Inviting the Little Ones

Mixing It Up!

Some weddings include children as guests or members of the wedding party. Special reception planning for the younger part of your crowd will not only enhance their enjoyment of your special day, but will also help you, their parents and older guests relax a bit more and enjoy the festivities as well.

Consider having older children seated together at a special table with a favorite aunt or uncle—just so things don’t get too out of hand—where they may have more fun with others their own age. If there are younger children seated with their parents, have a special party favor, such as a coloring book and crayons, waiting for them at their place at the table.

You might even rent a separate reception “room” across the hall or attached to the main ballroom with unique entertainment for them alone, perhaps with a juggler or magician.

You might even rent a separate reception “room” across the hall or attached to the main ballroom with unique entertainment for them alone, perhaps with a juggler or magician. This room could feature a knee-high buffet full of favorite “kid-friendly” food like pizza, hamburgers, chicken tenders, fries, and even an ice cream sundae bar. Babysitters serve as “Masters of Ceremonies” with games and organized activities to keep the children busy and amused. A television and DVD with cartoons, movies, or video games are a must for some children.

Whoever is supervising the children must be qualified and experienced to deal with situations involving everyone from infants to pre-teens. There need to be enough adults for the number of children and stock the room with supplies like diapers and wipes if there are lots of infants and toddlers. Easy entertainment for children can involve their inclusion with the music and dancing portion of the reception.

Get them on the floor for fun, traditional wedding dance fare like the Chicken Dance or the Hokey Pokey. Have them announce a special dance that asks everyone in the bridal party to choose a child as a partner for a lively rock and roll tune like “Twist and Shout.” If there are children in the wedding party, ask an older member of the wedding party to bring them out on the floor to dance when the wedding party joins the couple in their first dance.