5 Ways to Keep Kids Entertained (And Out of Trouble) at a Wedding
Ah, weddings – those enchanting occasions that celebrate the purest form of love and unity. But let’s be real for a moment: attending a wedding with kids in tow can be an adventure of its own kind! Ensuring that your child behaves can be a challenge, but with some preparation and gentle guidance, it’s definitely achievable. Here are some tips to help parents set their kids up for success and have a smooth experience at the wedding:
- Organize a Scavenger Hunt
Invite your little ones busy and invite them to explore all of the details of the event with their very own scavenger hunt. Have them seek out anything from tears of joy, to a wedding program signed by the DJ. Bump it up a notch and bring along disposable cameras for the kids to capture their findings. You might just find that your junior photographers will capture a priceless moment worth cherishing!
- Snack Survival Kit
It’s a little known fact that kids have bottomless pits for stomachs, but if hamburgers and chicken nuggets aren’t on the catering menu, you could be in for an earful. Get in front of the matter and keep yourself armed with a Snack Survival Kit filled with their favorite goodies. This will ensure they’re quietly satiated when needed, and more eager to smile for wedding portraits. As a bonus perk, they’ll be fueled to keep up with the crowd, and less likely to burn out before the event ends. Pro tip: avoid messy crunchy snacks if you plan to dole them out during the ceremony!
- Give Them Official Responsibilities
Even if your child isn’t a designated flower girl or ring bearer, there’s still opportunities for them to play an important role in the wedding! Weddings often involve tossing bird seed or blowing bubbles – two tasks right up any kid’s alley! Older children might really dig sparklers (with supervision, of course!). Keep your eyes out for opportunities where your child can join in on traditional fun.
- Show Them to the Photobooth
Props, poses, and souvenir photos? They’re not just fun for grown-ups! Kids will love going several rounds of having their pictures taken, and this common wedding inclusion could keep them engaged and having a great time. Pack your own set of small props they can try out in the booth, and captures of the day’s memories stand to be absolutely epic!
- Hit the Dance Floor
Challenge your kids to a dance-off when the music gets playing. Not only will this help them burn off excess energy, it will also elevate the vibe of the wedding, encouraging other wedding guests to join in. Now’s the time to put those Saturday morning dance class lessons to good use!
Most importantly, don’t forget to unleash your inner child at the wedding! Embrace this celebration as an opportunity to break loose and not take yourself too seriously. Go for that extra slice of cake, and jive to your favorite Beyonce song – weddings are meant to be enjoyed, after all!