One of the most frequent dilemmas that we find couples have when planning their wedding at The Tournerbury Woods Estate is whether they should invite children. It’s surprising how quickly the number of invitees can add up, and so having adults only is an easy way to moderate the ever-expanding guest list. But, weddings are special family occasions and for some, it just wouldn’t be the same without children there.
Let’s be honest, weddings can be tedious for children. It’s a long day, quite often they may not know many other children there, and parents no doubt will be asking them to be on their best behaviour all day. That can be hard during the Ceremony, or two-hour Wedding Breakfast, not to mention lengthy speeches. We don’t know about you, but we can definitely sympathise with them on that note – it’s hardly surprising that they will want to run around at times. That’s why if you’re planning a wedding, we’d always encourage you to think about how you can keep the children entertained during the day – trust us, it will be worth it in the end!
During The Ceremony
This is likely to be the most sensitive and emotional part of the day, and where it’s most important for the kiddies to be on their best behaviour. Registrars and celebrants are generally pretty relaxed about having younger ones around, and often embrace it by making them feel part of the ceremony, but it can still be a good idea to have some books and quiet toys available nearby so that there is something to hand if the little ones get itchy feet!
The Drinks Reception
Time of year may plan a part in your choices here but if it’s a nice day there is lots you can do – at Tournerbury we’ve seen giant garden games, space hoppers, mini kites and hoola hoops to name just a few. There are also options that will work no matter what the weather and time of year - colouring stations, kids snack boxes with colourful balloons attached, and one of our favourites is a children’s wig-wam. You can fill it with comfy blankets and cushions so that they have their very own den to hang out in, whether that be inside or out. You can also surround the wig-wam with toys, puzzles and games so that there is something for them all to do.
The Wedding Breakfast
Children’s menus will vary from caterer to caterer but whatever you decide, a little tip of ours would be to make sure that you try to feed the children as soon as you can. They are likely to be hungry so if they aren’t having a starter but everyone else is, make sure that you serve their main course at the same time as all your other guests have their starters.
