How To Entertain Children During Weddings

From the time we were young children, we were dreaming and planning the wedding of our dreams. We agonized over flowers, the style of the dress, and the perfect soundtrack to serenade our walk down the aisle. Fast forward a few years and now we are planning our actual weddings. Like most couples, we spend hours orchestrating the perfect day. Unfortunately, far too often our youngest guests get overlooked in the details which leaves them bored or acting out in the pews.
 
10 Easy Ideas to Entertain Children During Weddings
 
To keep children entertained during the wedding and reception, consider implementing the following ideas:
 
Give them a job. Include kids in the big day and assign them important jobs. Children love to help and often take pride in being assigned a role in the festivities. Have someone hand out programs, deliver bubbles, seat people at the reception, man the guest book, or make sure everyone has a wedding favor.
 
Create an “Eye Spy” game for the ceremony. Set up a picture sheet with items around the church, items used in the ceremony, and people they may see. When a child notices or finds the item, they can cross it off their list. At the end of the ceremony, while people are being ushered out, little ones can turn their paper in for a prize. If you would like, adapt this idea for the reception to keep kids busy during toasts or while dinner is being served.
 
Let them be the “photographer”. Children typically love taking pictures and can often illicit snapshots from the most camera shy people. Invest in several cheap disposable cameras and set them amongst the crowd. It will keep them occupied and might offer some creative perspectives of the wedding for the photo album. For added fun, provide props and create a photo booth.
 
Provide coloring sheets or simple crafts at a child’s table. Weddings can be long ordeals with a lot of grown ups talking and talking and talking. Children get tired of adult stuff easily and may act out in frustration. Avoid potential meltdowns by setting their places with crayons, coloring books, or easy crafts to help fight off boredom.
 
Have decks of cards or board games available. Kids of all ages, even those nearing 99, will enjoy playing a hand of Spades or a round of trivia. Choose easy to play games and place them in a central location that is accessible for everyone. It will prevent boredom and encourage mingling.
 
Set up a kid friendly snack buffet. Kids often get bored during the cocktail hour or while waiting in line for dinner. Avoid hangry meltdowns with simple finger foods to tide them over. Layout simple fruit and veggie trays, cheese cubes, small cupcakes, and snack mixes near the children’s table so they can have easy access.
 
-Naomi Shaw Guest Blogger