This may be a sensitive topic for some but an important one for many. An important part of your guest list is deciding to have children at the wedding. I think with more and more couples in the last few years choosing not to have children this topic has become even more important. It might be up there with a couple choosing not to marry and just remaining in a long term relationship. I must say, I have seen and attended it all – several years ago I received an invitiation to an out of town family member wedding where the couple decided – no children were to be at the wedding.
I was a little shocked mostly because it was the first time I had heard of children not being included or invited to a wedding. Now, at the time my son was young, so being very courious and now stressing about finding a babysitter, I called up said family member and simply said, can I ask why? Their deciding factor – they did not have kids and therefore did not want kids at their wedding. She stated, kids are messy and loud (there may have been other things but really I don’t need to list them all), and I want my wedding to stay elegant and undisruptive.
I simply said ok. Now, it may not be this easy and simple for some families, it can create family drama at a time when everyone should be celebrating. But what comes to mind now and back when I found myself in this situation- RESPECT. But, now do I opt out of going to a close family members wedding or go through the stress of finding a babysitter for what will be a long weekend? Just remember the decision to have children at your wedding is your decision and yours only – this means if a friend or family member tries to guilt trip you into chaning your mind, stand firm. While it is a huge consideration of you to think of others for YOUR wedding, remember that, after all it is YOUR wedding. But also, remember and be prepared for, some guest not attending due to childcare even if the wedding is local.
On the flip side, if you decide that children are absolutely invited to your wedding, you may want to have many activites for them to do. Especially if there are long delays and during specified dancing i.e. mother and dance, father and daughter dance etc… Consider having a children’s section at your reception, that includes smaller tables with activity packets such as crayons, coloring books, puzzels and candy. You may even think of having a children’s entertainer during the cocktail hour and most of the reception. Now there’s no doubt that including children at your wedding will make it easier for the family and friends that have children to attend but it is important to keep in mind that it is YOUR wedding and YOUR decision. Happy Planning ❤️