Skip to main content

Main menu

  • Playground
  • Surfacing
  • Parks
  • Athletics
  • Aquatics
  • Play
Home
  • Playground
  • Surfacing
  • Parks
  • Athletics
  • Aquatics
  • Play
  • Kindergarteners Need Play
  • Train Themed Playground
  • Maintaining Your Pool and Splash Pad
  • Are School Playgrounds Living Up to Parents' Expectations?
  • It's the Contractor's Fault
  • The World is a Kiwanis Playground
  • Bringing Your Kids to a Wedding

Breadcrumb

  1. Home
  2. Play
  3. Parenting
  4. 7 Things to Know Before Bringing Your Kids to a Wedding

7 Things to Know Before Bringing Your Kids to a Wedding

Parenting
August 16, 2022
Profile picture for user Cora Gold
By Cora Gold on
  • facebook-f
  • twitter
  • envelope
  • print
82
Bringing Your Kids to a Wedding

Bringing your children to a wedding can be a divisive issue. On the one hand, many people are open to having their kids participate in the celebration. Even if children are invited, weddings can sometimes be an overwhelming atmosphere for them. 

If you’re considering bringing your kids to an upcoming wedding, here are some things to know before agreeing to it.

1. Some Couples Prefer No Children

If you were invited to a wedding, the bride and groom might have decided against having children at their event.

One way to tell is by looking at your invitation. Are your kids’ names on it? If there’s no mention of your kids on the invite, it may be best to assume children aren’t allowed. However, it’s always good to ask what the policy is on this. 

2. Interruptions Can Occur During the Ceremony

The primary reason couples choose a child-free wedding is that kids can be disruptive. It can often be frustrating for the pair during vows, speeches, and toasts when they hear crying or screaming children in the background.

Younger kids can find it difficult to sit still for long periods, especially when they're bored. Plus, you have to consider that kids running around can mean bumping into guests or servers. If your children are on the younger side, it might make more sense to leave them with a sitter.

3. Child-Friendly Accommodations

Keeping children entertained at weddings can be a difficult task. However, some couples are more than willing to spend on additional entertainment for the kids if it’s within their budget.

For example, they might have a room filled with games and toys, a bouncy castle, kid-friendly snacks and meals, and other activities to keep them occupied.

Taking your kids to the wedding might not be a bad decision if that is the case. You know your kids will be safe and busy while you get to enjoy some adult time. It will be a fun memory for the whole family. 

4. Missing Part of the Ceremony

If your child does start to cry during the ceremony, the best thing you can do is leave the room. So, one thing you must ask yourself is, are you okay with stepping outside during the nuptials? If it breaks your heart to miss this part of the event, perhaps you should consider leaving your kids at home.

If not, you’ll have to be ready to make a quick and quiet exit at any sign they’re on the verge of a tantrum and tears. Weddings can be long events for children, and sometimes they take a toll on their energy. 

5. Constantly Worrying About Your Kids

When bringing your kids to a wedding, you’ll have to multitask between childcare and catching up with friends and family. If there are no designated activities for the kids, you may have to spend all your time keeping an eye on them – meaning less time spent socializing, dancing and enjoying the bar. 

If this is an issue for you, you might want to take this event as a chance to have a night off. Maybe someone owes you a babysitting favor? You can take that as an opportunity to relax and have fun.

6. The Safety of the Venue

The venue is another important consideration. Some wedding venues are not suitable for younger ones. In fact, they may not allow kids on the premises because they don’t have insurance to cover potential accidents.

For instance, some venues have lakes or ponds that don’t have safety features. Additionally, numerous steps, steep or loose ground, and other safety threats can pose a risk for your little ones. Furthermore, if there’s an open bar, mixing kids with drunk and disorderly adults can create disaster. 

7. Other Children Can Be a Good Distraction

If children are allowed to attend the wedding, there may be other kids there to keep yours occupied. 

Your kids will have a chance to play with others while you can sit, relax, and enjoy the wedding. However, if you know other kids aren’t going to be there, you might want to consider whether it will be appropriate for you to bring them.

Making a Final Decision

Taking your kids to a wedding can have its disadvantages. However, if the event will be safe and family-focused, bringing your kids along can create fun, lifelong memories for you. Always prioritize your children’s safety, and be considerate of the couple’s wishes. 

Take time to weigh the pros and cons of bringing your children to this event. If one outweighs the other, this helps you decide whether you should take your kids or not.

Profile picture for user Cora Gold
Cora Gold
Published 9 months ago
Last updated 5 months ago
82
2
min read
A- A+
  • facebook-f
  • twitter
  • envelope
  • print

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter

More About Parenting

Dec 18, 2013
Parenting

Restoring Play to the Lives of Children

Joan Almon
Aug 15, 2016
Parenting

Congress Is Looking To Help Lower The Cost Of Healthy, Active Lifestyles

Phit Act
Girls playing pretend
Jul 02, 2018
Parenting

Encouraging Children to Play Creatively and Safely

Kacey Mya
Kids celebrating birthday party
Mar 24, 2020
Parenting

8 Party Themes That Work for Everyone

Kacey Mya
Nov 01, 2002
Parenting

Volunteer Leader

Playground Magazine
Father & child playing with blocks
Dec 06, 2016
Parenting

Building Brilliance: 7 Benefits of Constructive Play

PGP
Nov 01, 2002
Parenting

Hands on Jonesboro

Playground Magazine
Spruce Forest at Holma
Feb 26, 2019
Parenting

Springtime for Preschoolers: Fun in the Great Outdoors

Oliver Portwood
Child working on a computer
Nov 29, 2018
Parenting

Learning & Laughing: Fun Online Activities for Kids on Rainy Days

Tilda Moore
Fall Road Trip
Sep 06, 2022
Parenting

5 Reasons to Take Your Family on a Fall Road Trip

Cora Gold
Kids playing in the water
Dec 03, 2019
Parenting

Tips for Summer Fun with Your Family

Lewis Robinson
Mother and Daughter - Together Counts
May 04, 2015
Parenting

Mother May I?

Alli Delano

Parenting Professionals

There are currently no professionals listed here.
Home

Follow Us

Play and playground news and information since 2001

  • instagram
  • facebook-f
  • twitter
  • pinterest
  • linkedin

Company

  • Playground Magazine
  • Contributors
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe

Copyright © 2001 - 2023 Playground Professionals, LLC

Footer menu

  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Terms and conditions