Planning a wedding celebration with kids? We’ve got you with 7 greats ways to entertain kids at weddings which will have your mini guests entertained and busy.
The key to taming kids on your wedding day is creating an environment where kids have just as much fun as the adults. This creates awesome wedding day memories for mini guests and grown up guests alike.
Delight kids and parents alike with these 7 wedding entertainment ideas:
Kids corner
Creating a kid’s corner is a great way to keep kids busy and comfortable during your wedding reception. The most comfortable way to do this is to create an area which includes a soft mat or cushions. This is where kids can take a break from the noise, energy and bright lights of your wedding celebration.
Kids, just like adults, need a breather from time to time. Include some age appropriate books and even some soft toys for them to play with. You’ll be amazed the games they will conjure up with just a few props.
Make sure you ask your venue whether setting up a kids corner is possible. Some venues are very particular about how their spaces are used. In saying that, most wedding professionals just want you to have the best day ever…and that includes your mini guests.
Your kid’s corner can include an activity table which is the next idea to be explored below. Kids at weddings will LOVE a place set aside especially for them.
Activity table
You don’t need much space to set up a table specifically for kid’s activities at your wedding. Depending on the size of your wedding, a small square table might be all that you need.
Consider the age of your guests’ children and supply age appropriate activities. Include durable, non breakable toys and games.
Also consider how “noisy” the activities are that you provide. Jigsaw puzzles are better than small musical toys. And colouring paper and pencils are better than blocks that clatter then they fall.
Remember, less can be more in these situations, so don’t feel as though you need a provide an activity for every child. Not all kids will play in the area at once. And kids will scatter the toys all over your reception venue if you provide too many options.
Of course, consider how you will keep kids safe at your wedding when it comes to spreading germs. You would hope that parents wouldn’t bring children to your wedding if they are unwell, but it cannot hurt to have someone wipe down toys every hour or so during your reception to minimise germ spreading.
Entertainment for kids at weddings
A kid’s entertainer will keep the mini guests at your wedding entertained for hours. Experienced kid’s entertainers know exactly what gets kids excited, what delights them and what settles them down.
Entertainers can “do their thing” in your wedding reception space or in a room nearby. You should never assume that an entertainer is responsible for the kids attending your wedding.
Parents are always responsible for their own children, but they will appreciate any amount of relief at your wedding celebration.
Musicians, balloon artists or entertainers who play children’s songs are all great choices.
Face painting
Name a kid you know who doesn’t love having their face painted? Sure, it can be a messy business. But hire an experienced face painter, you are set. Even the most impatient child seems able to wait in a line to have their face painted!
Opt for simple face painting designs so that each child doesn’t have to wait too long for their turn. And make sure that the face painter uses paints that won’t get all over your clothing. Oh and fair warning – some adults will want to get in on the action!
Wedding nanny
Hiring a wedding day nanny can be an absolute life saver for you and your guests. Generally speaking, wedding nannies come to your location or a hotel nearby and look after the children of your guests.
Some wedding nannying services may have age limit restrictions, so be sure to check that with any service before booking.
Given we are talking about precious human beings, it’s important that you do your homework before booking a wedding nanny. Read reviews and make sure staff are properly trained with relevant qualifications such as First Aid training.
Kids are way more likely to have a great time at the wedding if they are entertained with age specific stimulation and nannies often come equipped with games, activities and ideas to keep kids entertained for hours.
Wedding nannies have experience getting the attention of little people. They create space and time for adults to enjoy the wedding celebrations without nagging, tired or grumpy children causing frustration under their feet.
Epic kids table
There is nothing better for a kid than seeing a table set up that is geared towards everything they love. Just head to Pinterest if you need some kids wedding table inspiration. You are sure to find a style that works for your wedding celebration.
Have a good think about the food your mini guests will love, provide “entertainment packs” including colouring pads and pencils, offer drinks little people love and decorate the table in a way that appeals to kids.
A table filled with food, drinks and activities that kids love will keep them entertained for hours at your wedding reception.
Ask your wedding reception venue for the kid’s menu – many have options that suit any mini guests coming along to your big day. And the cost per head is often less than the adult price per head.
Slumber room for the kids at your wedding
There are companies out there who cater for kids slumber parties. If you have a spare room available as part of your wedding celebration, consider a service like this.
Yep, think cute slumber spaces (including tipis) for kids including mini mattresses, blankets, pillows and snacks and divine décor. By creating a slumber space, you are working with children’s sleep patterns not against them.
Whilst mini guests are likely to stay up later than they usually do, there will be a time when all they want to do is crash!
A slumber room creates the perfect haven for this to happen. Simply bundle up your sleepy child at the end of the night after a huge day of love and excitement.
Outdoor games
Fresh air and kids are a great wedding day match. If the weather allows it, consider hiring some outdoor games like Giant Jenga, Tic Tac Toe or Finska to keep little people entertained whilst your guests are “adulting” at your wedding reception.
Kids large voices (read screams, crying, shouting) are far easier to handle in the great outdoors. Even if there are only lawn games on offer for part of the wedding, your mini guests will LOVE them.
Ready to create a wedding day that rocks for kids?
Check out the Kids Printable Pack on Etsy to plan your kids’ activities like a wedding pro.
This instant download includes some colouring pages and activity sheets to keep your mini guests entertained on your wedding day.
Need a hand planning your wedding day? We’re here for it. Get in touch and let’s get planning.