Weddings with children

Keys to ensure everything flows with style and harmony

If you’d like to dive deeper into this topic, “Brides” magazine has a very interesting article on the rules and etiquette of inviting (or not inviting) children to a wedding.

Weddings are, by nature, family celebrations, and many couples want to share their big day with the children who are such an important part of their lives: sons and daughters, nieces and nephews, godchildren, friends’ children… At the same time, it’s perfectly understandable to want to maintain a refined, elegant, and well organized atmosphere.

Is it possible to achieve both? Absolutely yes. The key lies in planning their participation with sensitivity, thoughtfulness, and consistency with the overall style of the wedding. In this blog, we’ll share some ideas to make children feel included, happy, and comfortable without disrupting the flow or aesthetic of your event.

 

1. To Invite children or not?

The first step is making a clear decision: do you want children at your wedding? There’s no single right answer. Some couples choose to have an adults-only celebration, which is completely valid. Others prefer to include the little ones because they’re an important part of their story.

What matters most is that, as a couple, you talk it through, make a decision, and communicate it clearly to your guests. Leaving it open to interpretation often leads to misunderstandings.



2. Special roles for them
If there are children close to you, you might consider giving them a symbolic and meaningful role during the ceremony:
  • Flower girls and page boys: the classic attendants who precede the bride or carry the rings.

  • Petal or bubble attendants: a simple and charming way for them to participate in the exit of the ceremony.

  • Short readings: if they are older, they can share a few meaningful words during the ceremony.

It’s always important to remember that they are children: it’s normal for them to get distracted, get emotional, or for things not to go perfectly. The key is that they feel part of the moment without any pressure.

 

3. A space designed for them
If there will be several children, setting up a special space or corner for them is a practical and elegant solution:
  • Children’s tables with adapted menus, calm games, and age-appropriate details.

  • Activity corner: crafts, coloring books, board games.

  • Chill-out area with cushions, rugs, and movies on a screen (if space allows).

  • Including entertainers or caregivers is also an excellent option, allowing parents to enjoy the event knowing their children are well taken care of.

 

4. Managing the Timing

Children usually have a different pace than adults. That’s why, if many little ones are invited, it’s advisable to:

  • Avoid long waits between the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception.

  • Provide spaces where they can move freely without interrupting the flow of the event.

  • Plan a moment for them to rest if the wedding extends into the evening.

Small considerations like these can make a big difference.

 

5. Details that delight children too

Just as you pay attention to the aesthetics of the rest of the event, you can apply the same approach to elements dedicated to children:

  • Children’s welcome kits: including colored pencils, bubble wands, stickers, or a small notebook for drawing.

  • Mini tables decorated in the same style as the wedding but adapted to their height.

  • Sweets or candies in pretty jars, as part of the candy bar.

The goal isn’t to turn the wedding into a children’s party, but to integrate them in a subtle and harmonious way.

 

6. What if there are children but you want a more adult-focused event?

If you want a more restrained or sophisticated celebration, but there are children who must attend (due to closeness or family obligations), you can opt for a middle-ground solution:

  • Have them attend only the ceremony and cocktail hour, then allow them to leave.

  • Organize a separate children’s dinner with caregivers or family members in charge.

  • Include them only in specific moments (for example, during the ceremony) and then provide parents with an alternative for their care.

If this topic interests you, we also recommend reading our article on The 8 Unforgettable Micro-Moments, where we share practical tips and inspiring ideas.