Your wedding is such a joyful occasion that you want to share with the most important people in your life, and that may include kids! If you want to ensure that your event accommodates guests of all ages and makes children feel included, then it’s important to create a kid-friendly atmosphere. Doing so can also make their parents feel more relaxed, ensuring that every guests in attendance at your wedding is having an amazing time. Here’s how you can make your wedding reception fun and welcoming for kids.
Choose the Right Venue
Not all venues are great for children, so you need to consider places that offers spaces for kids to move around safely. Outdoor venues like gardens or parks can provide lots of space for children to run around and are a great option only if the venue is private and closed off. Indoor venues can keep children more contained and together, and are the better option for visibility, assuming that the indoor venue is large enough to accommodate your group with ease.
We recommend choosing a venue that has a separate space where you can set up a kid-friendly area or enough room in your event hall where kids can burn off their energy. It’s also best you choose a venue that often hosts events with kids so that the staff is used to having children running afoot.
Create a Kid-Friendly Area
Setting up a designated area for kids with activities and entertainment tailored to their age group will ensure that the children at your wedding have a blast. This can look like having an arts and crafts table, setting up games to play, and bringing toys for younger kids. For the ultimate kids zone, consider hiring a professional child care provider that can supervise the children, ensure they’re always engaged, and give their parents a night off!
Offer Kid-Friendly Food
Some children may love steak and lobster, but you’re more likely to have a happy kid when you serve them chicken fingers and fries at your wedding. You’ll also have extra happy child guests when you set up an ice cream bar or popcorn station, and adults might love this idea too! Making sure your menu includes food for the kids in attendance is important in alleviating stress from their parents, and luckily, most venues automatically include a children’s meal option when you provide your guest count.
Include Personalized Favours for Kids
Make kids feel included by offering them small and thoughtful favours catered to their age range and interests. Some ideas for this are: personalized colouring books, small toys, or wedding-themed activity packs for them to do throughout the night. This not only takes the pressure off their parents to entertain them at the dinner table, but also makes the kids feel welcomed and valued.
Focusing on the guest experience at your wedding is the best strategy to ensure your celebration is fun for all. A kid-friendly approach to planning your wedding reception enhances the experience of everyone in attendance: the children you’re focusing on, the families who are accompanying them, and even the guests with no kids who are wary of bored kids being disruptive. Our wedding venue in Oakville is experienced in hosting events for all ages, and we’d love to bring your wedding to life in a kid-friendly way! Contact us today to get more info about hosting your wedding at St. Joseph’s Banquet & Conference Centre.