One of the most polarizing debates in history: should you have (gulp!) … KIDS at your wedding? It’s a heated topic—but we’re here to clear the air. Let these thoughts aid your decision making, but like most things wedding planning, it’s ultimately up to you and your partner!
Pros:
No sitter? No problem! When you have kids at your wedding, you don’t have to worry about guests RSVP’ing “no” because they’re not able to find a sitter!
Kids are fun! Little ones are sweet, energetic, and see the beauty in everything. Plus, those tiny tuxes and dainty dresses are extra-adorable, don’t you think?!
Cute photo opps: Those precious little smiles never get old (even when the kids themselves do!).
Tiny dancer! No one fills a dance floor like a miniature hype person. Let’s go for a twirl!
Cons:
No sitter? Little problem… Those guests that didn’t need a sitter? They may have to dip out early for bedtime routine and miss some of the fun.
Kids get antsy: The issue with that energy? Kids need to expel it. They may start chatting (or crying) during your vows or complain about their shoes at the reception.
And… Not so cute photo opps: Crying faces in the background, photobombing your entrance, the list goes on.
Dance floor divas: Dance floor tantrums? Definitely a thing. Watch your step!
Additional Thoughts on Kids at Your Wedding
If you choose to exclude children, some guests may feel like their family isn’t welcome and could hold some resentment, (we’re really hoping they won’t!). Or, on a lighter note, some parents may welcome the kid-free night out! While it may be easier for parents to bring their children along and avoid the search for a trustworthy sitter, those same parents may feel like they can’t let loose and enjoy that open bar you budgeted for. They may even feel a little down over having to chase their kids around all night to ensure they don’t mess up any of those well-thought-out DIY centerpieces you worked so hard on!
Like our resident wedding planner Adriana from The Pre-Nup Podcast says, it really all depends on the children. If you know they’ll be calm, able to entertain themselves, and otherwise behave during the ceremony, then there’s no harm done. But otherwise, maybe encourage the parents on your guest list to enjoy their night out.
No matter what, it’s pretty much an all-or-nothing deal when it comes to kids at your wedding—you either invite them all, only invite children over a certain age, or none whatsoever. You can’t exactly tell your bestie she can bring her three-year-old when you’re specifically excluding your partner’s cousin from doing the same.
What to Consider When Including Kids
After weighing the pros and cons above, there are a few more things you’ll need to keep in mind before sending those invites:
- Kids need someone to watch them. We want the parents to enjoy themselves without having to chase their kids around your (non-baby-proofed) venue all night. Consider hiring a nanny or babysitter who can keep an eye on the group throughout the night.
- Kids need to be entertained. What is your plan to keep the kids entertained during your reception? Think about setting up a designated kids table stocked with crayons, coloring pages, and games they can use on their own.
- Kids need kid-friendly food. This may not be an end-all-be-all rule, but we’re just being honest. Most of the time, kids aren’t gonna be wowed by the elegant dishes you hand-selected with your caterer for your adult guests. Will you be able to provide separate meals (or at least snacks) for the littles?
Our Final Note
Having read all of the above, you can see why having kids at your wedding is such a sensitive subject. We wish we could give you an easy yes or no answer, but unfortunately, it’s just not that clean cut. At the end of the day, the decision to have kids at your wedding comes down to what makes you and your partner happiest. Whether you decide to invite the little ones or keep things adult-only, remember that your day is about celebrating your love, surrounded by those who matter most to you. If kids are part of that happiness, just make sure to plan accordingly to make it a fun experience for everyone. And if a kid-free wedding sounds more appealing, rest assured that your guests—parents included! —will likely understand and enjoy the opportunity to let loose and celebrate in a more relaxed atmosphere. Whatever you choose, it’s your day, your rules—enjoy it to the fullest!
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