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A Wedding with the Kiddies
A Wedding is more fun with children attending, but how can you make them feel like a part of it?
Your fiance's niece and your best friend's son may be perfect angels when you take them
to the park. But the little darlings may turn into devils when forced to behave through hours of a
formal wedding, reception and dance.  Really, who can blame them? You may remember it's not
much fun for a kid to wear uncomfortable clothes that have to be kept clean and sit still while adults
drone on endlessly.
Some brides opt to ask their guests not to bring young children. This will work if everyone
understands and accepts the bride's request. But this may cause hurt feelings with guests who feel
their children should be part of the celebration. If you want to have young family members and
guests attend your wedding, there are things you can do to make a kid-friendly environment.
Consider setting up a play-table at the reception. This can include storybooks, paper and crayons,
puzzles, and activity books. Kids also enjoy using disposable cameras just as much as grown-up
guests. Remember not to set out anything that could be noisy or messy. Make sure the kids' table is
near an adult who can supervise if things get a little rowdy.
Kids love to imitate adults, but they also like things they're familiar with. Cater to their needs on the
menu with some simple changes. Offer kids apple juice in miniature glasses so they can join in the
toasts. Have some dinner choices that kids will be sure to approve of such as peanut butter and jelly
sandwiches, French fries, chicken fingers, cheese and crackers, and fruit. A slice of cake may be
too much sugar and too much mess for smaller children, so consider fancy cookies for young guests.
You may want to hire help to take charge of children. A pair of teenage cousins may be delighted to
help out for some extra cash. Otherwise, any babysitter that you or your guests approve of could be
hired to play with the kids and keep them occupied while your festivities continue. If you are hiring
extra help to watch the kids, consider putting them in their own separate room. They may be able to
change into more comfortable clothing and be a little more active if they are away from the adult
activities, and Mom and Dad can check up on them throughout the evening.
When Sara Scott got married, she called her local Parks and Recreation office and hired one of
their employees to take charge of her young guests. Scott loved this arrangement because the
employee was experienced in supervising large groups of children and came prepared with her own
activities and equipment. Scott thought the cost was reasonable and helped to make her special day
even more enjoyable.
"It's especially nice for the tinier ones and everyone thought it was a fabulous idea," Scott says. "All
the parents liked being able to participate in adult activities while the kids were occupied with their
own fun."
Just a little extra planning can ensure that you and your guests of all ages have wonderful memories
of your wedding day.
Reprinted with permission from ARA.
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