If children are going to be attending your wedding, then choosing the right venue is important. A child-friendly wedding venue ensures that they’re going to be comfortable and enjoyable for both kids and their parents.
Photo by Masood Aslami
Some of the key factors to consider when choosing a wedding venue with young guests in mind include:
Space for Movement
Children need room to move around without disrupting the event. Look for venues that have gardens, outdoor areas, or designated play spaces. Avoid venues that have hazards like steep stairs, open water, or breakable décor, and also check if the venue offers a separate area for kids to play or rest.
Keeping Kids Entertained
Keeping kids entertained will help the parents to enjoy the wedding, so you may want to consider on-site childcare and entertainment. Some venues offer babysitting or childcare services for weddings. Ask if there’s space for a kids’ activity corner with coloring books, games, or crafts, and think about hiring children’s entertainment, such as a balloon artist.
Child-Friendly Menu Options
Not all kids are going to enjoy a formal wedding meal, so choose venues that offer a child-friendly menu, including simple dishes like chicken tenders, fruit platters, or pasta. Consider buffet-style catering as well, allowing kids to pick what they like, and ask about high chairs or booster seats for younger children; you don’t want your guests to turn up and find these not to be available.
Family Comfort
A child-friendly venue should also accommodate families comfortably. Make sure there are accessible restrooms with baby changing stations, and look for quiet areas where parents can take a break with their young children if they need to. Ask about stroller-friendly spaces and easy access for families with young kids.
Timing of the Wedding
Kids get tired easily, so the timing of your wedding is important. Afternoon weddings tend to work better for families rather than late-night receptions. If you are hosting an evening wedding, consider a designated nap area for your younger guests, and keep speeches informal and short so that you can keep the children’s attention.
Understanding Children’s Needs
Children can be extremely unpredictable, especially when they are in this kind of environment, so make sure you plan and expect some background noise. Using private rooms or separate areas can help parents step away when they need to. If the venue provides microphones, this might help to make sure the speeches and vows are heard over any chatter that might be happening.
Prepare Parents
Make sure you are understanding if kids get restless, as it’s part of having a family-friendly celebration. Let parents know what to expect so that they can prepare accordingly, including details on kid-friendly options in your invitations or wedding website. Offer suggestions for nearby accommodations if families need a place to stay, and provide itineraries so parents can plan meals around the important moments of the day.
By choosing a child-friendly venue, you can create an inclusive wedding experience where everybody, including adults and kids, can celebrate contentedly and happily.
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