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.
