The pros and cons of having children at your wedding
Firstly the good reasons to invite children to your wedding
They look so darn cute! I mean a little flower girl tossing her petals along the aisle all dressed in white, or a sweet little boy in a mini tux carrying a ring security box will make even the coldest heart melt and they make for some amazing pictures.
Some guests may not be able or willing to leave their children with a sitter and thus, if you don’t allow them to bring the children along, they will also not come. I guess it’s not a problem if they are “should invite” rather than “must invite” but if, say for example, it’s your bestie or your brother then it’s both sad and awkward if you don’t invite the children.
Reasons for not having children at your wedding is a much longer list….
Children get bored easily and expecting especially young children to sit quietly for extended periods is simply not realistic. Bored children are disruptive and can be unpredictable at the most inopportune times. Upsets just as you are exchanging vows, temper tantrums at dinner or interruptions during speeches are just some of the instances when disruptions may occur.
Parents often want to visit with other adults at a wedding and they either don’t watch their kids – who then get into things they shouldn’t, or they watch their kids and miss out on the fun.
Older bored children get into trouble by possibly disappearing outside into what may well be an unsafe environment. If kids aren’t allowed outside to play at home, it is definitely inadvisable to allow them to play outside in an unknown space.
The cost!! When talking to your vendors they don’t often equate smaller people with less cost. If the price per guest is $80, then it’s $80 no matter the age and when you know children probably won’t eat or drink what you’ve provided and they won’t enjoy the toasts and speeches, do you really want to pay for them? Everybody is on a budget of some kind and every child not invited reduces your cost (or allows you to invite other adults)
Speaking of adults, if your wedding is going on into the night and you expect drinking and dancing to play a big part of the celebration, you may well think that it is not a perfect environment for children…..
Solutions to the conundrum
It’s your wedding so it’s up to you, if you don’t want children then don’t invite them.
Have a kids meal option
Hire a nanny or sitter to be in charge of activities and keep the children secure and occupied, there are companies that specialize in childcare for events.
One thing I do know! Providing colouring books and pencils will keep most children occupied for —— 30 seconds!!
