To Kid or Not to Kid: Navigating the Wedding Invitation Dilemma

By Nat Smith



So, you're knee-deep in wedding planning, and the question of whether to extend the invite to the little ones is lingering like confetti in the air. As you prepare to send out those all-important invitations, the dilemma arises: Should we have kids at our wedding? Well, my friend, there's no one-size-fits-all answer. It's all about what feels right for you and your big day. Here's a rundown of things to mull over as you contemplate this age-old question.


WHAT'S YOUR WEDDING VIBE?

Are you envisioning an elegant soirée, complete with towering floral arrangements and a menu that would make a five-star chef blush? Or is your dream day more of a laid-back, toes-in-the-sand kind of affair? Picture the dance floor: Is it a wild rager with college buddies doing the limbo, or a cozy gathering with the Macarena on repeat?

No right or wrong here, but imagine these scenarios with little ones in the mix. Your answer might just be waiting in the wings of that mental image.


ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS AT WEDDINGS

But wait, there's more to consider! Beyond the dance floor, what's in store for the kiddos? Will there be more than just foot-tapping tunes? Think board games, arcade classics, lawn games, coloring books, scavenger hunts, and arts and crafts stations. You can even carve out a dedicated kid-friendly zone if you're worried about them disrupting the vows or stealing the spotlight during toasts.

Let's face it, a bored kid is a potential wedding crasher. Keep the young ones entertained, and you'll not only save your sanity but also ensure they're happily occupied while the grown-ups do their thing. It's a win-win.


DESIGNATED WEDDING BABYSITTER

Speaking of childcare, let's dive into a trend that's making waves in the wedding industry – the designated wedding babysitter. It's the VIP position dedicated to keeping an eye on the little ones while the parents let loose and hit the dance floor. This unsung hero is typically a paid professional, not a distant cousin or a random wedding guest. Post-ceremony or after the feast, this appointed guardian whisks the kids away to a separate area within the venue. There, they engage in games, screen movies, or partake in any of the activities we've mentioned earlier.



HAVING KIDS AT YOUR WEDDING CREATES GREAT PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES

Let's spill the beans on a delightful secret: kids say and do the funniest things, especially at weddings. Now, I might be a touch biased as a wedding photographer, but having kids around opens the door to some of the most heartwarming and candid moments you'll treasure for years. The beauty lies in embracing the chaos and letting go of the notion that kids should play the part of perfect little angels all day. Forget about pristine hair and impeccable wardrobes; ditch the expectation for stiff poses and forced smiles. In other words, let the kids be kids. Trust me, when you do, those photos will be not just unique but also incredibly impactful.


SO, SHOULD WE HAVE KIDS AT OUR WEDDING OR NOT?

Let's cut to the chase – there's no definitive right or wrong answer here. It all boils down to the kind of vibe you envision for your wedding day. If you find yourself straddling the fence, consider a middle ground. Maybe invite kids for the ceremony or include them up until dinner, then whisk them away before the real party kicks into high gear.

If you're still contemplating the age-old question of "Should we have kids at our wedding?" after this read, don't fret. We're here to chat through it with you. Shoot us a message, and let's figure out what feels just right for your big day. Cheers!


INTERESTED IN GETTING SOME COOL PHOTOS OF YOUR OWN?

Thinking about capturing some epic moments on your special day? Hit me up, and let's brainstorm some fantastic ideas together. We're ready to turn your wedding into a visual masterpiece!