What To Consider Before Inviting Kids To Your Wedding

When it comes to putting together your guest list, you'll have to think of which friends and family you'll be inviting. Are any of your close family members children? Do your close friends have children as well? If there are some kids you'll be inviting, does that mean you'll be extending the invite to the kids of other guests as well? Here are some things you need to consider before it comes to inviting kids to your wedding.

Kids can play an important role in your wedding If you already have kids, it's more than likely that they'll have a special role during your ceremony. However, if you and your partner aren’t parents and have junior bridal party roles to fill such as ring bearer or flower girl, you can consider asking young family members or family friends. Not only are they an adorable sight to see walking down the aisle, but it's a great way to include your loved ones.

Do you know the kids well? If you're well acquainted with the children in some families, you might consider this when thinking of whether or not to have children attend your wedding. If you've never met your friend's kids, or aren't particularly close with them, don't feel obligated to extend the invite. Whatever your decision, ensure that you make it clear whether or not kids are invited through your invitation and save the date. Addressing your invitation to "The Smith Family" extends the invite to the entire family, including children, while "Mr. and Mrs. Roger and Martha Smith" specifies who is invited so there is no confusion.

Make special accommodations for kids Kids will likely need alternate meal options—a kid's menu will help appease any picky eaters. It's also helpful to include children's activities to keep them busy such as colouring books or crafts.

At the end of the day it is your wedding. Your loved ones should be understanding and know that it is your decision to invite children to your wedding or not, and should respect that decision, regardless of whether or not they agree with it.