On the face of it, children and weddings don’t really mix. Expecting a small person to remain still and quiet, even for a relatively short ceremony, is often asking a touch much.
And, of course, there are many people who believe that weddings should be adults-only affairs. However, if you decide to have a kid-free ceremony, there is a good chance that at least some of your guests will be unhappy with your choice. So, what do you do? Well, first, weigh up the pros and cons of having children at your wedding.
What Kind of Ceremony Are You Planning?
If you intend to have a fairly low-key, relaxed affair, it’s a much more kid-friendly zone. On the other hand, a church ceremony, or otherwise more formal event, could lead to screaming and tantrum issues.
Bear in mind; if you want children to be a part of the ceremony, as page boys, ring bearers, or flower girls, then you can’t really ask your guests to leave their little ‘uns at home. You could try, of course, but the request is unlikely to sit well.
Etiquette, Weddings, and Children
Whether you decide to have a child-friendly or child-free wedding, there are some basic rules of etiquette involved.
- Make a decision and stick with it — Typically, this should be a decision that’s made early, as it helps avoid lots of questions from your guests and pressure from those who have particularly passionate feelings one way or the other.
- Address your invitations appropriately — If you plan to invite children, ensure their names are included in the invitation. Simply writing, “Mr. and Mrs. Smith and Family” is rather vague. Similarly, if you plan to have a kid-free wedding, it might be wise to mention this explicitly to avoid any confusion.
- Pick up the phone — Make a call to those guests who have children, preferably before the invitations are sent out, to make them aware of whether children are welcome at the wedding or, on the other hand, if it is an adult-only event.
- Think food — if you intend to make your wedding a child-friendly affair, then it is a good idea to have a separate kids’ menu. Look at it this way, children will be happier and, therefore, less likely to cause a ramble-raising scene if they have food that they’ll enjoy eating.
As with many things in life, there are no hard and fast rules. Whether it is a good idea to have children at your wedding depends upon your personal opinion and what kind of ceremony you wish to have. Don’t be pressured into making a decision, though. And, even if your choice is unfavorable with some guests, stick to your guns. Remember, it’s your wedding.
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I’m Iskra Banović, editor of Blufashion and the voice behind its fashion, beauty, and lifestyle stories. Fashion, beauty, and lifestyle are my playground, but I’m just as likely to share the messy side of it all, like the time I tested a “must-have” skincare gadget and ended up with glitter stuck in my hair. I love turning trends and everyday finds into something useful (and fun) for real people.
