Keeping the Children Happy

Food and Drink


Whatever you choose to feed the children, the most important thing is to make them feel included and important. Good caterers will work with you on this. Simple touches like smaller cutlery can make a big difference.

With large numbers of children, some couples choose to give them their own party, including food, in a different room, with adult supervision.

Space for the children…

If possible it is a good idea to use a separate room or area for children’s activities, ideally near, but not right next to, the main reception room. Children tend to make a lot of noise, particularly after having been quiet for some time and indeed if they are laughing with an entertainer. Have them close enough for parental visits but far enough away to avoid hearing bouts of laughter at the wrong points in your father’s speech.

Entertainment

Make sure the children have something to occupy them. This need not mean you have to hire a magician, although for a large number this can be wonderful, see www.themagiccircle.co.uk to find someone in your area. One word of warning – if the entertainer is good, I have known parents stay at the children’s party rather longer than anticipated! Alternatively try a crèche service. This allows parents to leave little ones with fully trained staff and have a real break for a few hours. Many also offer babysitting services. Try www.thecrechecompany.co.uk for an excellent service in the Home Counties at great prices.

Laying out a few small tables and chairs with a simple craft activity like hat making or crayoning by numbers can be very useful, as can hiring some inflatable toys, especially for Spring and Summer weddings where a bouncy castle or blown up goal posts etc can be used outside.

Providing balloons and party bags or boxes as the children’s favours can be a great way of keeping them happy during the meal and possibly speeches. Make sure you fill bags with appropriate items for each child’s age and sex – and no chocolate to mess up their lovely new wedding outfits!

In short, think about how you want your day to run, and if you are inviting children provide activities tailored to achieving it. Make sure you communicate what’s available and when and most parents will be thrilled that you have worked to involve and occupy their youngsters.

(With thanks to www.mikaelamorgan.co.uk  for the photographs)