A wedding is such a special day to share with friends and family and often a number of those special people include babies and young children. Quite often they can really make the day and give you a nice family feel.
South Coast Nannies caters especially for weddings to take the pressure off looking after the children. We want to help make the day run as smooth and hassle free as possible, and make the day just as special for the little ones!
Make it Clear Whos Invited
Many Brides and Grooms agonise over the question of whether to invite children to their wedding. Even if youre set on having a child-free wedding, there are others who will question if its even your decision to make.
Some Parents tend to make assumptions about their children being invited; you need to make it crystal clear who is included in invitations so that parents can make plans. If no are children at the wedding then this will assist them in making the decision to bring the children with them and get a Babysitter for the night or leave them at home.
Please be aware that some parents feel as though they have to choose between their child and attending the couples wedding and usually, this result in guests foregoing your special event and remaining with their child.
Ceremony Yes, Reception No?
Ceremony only invitations to children might seem like a great idea but think of the mothers who not only have to get themselves ready but also get the children dressed in their good or new clothes, sometimes for such a short period of time. If you do decide on this option advise the parents on the best time to drop their children off with the babysitter and to ensure they do not miss out on the celebrations
Its OK to set an age limit
If there are newborns they may and still require breastfeeding. Theres no way that childs parents can attend without their baby and are small enough to spend the whole event in a stroller or being cuddled,
If you do allow young babies at your wedding, you need to accommodate for this. Ensure the family is positioned at a table where a pram or capsule can be placed nearby, if the baby becomes restless during the speeches they can make an easy exit..
Having no Children at the wedding could be about wanting to give guests, who are parents, a night off. Some guests want kids to be able to share the special moments with their children and then want to be able to relax at the Reception and enjoy their evening.
Managing the Children
Keeping children entertained can be difficult at the best of times and with all the details you need to organise for your wedding it is easy to overlook your younger guests. An unsupervised group of children is the fastest way to go from elegant reception to mischievous behaviour. Our Wedding Nannies can keep the children safe, entertained and under control during the celebrations.
Children have short attention spans, to expect children, especially small ones, to sit quietly during the wedding or reception is to deny the very energetic, exuberant nature of who they are. If you are inviting children to your wedding you will need to create diversions like an Activity Table and consider how to cater for their needs.
Our Wedding Nannies can ensure all children receive their correct meals and drinks, supervise dinner, and assist with toileting or nappy changes and more importantly keep the entertained.
Many venues have a separate Childrens Room or accomodation on site where setting up a designated Activity Room for children, treats them to a fun experience while assuring adult guests a pleasant time of their own. This area is ideal when children get tired and parents can stay and enjoy the celebrations knowing the children are supervised and sleeping.
Ask for Kid Friendly meal options
Be thoughtful when choosing the food you want to serve to the little ones. Most caterers are willing to provide a separate meal plan for children. It will be less expensive for you and the kids will be happier with food they love. Some popular ideas include chicken nuggets, mini-pizza and pasta. Consider having the staff serve the children their meals first or at entree time, as children eat on a schedule and children are not very patient when they are hungry and tired.
Maintain a Sense of Humour
Despite the fear that people will instil in you for inviting kids, children do bring instant surprise to a wedding (not to mention a lot of laughs). Dedicating a small amount of time to catering for your younger guests will create an enjoyable atmosphere for all your guests and parents so that they can relax and enjoy the occasion. Ensure that the only tears on your wedding day are tears of happiness, not the cries of bored or restless children. Not only will the kids appreciate it, but also parents will be able to relax and enjoy the celebrations.
Regardless of whether you choose to have children at the ceremony and/or reception, it is important to remain patient. Children can be utterly unpredictable but a little preparation, planning and patience, will ensure your big day will run as beautifully as it should!
