How to Keep Kids Entertained—and Well Behaved—at Your Wedding

If you're having a wedding and kids are invited, here are some ideas for keeping them entertained and well behaved throughout the day.

1. Give Them Treats (or Treats to Look Forward to)

If your young wedding party attendants are acting up before, during, or after the ceremony, it's likely that they're tense from all the excitement, frustrated that they're not getting enough attention, or just hungry. Keep them happy by giving them something sweet—as long as they stay on their best behavior. One suggestion: use white or transparent treats that won't stain their clothes, such as marshmallows or clear gummy bears. In addition, children enjoy a little friendly competition. Tell them that whoever is the most well-behaved in the group will receive a lovely surprise during the reception—just remember to keep your word.

2. Hire Professional Childcare

Many parents employ a babysitter to keep a watch on the kids and make sure no one gets hurt—or sticks their fingers in the cake. The babysitter can also supervise any other specified kids-only activities you've planned, such as arts and crafts, a movie, a nature walk, or a game room.

3. Provide Coloring and Writing Tools

Cover the kids' table(s) with white butcher paper and cups of crayons (or any other drawing instrument that won't stain) to provide tabletop entertainment during a long dinner. They'll be so preoccupied that they'll forget they're still seated at a table.

4. Get an Entertainer

If your budget allows, engage professional entertainment such as a caricature artist, fortune teller, clown, storyteller, magician, or impersonator (think Spiderman, Cinderella, or Mickey Mouse)—and if your wedding is themed, absolutely incorporate it. It's a simple method to keep the youngsters occupied and happy while the adults mingle and toast with champagne.

5. Set Up a Game Room

Turn the play area into a game room for a boisterous group. Ping-pong or air hockey tables, a Nerf ball, a basketball, Twister, Hula-Hoops, jump ropes, and more games can be rented or borrowed. If you're planning a wedding at a hotel or country club, you might be able to find all of the necessary equipment on the premises. Set up lawn games and activities like a three-legged race, cornhole, or a traditional game of hide-and-seek if you're having a more laidback outdoor wedding.

6. Create a Craft Room

Make one section into an arts and crafts area for the kids. Create a coloring contest, a beading lesson, or have them design adorable signs for the newlyweds. Allow them to decorate their own picture frames, and then have a photographer take images of them at the celebration to put inside.

7. Stagger the Meals

Whether or not you have a separate play space, consider splitting meals into two groups: children first, then adults. While you and your friends might love lingering over a five-course meal, most kids are ready to leave within 15 minutes. Allow the children to help themselves to the buffet while the adults converse over hors d'oeuvres. When the children have done, they can move on to another activity, allowing the adults to dine.

8. Prepare Kid-Friendly Music

Make a kid-friendly playlist so that youngsters may dance to the Frozen and Moana soundtracks in their own room. Another fun suggestion is to inquire about hiring dancing teachers, which is another kid-friendly kind of entertainment that will keep them entertained and allow them to participate in the celebration.

9. Naptime

If you're expecting extremely small children, they'll most likely fall asleep before the event is over, but even if they're past napping age, you might have some sleepy youngsters. Set up a quiet place where they may relax after a full day of talking, playing, meeting new people, and being excited.

You can see more ideas over at the TheKnot! While you are over there please check out how Perfect Cadence Events can help make your day everything you dreamed it would be!