10 Simple Ways to Manage Kids at Your Wedding

Cute Kids at Wedding

When planning a wedding, one important consideration is how to keep the children in attendance entertained and well-behaved. With creativity and forethought, you can guarantee the kids have simply as much enjoyment as the adults on your special day. Here is a guide to managing kids at a wedding.

1. Hire an event nanny

One effective solution for managing children at a wedding is to hire an event nanny. An event nanny is a professional caregiver experienced in overseeing and entertaining children during special events. These nannies are often trained in CPR and first aid, so you can rest assured that the children are in safe hands. They can also be trained in child-specific activities such as arts, crafts, and games to keep the children engaged throughout the event.

Hiring an event nanny can keep the children entertained and provide peace of mind to the parents attending the wedding. This can allow the parents to enjoy the wedding without worrying about their children’s well-being. It also frees up the wedding party to focus on the event, knowing that the children are well taken care of.

Event nannies are also an excellent option for people with kids who have special requirements. These nannies are skilled in working with children with different abilities and can provide a comfortable, safe and fun environment.

Hiring an event nanny is a great way to manage children at weddings. They provide a safe and fun environment for the children while giving parents peace of mind and allowing the wedding party to focus on the event.

2. Create a kid-friendly space

One way to create a kid-friendly space at a wedding is to set up a designated area just for children, with activities and games to keep them entertained. This could include coloring books and crayons, a small play area with toys, or even a mini movie theater with age-appropriate films.

Another way to manage kids at a wedding is to provide a children’s menu with kid-friendly food options and smaller plates and utensils. You could also have a separate table or section for children to sit and eat together to make it feel like their own particular area.

To make the kid’s area unique and exciting, you can incorporate elements that tie into the theme of the wedding. For example, if the marriage is on a beach, you can set up a sandbox with beach-themed toys, or if the wedding is in a garden setting, you can have a scavenger hunt with clues hidden throughout the garden.

Additionally, you can hire a professional kids’ entertainer to keep the children engaged and happy throughout the wedding, like a face painter, magician, or balloon artist.

Overall, the key to creating a successful kid-friendly space at a wedding is to think about the needs and interests of children and provide a variety of fun and engaging activities that will keep them entertained throughout the event.

3. Create individual activity bags for each child

Creating individual activity bags for each child at a wedding is a great way to keep them entertained and engaged throughout the event.

Here are a variety of suggestions for items to include in the bags:

  • Coloring books and crayons: This is a classic pastime ideal for kids of every age. You can include coloring books with characters or themes that are popular with children, such as Disney or superhero characters.
  • Small toys and games: Include items like small puzzles, plastic figurines, or mini board games that children can play with at the table or during downtime.
  • Craft supplies: Include stickers, glue, and pipe cleaners that children can use to create their art projects.
  • Snacks: Pack a small bag of healthy snacks, such as dried fruits, nuts, or granola bars, to keep them from getting hungry during the wedding.
  • A disposable camera: This can be a fun activity for kids to take pictures of things they find interesting around the wedding.
  • A small notebook and pen: Encourage children to draw or write about their experience at the wedding.
  • A personalized name tag: This will make each child feel special, and it will be easier for parents to keep track of them.

All these items can be put in a small bag and labeled with the child’s name. This way, each child will have their own set of activities and games they can enjoy throughout the wedding.

4. Create an escape for the kids

Creating an escape for the kids at a wedding can be a great way to give them a break from the adult atmosphere and to provide them with a fun and exciting experience.

Here are some fantastic suggestions for creating an escape for kids at a marriage:

  • A “Kids Only” Lounge: Designate a separate room or area for the kids to relax and play games in a more casual and low-key setting. This space could include bean bags, board games, video games, and even a popcorn machine.
  • A “Kids Only” Movie Theater: Set up a mini-movie theater where children can watch age-appropriate films or cartoons while they relax and eat popcorn.
  • A “Kids Only” Campsite: If the wedding is in an outdoor location, create a “kids only” campsite where children can set up tents, roast marshmallows, and have a mini-camping experience.
  • A “Kids Only” Science Lab: Create a mini science lab where children can conduct experiments and learn about different scientific concepts. This will be a fun way to encourage kids to gain knowledge with enjoyment.
  • A “Kids Only” Gaming Room: Set up a room with multiple gaming stations where kids can play the latest video games and interact with other kids.
  • A “Kids Only” Escape Room: Create an escape room experience where kids can work together to solve puzzles and escape from a themed scenario.
  • A “Kids Only” Talent Show: Encourage children to display their unique skills, such as vocal performance, dance, or playing a musical instrument in front of other kids and adults.

Overall, the key to creating a successful escape for kids at a wedding is to think about their interests and provide a variety of fun and engaging activities that will keep them entertained and engaged throughout the event.

5. Put together kids-friendly outdoor games

Putting together kid-friendly outdoor games at a wedding is a great way to entertain and keep children active and engaged. Here are a few unique ideas for outdoor games that are suitable for children:

  • Scavenger Hunt: Create a scavenger hunt for children that sends them searching for specific items around the wedding location. This can be tailored to the wedding theme; for example, if the wedding is on a beach, the things to find could be shells, starfish, or sand dollars.
  • Obstacle Course: Set up an obstacle course that the children must navigate, such as crawling under a rope, jumping over obstacles, and running through a sprinkler.
  • Giant Jenga: Create a giant version of the classic game Jenga using wooden blocks that are big enough for children to handle.
  • Giant Bubbles: Provide children with giant bubble wands and bubble solutions to create massive bubbles they can chase and pop.
  • Giant Tic-Tac-Toe: Create a giant version of the classic game tic-tac-toe using a large board and oversized X and O markers.
  • Giant Scrabble: Create a giant version of the classic game scrabble using large wooden letters and a giant board to play on.
  • Giant Chess: Create a big version of the classic game chess, using oversized chess pieces that children can move around on a giant board.

