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CHILDREN ... LOVE THEM OR LEAVE THEM ... AT HOME, THAT IS! WHEN IT comes to including children in wedding celebrations, there are typically two distinct camps of thought: Embrace their presence or make it very clear that this is an adults-only affair.
Children, by their very nature, change the tenor of an event. They’re adorable, natural attention-grabbers who are capable of creating endearing memories that will forever be etched in our minds. They are also unpredictable and can, without a moment’s notice, become a pile of pink chiffon sliding hysterically to the floor. When you choose to include children in your celebration you are adding to your list of responsibilities. You are also, however, acknowledging these truths: Children represent the future, and they remind us of what is truly important - love, friendship and family. So how do you gracefully accommodate the needs of children at your wedding, while assuring that adult guests can enjoy themselves too? Two of Vermont’s veteran event planners offer the following advice:
Create child-friendly spaces and orchestrate activities that take into account a child’s limited capacity for staying focused and in one place for an extended period of time. "Some children love a task," says Belinda Norris, of Belinda Norris Events. The Child Photographer is a great job for such a child. Supply your "professional" or even "team of professionals" with a stack of disposable cameras, and let them have at it! Put photos in an album and let guests write their notes to the bride and groom. Belinda is also particularly fond of the Milk Bar, where children concoct delicious milk beverages while snacking on child-friendly hors d’oeuvres. Other foolproof ideas include a well-appointed costume box, a clever and devious treasure hunt or a make-your-own-pizza table.
Janet Dunnington, of CEO Weddings & Events, loves the classic lemonade stand �“ fun and colorful, where kids can serve one another as well as older folks looking for a summer-fresh thirst quencher. Some other no-fail approaches have included a day care center where parents can visit at their leisure, or to provide "Program Directors" and their "Wranglers" who entertain children throughout the event with activities and meals appropriate to their very particular clientele.
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