Why Kids Belong at the Wedding
Flower girls, bridesmaids & ring bearers, oh my!
When planning a wedding, one of the most debated questions couples face is whether to invite children. For some, weddings are seen as elegant adult-only affairs. For others, they’re family celebrations where all generations especially kids should be part of the magic.
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From first hand experience, I believe children bring a unique joy, spontaneity and energy to weddings and vow renewals. After all, if your closest family members include children, why not let them share in the day? When parents feel comfortable and children are happy, the whole celebration flows more easily.
Children see weddings differently—through a lens of wonder. To them, the day can feel like stepping into a fairy tale. From dressing up for the ceremony to joining in the dancing, kids add authenticity, laughter, and unforgettable moments.
They also bring something even more meaningful: joy during times when some loved ones cannot be present. If family members are missed due to illness, or if you’re remembering those who have passed, the sound of children’s laughter and their uninhibited energy adds warmth and light to the day.
And of course, weddings are about more than two people—they’re about family. Seeing generations come together—grandparents holding the hands of great-grandchildren, cousins playing together, parents dancing with their kids—is a powerful reminder of the love and legacy that carry forward.
Tips to Make Weddings Fun for Kids
To ensure that children enjoy themselves (and their parents can relax), there are a few simple steps you can take:
1. Prepare a Kids’ Box
At the dinner table, give each child a small box of activities—coloring sheets, toys, puzzles, or crafts. This keeps them entertained during speeches and courses.
2. Create a Kids’ Table
If there are several children, consider seating them together at a kid-friendly table. This way, the menu and setup can be tailored to their tastes and comfort.
3. Hire Professional Nannies
For larger gatherings, you can bring in childcare professionals who set up quiet spaces with movies, games and even cozy spots where little ones can nap. This ensures parents don’t feel pressured and children have a safe, fun place to unwind.
4. Involve Them in the Ceremony
Don’t just relegate children to the background. Make them part of your wedding:
Flower girls and ring bearers
Readings during the ceremony
Group photos
Special games at the reception
5. Give Them a Camera
Hand children disposable cameras or Polaroids and let them capture the day from their own perspective. The results are often heartwarming, funny and beautifully raw offering you a completely different viewpoint when you look back at your wedding album.
The Bigger Picture
Your wedding or vow renewal isn’t just about two people, it’s about bringing together families. When children are part of that, it deepens the sense of connection and makes the celebration truly inclusive. With the right planning, you can balance elegance with playfulness and ensure your day runs smoothly for everyone.
Whether you’re planning an intimate ceremony or a grand destination wedding in Mallorca, remember, when the kids are happy, the parents are happy and that joy radiates throughout the entire event. And when generations come together from grandparents down to great-grandchildren the memories truly last a lifetime.
