Life is filled with incomprehensibly beautiful moments and miraculous phenomena, and children are undeniably one of them. However, when organizing a wedding, deciding whether to invite friends and relatives along with their little ones—or to host an adults-only celebration—can be challenging.

To help you navigate this decision, we’ve outlined the most important practical and emotional aspects to consider if children will be part of your special day.

Your Children at Your Wedding

If you have children of your own and are debating whether to celebrate with them or without, only you can truly answer that question. Your children, your wedding, your decision.

No one knows your children better than you. If your heart tells you that celebrating without them feels incomplete because you are one family, then including them is a natural choice. However, if you prefer to leave them in the care of a nanny, that’s perfectly fine too—regardless of what others (even well-meaning grandmothers) might say.

Guest Children at Your Wedding

When deciding whether to invite your friends’ and relatives’ children, it’s worth keeping a few practicalities in mind:

• Young Children and Interest Levels: The younger the child, the less likely they are to be interested in the wedding festivities.
• A Break for New Parents: For parents who spend most of their time caring for small children, your wedding might offer a rare and much-needed opportunity for relaxation and quality time with their partner.

For all the special moments with your little guests to be perfectly captured, you need a skilled photographer who specializes in children or family photography. The photographer can even create a fun, social atmosphere for the kids, turning it into a mini children's party!

Find your photographer here: WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER, FAMILY, CHILDREN PHOTOGRAPHER

Practical Tips for Weddings with Children

Be Clear on Invitations

Clearly specify in the invitation who is invited—whether it’s just the couple or the whole family. This prevents confusion and ensures everyone knows what to expect.

Provide Childcare Support

Hiring a professional nanny or babysitter for the wedding day is a thoughtful gesture. They can supervise the children, keep them entertained, and handle any unexpected situations, making the day more enjoyable for parents and children alike.

Choose a Safe Venue

The wedding venue plays a significant role in deciding whether children can safely participate:

• Avoid Hazards: Venues near open water or containing sharp, heavy, or breakable objects can pose risks.
• Minimize Noise: Ensure small children, especially those in strollers, are not placed too close to sound systems or other loud equipment.

Plan Entertainment and Activities

Keeping children entertained ensures they—and their parents—have a better experience. Depending on their ages, consider options like:

• Professional entertainers (magicians, animators, or creative activity leaders).
• Supervised inflatable attractions.
• Small, engaging games and activities tailored to their interests.

Offer Surprises and Distractions

To keep younger children engaged during quieter moments, such as the ceremony, prepare small treats and surprises such as natural, eco-friendly candies, coloring books, and crayons or small toys for creative play.

Provide a Child-Friendly Menu

Design a menu that caters to children’s tastes. Survey parents ahead of time to identify their kids’ favorite dishes, and ensure there are enough high chairs available for the little ones.

Arrange Facilities for Babies

For the comfort of parents with infants, ensure the venue includes a private feeding and changing room, complete with comfortable seating, pillows, a changing table, fresh water, and wet wipes; and access to a nearby sink for convenience.

Set Up a Quiet Sleeping Space

If the celebration runs late into the night, prepare a safe, quiet room where babies can sleep. Equip it with a suitable crib, changing area, and other essentials to ensure the baby’s safety and comfort.

Thoughtful planning and clear communication will help you create a celebration that is both memorable and stress-free for everyone. By taking these steps, you can ensure your wedding is enjoyable for all your guests—children included.

Author: Ieva Simanoviča

Photographers: Stefano Santucci, Giulia Morandi, Dosmasenlamesa, Skye Bloom