This past week I had two very interesting calls but both were similar observations… what can we do with the children at the reception?
Tiffany blue flower girl dresses by Pegeen.com - Photography by thelightphotography.com
Think about it – the festivities can start as early as two hours before the wedding ceremony begins, the ceremony another hour and a half, photos and then a five hour reception. When the children are small, where do you fit in the nap? Do the children end up collapsing in a heap about half way through the day?
If the photographs were evidence enough, I have seen countless children at a wedding in a melt down. Does that mean that the children shouldn’t be in the wedding? This is a moment where you have to make a choice based on the relationship of the child to the bride or groom. In many instances, the child is the daughter or son or step-child of the couple, or the ring bearer your God-son, the flower girl your favorite niece. Your day wouldn’t be the same if they were not in attendance. So, WHAT TO DO.
Here are some helpful ideas that other brides have shared with me over the years:
NAP TIME – Weddings can be pretty crazy and you know your child the best. Some of the best things you can do for young children is to talk with the reception hall to see where you can find a quiet time place for your young attendants. Once a bride (a pre-school teacher) said she arranged for NapMats to come to the reception hall. Most places will accomodate your wishes and have suggestions.
MAKING IT THROUGH THE CEREMONY: I put cheerios in my niece’s busy bag and had the candle holders put it on the bench prior to wedding. Parents have told me they have made a busy basket for the church.
RECEPTION LINES: Are you crazy?
KIDS TABLE: I never liked them until one of my former brides tied in the most awesome GOODIES (in shades of pink no less) for the kids to keep busy, complete with the hand held kind of games found at the check out aisles like Etch a Sketch and Maze Games. I thought that kids tables gave them too much candy and not enough substance but keeping things interesting when it gets too boring can really help make the night go smoothly. (See our Wedding of the Year for 2009 for more ideas)
Pegeen Flower Girl Dress of the Year - Photography by bludoorphotography.com
Tags: children, dress, flower, girl, naps
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