We've all received a wedding invitation or two in the mail with a teeny bit of fine print asking that children not be brought to the wedding.
For those of us without children, we might pass over this bit of information without a second thought. Maybe inside we might be a bit relieved that we can throw down drinks get funky on the dance floor without ruining innocent little minds.
Today we'll begin to talk about the best ways to incorporate children into your ceremony and make sure that they will enjoy the day enough so that their parents (and you) can also enjoy the fun.
Choosing the Venue and Child Care
If you have decided that you want all of the youngins at your wedding, then you need to plan accordingly. As you begin to discuss the venue for your ceremony and/or reception, think about a place that will have a quiet room or a bedroom for cranky children to get in some nap-time.
Also ask yourself if the venue has some usable outdoor space for kids to run around and play in. If there are other kids around and a few fun toys, children are generally able to create their own magic. Add a big field for them to run around in and they are thrilled.
Inviting children may also affect the type of venue that you choose for your wedding. Having a wedding at a place like Astor Courts, a la Chelsea Clinton, might not be the wisest choice. The more antiques and breakables nearby, the less child-friendly a venue is likely to be.
If you are planning your wedding at a Church:
Ask your officiant or minister for suggestions as to a suitable space for entertaining restless children during the ceremony. Most religious institutions have school rooms or an anteroom.
If you are planning your wedding at a Hotel:
Ask if you can reserve a small function or conference room nearby both the main room in which your wedding is being held and the bathroom facilities.
As you begin to make the guest list, take into account how many children will be invited to the wedding and their age range. If there are going to be a considerable number of children at your wedding, you may want to consider investing in a nanny for the day.
If you decide to go this route, be sure to ask parents for recommendations and be prepared to do a little background-checking. There are also nanny and babysitter agencies out there that do background checks on all of their employees - but make sure that you ask about the extent of those checks!
If children under the age of 4 are being cared for by an independent childcare professional, you should ask to see their references, qualifications, CPR certificates etc.
Jen Kiaba is a photographer and burgeoning crafter who lives in Rhinebeck, NY with her lovely boyfriend, two crazy cats and an adorable basset hound. When her hands aren't covered in tacky glue, she specializes in taking romantic portraits of happy couples in the Hudson Valley!