While dinner and dancing might be a very adult way to celebrate your nupitals, such an elegant eve might leave the small fry among your family and friends plain bored rather than bowled over. So what’s a couple to do? There are a number of strategies that can help both you and the children have a great time.
Tots' table: For children who are old enough to sit at a table by themselves, separate children’s tables are warranted. It’s a good idea to place these tables out of the way, along the perimeter of the room. An older sibling, cousin or adult can check in with them periodically.
Toy with the idea: You can make children feel like a special part of your celebration by decorating their tables differently. Create fun centrepieces (say, with balloons) and add baskets of quiet toys for each table to keep little ones busy. You’ll find that if you keep them occupied, they’ll be more than happy to sit by themselves.
Fun food: Ask your caterer about children’s meals. Most kids are not going to appreciate—let alone finish—a four-course meal. Many caterers can provide familiar foods like chicken fingers, French fries, fruit cups and Jell-O instead. Not only will the children be happier, as a bonus, you'll end up paying less for their meals.
Kids' zone: If you plan to invite a large number of children to the reception, consider renting a separate room for them. Hotels are usually very accommodating in this regard and able to provide a room nearby. A willing relative, family baby-sitter or a hired service can provide supervision. Ask your catering manager for recommendations.
Entertaining ways: If the wedding is informal, you might even want to hire separate entertainment, such as a magician, balloon artist or clown—always a hit with the young ones.
Surprise guests: Alternatively, if you haven't planned on inviting kids, but guests inquire about bringing uninvited children, you can politely suggest that they are welcome to hire sitters to watch the young ones in another room.
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Posted by Robin on February 24, 2010 at 9:22 p.m.
Another idea for a kids table:
Instead of a tablecloth, cover the kids table in butcher paper or other large paper. Create a crayon centerpeice made of half a stirofoam ball with crayons stuck in it. Let the kids go crazy colouring on the table! You might have a nice keepsake after the wedding as well.
Posted by Brenda on June 1, 2010 at 2:22 p.m.
Thats a very good idea! Thank you so much! My fiance and I have 4 kids combined, and are welcoming others to bring their children as well. The paper table cloth and crayon centerpiece is a PERFECT idea for their table seeing as how all but one are under the age of 10!
Posted by Rebecca on September 5, 2010 at 9:56 a.m.
Absolutely love the idea!! Thank you so much for sharing!
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