’s part of the charm! Seeing kids running around and enjoying themselves can be a great way to lighten the mood and create some lasting memories.
By providing activities and entertainment that are geared towards kids, you can create an enjoyable and memorable experience for everyone. Some ideas for kid-friendly activities include face painting, balloon animals, and a scavenger hunt. You can also set up a special kids’ table with colouring books and crayons. For entertainment, consider hiring a clown or magician, or setting up a movie screen to show cartoons or family-friendly movies. With a little planning, you can ensure that your wedding reception is fun for both kids and adults.
Cons of Having a Kid-Friendly Wedding Reception
However, there are also some disadvantages to having a kid-friendly wedding reception that are worth taking into consideration. First, as we mentioned before, it can be more work to keep kids entertained during the ceremony and reception. If you’re not careful, they might end up being more trouble than they’re worth! Additionally, young children might not be able to sit still or be quiet for long periods of time—which could disrupt other guests who are trying to enjoy the festivities and the wedding reception.
Kid-friendly wedding receptions can sometimes be less formal than traditional weddings, and this may not be what you are looking for on your special day. Additionally, you will need to carefully consider your menu choices if you want to keep all of your guests happy. Kid-friendly options can be more expensive and add stress to your wedding planning, and they may not be as elegant as you would like.
So, should you have a kid-friendly wedding reception? Ultimately, it’s up to you! Weigh the pros and cons carefully and make a decision that feels right for you and your partner. Remember, this is your wedding day—so make it exactly what you want it to be.