Kids at the Wedding?

When Billie Piper married Laurence Fox this year, there was some alleged controversy because the couple did not want children at their wedding.  The uncle of Laurence Fox was apparently so outraged that he didn’t attend the wedding at all.

To some people weddings are all about family and children but there are plenty of people who would rather not invite other peoples’ screaming babies and toddlers.  So what is the best way to deal with things if you don’t want kids at the event?

The first step is to note this request on the invitation.  Something polite about it being an adult’s event – if people call to check then you can confirm this.  You must also be fair and consistent – you can’t exclude one of your friend’s kids but let your best friend’s daughter come.  It will cause resentment if you don’t enforce the rule for everyone.

You can make an exception for your own children, nieces and nephews or your siblings if they are young.  However, make this clear that this is because they are family only.

What about if someone brings their kids anyway? Don’t be rude, accommodate them.  There can be lots of reasons; if someone forgets, or their childminder hasn’t turned up.  Ultimately you have to be flexible if someone has taken the time to come to your event.

However, if it is difficult for you to exclude kids altogether consider having a play area or crèche for them outside while you say your vows.  You can also get childminders and magicians, a clown or some kind of entertainment keeps them busy.  How about setting up a kid’s tea party area?  Give them all cameras too so they can take snaps of each other and have fun whilst you are busy getting things organised.  Make sure you have childminders watching over them at all time.

Also have a kids menu – children won’t want to eat your rich food and a kid’s menu should cost less too so serve pasta, chips, burgers and sandwiches with fruit juice to kids.  They could even eat in their own little area.

Whatever you decide, remember that you have to be happy but you also have to make the day as easy and fun as possible for your guests. Some guest may not be able to afford childcare or find it for the big day so may not come at all – consider all the pros and cons before you exclude kids.

 

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