Reception Locations

Brides

ure, children at weddings are cute. And they can be quite charming and funny as well. But kids are kids, and they get bored. And, unlike us "adults," they don’t yet know how to hide their boredom!
    We asked experienced wedding vendors for their best ideas to ensure that the youngest wedding guests enjoyed the experience. And that the adults around them enjoyed having them there.

always suggest for beach weddings that kids be given a bucket and shovel -- especially the preschoolers -- even those who are in the wedding party.
     They are going to want to play in the sand anyway, so provide them with things to play with that keeps them entertained. Bubbles are fun for park weddings or balls if there is lots of open space away from the crowd.
    A college student to supervise is money well spent. Get them coloring materials and markers or crayons if they have to sit at table with the grownups. Kids’ cameras are also good for the five and over age group.
Rev. Penelope Morningstar

Photo by Piner Photography

Photo by Gary Allen Photography

Photo by Piner Photography

Photo by Piner Photography

hat better place to entertain children than the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher?
    There are tons of exhibits to see and in addition, a bride can hire additional educational staff to provide activities just for the kids and remove them from the dancing and dining of the adults.
Terry Bryant, N.C. Aquarium

Wedding guests go eye to eye with a young alligator at the Aquarium.

Photo by Lee Pridgen, Pridgen Photographs

Photo by Amy McConnell, 1 of 13 Photography

In this 'Blended Family' ritual, the children of the bride and groom also exchange rings to symbolize their new status as a single family.

Photo by Gary Allen Photography

Rings have always presented young boys with a way to participate in a wedding. Normally a solo act, sometimes two ring bearers are needed.

Photo by Piner Photography

Photo by Amy McConnell, 1 or 13 Photography

Photo by Piner Photography

Photo by Keith Ketchum Photography

et up a children’s table with coloring books and crayons. The dollar store is always a great place to find little trinkets to keep kids occupied.
    At a wedding I’m having here in the fall, the bride has a lot of friends who have children. We’re setting up a separate room for the kids. She’ll have babysitters and will use our TV/DVD player for movies.
    Some inexpensive game boards can be made available, too.
Sabrena Reinhardt
101 Stone Chimney Place

A 'Candy Bar' gives the kids something sweet
while they wait for the cake to be cut.

Photo by Gene Ho

ven if you don’t have special games or other activities planned for children, there’s always dancing. Little children love to dance.

Piner Photography

Children value the chance to play an important role in a family wedding. Depending on age and ability, they might carry flowers or rings, serve as ushers, or contribute to the musical entertainment.

Gary Allen Photography

Photo by Piner Photography

nlist older children -- or even elderly relatives -- to give toddlers a spin on the dance floor. Line dances are another great opportunity for kids to let off steam.