The key to creating a successful outdoor games experience for children at a wedding is to think about their interests and provide a variety of fun and engaging activities that will keep them entertained and engaged throughout the event.

6. Create a kid-friendly menu

Creating a kid-friendly menu at a wedding can be challenging, but with a bit of creativity, it’s possible to come up with unique and delicious options that will appeal to children.

Here are some fantastic suggestions for a fun menu:

  • DIY Pizza Bar: Set up a table with pre-made pizza crusts, various toppings, and a pizza cutter. Children can create their pizzas and watch as they are cooked in a portable pizza oven.
  • Build-Your-Own-Taco Bar: Set up a table with soft taco shells, various fillings such as ground beef, chicken, beans, and toppings like shredded cheese, lettuce, and sour cream. Children can build their tacos and customize them to their liking.
  • “Kid’s Choice” Buffet: Create a buffet table with classic kid-friendly foods such as macaroni and cheese, chicken nuggets, and mini hot dogs. This way, children can pick and choose what they like and eat.
  • “Fun Food” Station: Create a station where kids can make fun foods like ants on a log (celery, peanut butter, raisins), fruit kabobs, or mini-s’mores.
  • “Cupcake Decorating” station: Set up a table with pre-made cupcakes, frosting, and various toppings like sprinkles, candy, and fruit. Kids can decorate their cupcakes and enjoy their creations.
  • “Fruit Pops” station: Set up a station where children can make their fruit pops by blending fresh fruit with a bit of juice and pouring the mixture into popsicle molds.
  • “Ice Cream Sundae” bar: Set up a bar with various flavors of ice cream and toppings like chocolate sauce, sprinkles, and candy, and let the children create their sundaes.

The key to creating a successful kid-friendly menu at a wedding is to think about the children’s tastes and preferences and to provide various options that will appeal to them.

Also See: How Do You Do a Simple Wedding?

7. Give kids a job

Giving kids a job at a wedding can be a terrific method to make them feel essential.

Here are a few unique ideas for jobs that kids can do at a wedding:

  • Junior Ushers: Assign kids the job of being junior ushers; they can help guide guests to their seats and hand out programs.
  • Junior Photographers: Give kids cameras and let them take photographs during the marriage. They can capture candid moments and unique perspectives that an adult photographer might miss.
  • Junior DJs: Set up a kids’ dance floor and let kids take turns being the DJ. They can choose the songs and be in control of managing the music.
  • Junior Event Coordinators: Assign kids the job of being junior event coordinators; they can help with setting up decorations, directing guests, and other tasks.
  • Junior Greeters: Assign kids the job of being junior greeters; they can stand at the entrance to the wedding and greet guests as they arrive.
  • Junior Clean-Up Crew: Give kids the job of being the clean-up crew at the end of the wedding. They can help collect and dispose of trash, return chairs and tables to their original positions, and make sure the area is clean and tidy.
  • Junior Book Keepers: Assign kids the job of keeping a tally of how many people attend the wedding and keeping track of the RSVPs.
  • Junior Chefs: Give kids a chance to help in the kitchen; they can allow prep ingredients, cook, and serve food.

Giving a job at a wedding can be a great way to make them feel included and important and help them to have a great time. It’s also an excellent opportunity to help kids develop accountability and collaboration talents.

8. Have a dance with the kids

Having a dance with the kids at a wedding can be a fun and unique way to include them in the celebration.

Here are some suggestions for fantastic methods to have a dance with the kids at your wedding:

  • “Flash mob” dance: Plan a surprise “flash mob” dance where the kids can join in and perform a choreographed routine with the adult wedding guests.
  • “Kids-Only” dance: Set aside a portion of the reception for a “kids-only” dance where children can show off their moves and have fun together.
  • “Decades” dance: Organize a themed dance where kids can dress up and dance to music from different decades—for example, the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, etc.
  • “Silent disco” dance: Set up a “silent disco” where kids can put on wireless headphones and dance to music without disturbing adult guests.
  • “Dance-off” competition: Host a dance-off competition where kids can show off their best moves and compete against each other for prizes.
  • “Musical Chairs” dance: Set up a game of musical chairs where the kids can play and dance simultaneously.
  • “Foam Party” dance: Rent a foam machine and have a party dance where kids can play and dance in the foam.
  • “Glow in the dark” dance: where kids can wear glow sticks and dance in a dark room.

Having a dance with the kids at a wedding can be a fun and unique way to include them in the celebration. It also provides an excellent opportunity for kids to enjoy and mingle with one another.

Conclusion

Managing kids at a wedding can be a challenge, but with a bit of creativity and planning, it can also be a fun and unique way to include them in the celebration. From creating individual activity bags and setting up an escape for the kids to putting together kid-friendly outdoor games and having a dance with the kids, there are many ways to ensure that the kids at your wedding have a great time.

Giving kids a job, such as junior usher or photographer, can also help them feel included and important. It’s also worth considering having a kid-friendly menu and creating a particular area for kids to relax. Ultimately, the key to managing kids at a wedding is to be creative, think outside the box, and remember that kids want to have fun! By keeping that in mind, you can ensure that everyone at your wedding, big and small, has a great time. We hope this blog on a guide to managing kids at a wedding is useful to the readers.