Having kids at your wedding can make the experience SO much fun and it’s something they will remember for a lifetime. As adorable as they are, we realize that kids are kids and having a little advanced planning will help alleviate some of their potential nervousness and go a long way in keeping them happy all day and night as they play their special role in your Knoxville wedding!
Children Involved in the Ceremony
Is there anything cuter than a cherub-faced flower girl in a frilly dress scattering flower petals as she walks down the aisle? Or a handsome little ring-bearer who understands the importance of his role as he carefully delivers the wedding bands? We think not!
If you are having an in-depth ceremony that’s longer than 20 minutes, or if your tiny attendants are under the age of 5 – consider allowing them to take a place next to their parents or other close family in the front row after their procession down the aisle. They will still be close-by for photos, but it’s hard to convince a 3-year old to stand quietly beside the rest of the wedding party when they’d rather be watching the action from the front row!
Offer Treats!
Okay, so maybe you don’t want to load them up with too much sugar before the ceremony, but the anticipation of an exciting treat afterwards will keep them on cue. Some suggestions: marshmallows, clear rock candy, plain donut holes. If they’ll be having it before photos, choose something without bright staining colors that could make a permanent mess.
Kid-friendly Food
If your menu is rather refined, consider also having something on the plain side that kids will be able to enjoy. Keeping their bellies full will keep melt-downs to a minimum and give them the energy they need to hit the dance floor later! You can even allow them to start on the buffet (if you’re having one) while the adults are enjoying hors d’oeuvres or offer something simple like fruit and cheese that kids and adults will enjoy.
Hire Help!
If it’s in your budget, a babysitter at your Nashville wedding can be a life-saver! This way moms and dads can enjoy having fun with all your friends, while the babysitter can is stationed at the designated ‘kids table’ at the reception (optional but fun!), helps lead kids activities like coloring and games, and even takes kids into a separate room where they can rest and watch movies as the night goes on – or lead them off to chase fireflies if the reception is outdoors!
Surprise them with Goodie Bags
It doesn’t take much to help make them feel like an included part of the day. Bubbles, coloring books and snacks are always fun and will keep them busy through speeches and dinner.
Kids Entertainment
Of course, if you are having a large wedding and expect lots of children – there’s nothing more fun than having an actual clown or Disney princess attend to entertain the children while the adults have a great time partying with you. Don’t feel like you need to go all out in this way, but if there are more than a few kiddos in attendance, it can be a lot of fun!
Photo Booth Fun!
We know, photo booths are soooooo fun for kids of all ages – arguably the MOST fun for grown ups! But having a photo booth with some kid-sized props can add even more joy to the experience. Lucky for you – we have a full photo booth service! Just ask about adding it to your wedding photography package when we meet!
The thought of having kids at your wedding and reception may have you wondering, know that they will in all likelihood feel honored to be a part of your day and will want to act accordingly.
