The Big Day, as it’s routinely called, is one for all the family. Yep, you’ll have a batch of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends to invite, but there’ll probably be a lot of younger heads turning as the bride strides down the aisle. And when you’re entertaining kids at weddings, it’s a whole other ballgame to get ready for…
Trying to make your reception child-friendly? Follow us, and the rumble of little feet, as we set the ground rules for what to do.
1. Kids at weddings: Dress up the kids’ table
Common sense tells us that it’s only right to separate the wee ones from their elders. They won’t give a hoot about your beautiful
candelabra, and the chance of a spill with that artisan soup rises considerably if the young and old are side by side. So, give the kids their own table, and decorate it with stuff they’ll respond to. We suggest a ‘colouring in’ table cloth, a pile of jelly beans in the middle, and bowlful of Lego bricks.
2. Kids at weddings: Activity rooms are a winner
Look for a venue that has a side room, or somewhere the kids can claim as their own during the evening. Then, hire out – or ask parents to
bring their own additions from home, if they can – a few extras for amusement. A games console with several controllers is perfect for planting boys and girls for an hour. Other items include a candy floss machine, a finger painting den, and a dress-up box with a mirror to the side. Then, find a member of staff to watch over them for the night.
3. Kids at weddings: Organise a walk outdoors
Open-air weddings are steadily getting more popular. If you have a natural theme to explore, why not send an able body (one who knows the
area, mind you!) to guide the kids on a jaunt through the woods, fields or the nearby beach. It’ll tire them out, and they’ll end up crafting their own fun and games on the trail.
4. Kids at weddings: Book table-side entertainers
Unique wedding entertainment is your excuse to go wild and wonderful with the thrust of the day. Let’s assume you agree with our first
rule: that little ones are suited to their own table. This is an opportunity to send a special act their way – we’re fond of magicians, clowns or a kids’activity group (dancers, card-makers etc.). As long as the act is surprising, skilled and patient, the children will be under their spell, and seek to learn or imitate what they do.
5. Kids at weddings: No-one can resist a good DJ
What’s the final rule for entertaining kids at a wedding? You guessed it – a dancefloor, replete with lights and popular songs they’ll
recognise. There are hundreds of family-friendly wedding DJs out there, and they’ll gladly perform at your ceremony, given enough notice and space. Don’t be afraid to ask for a Disney medley, or a boyband hit list that’s super jiggable!
While your vows, canapes and first dance will be stately and magnificent, children need other distractions to stay attentive. Entertaining kids at a wedding is easier than ever with Silk Street. Search our acts today (including magicians and DJs) for the bright, sugar-dashed pick that’ll bring kids into the spirit of the occasion.
