To Invite or Not to Invite: Should we Have Kids at our wedding?
Planning a wedding involves SO many decisions, and one that often sparks debate is whether or not to invite children. The presence of little ones can add a charming innocence to the celebration, but it also comes with its own set of considerations.
Pros of Having Kids at Weddings:
1. Heartwarming Moments:
Kids bring an undeniable cuteness factor to the ceremony. Their innocent joy and candid moments can create heartwarming memories that add an extra layer of sweetness to your wedding day.
2. Family Inclusivity:
Including children in the celebration promotes a sense of family inclusivity. For many couples, having the whole family present, including the littlest members, is an essential part of their vision for the day. If you have children of your own or nieces and nephews that you’re close with, you’ll likely want to share the day’s memories with them!
3. Playful Atmosphere:
Children can infuse a playful and lively atmosphere into the event. Their spontaneity on the dance floor or excitement during key moments can elevate the overall energy of the celebration. No one can deny a sweet little dancer dragging them out on the dance floor.
4. Unique Photo Opportunities:
Kids provide unique and adorable photo opportunities. From flower girls and ring bearers walking down the aisle to candid shots of children enjoying the festivities, these moments can become cherished images in your wedding album. Imagine a decade or two from now, those kids are getting married themselves and you break out photos of them from your own wedding! How sweet!
5. Symbol of Future Generations:
Having kids at your wedding symbolizes the continuation of family traditions and the hope for future generations. It can be a beautiful representation of the love and legacy you're building. Allowing children to witness vows and the merging of families sets an example far beyond the stories they’d hear.
Cons of Having Kids at Weddings:
1. Distractions During the Ceremony:
Young children may become restless or distracted during the ceremony. Crying, fidgeting, or loud outbursts can draw attention away from the solemnity of the moment and even impact the recorded audio for video.
2. Potential Disruptions:
Kids being kids, there's a possibility of disruptions during important parts of the day. This could include interruptions during speeches, toasts, or other formal moments. Kids don’t have the ability to pick up on social cues or see the true weight of an important moment. Sometimes it’s not about IF they disrupt something, it’s about WHEN.
3. Childcare Logistics:
Organizing childcare logistics can be challenging. Ensuring there are suitable facilities and professionals to attend to the children may require additional planning and expenses. Some couples choose to hire an on-site sitter to watch over while adults enjoy the reception, while others ask that children head home before dancing and drinking begins.
4. Safety Concerns:
Weddings often involve various elements that may pose safety concerns for young children, such as open flames, decorations, or uneven terrain. Ensuring a child-friendly and safe environment requires careful consideration. Each venue has specific rules about candles and fire (such as for sparkler exits). Having kids there who might not be as cautious around these elements, you could potentially be risking not only safety of the children, but also the well being of other guests, decor, and even the venue itself. If you choose to invite children, it’s always a good idea to encourage parents keep eyes on their children at all times.
5. Adults-Only Ambiance:
Some couples prefer an adults-only ambiance for a more sophisticated and formal atmosphere. Having children present may alter the overall vibe of the celebration, depending on your vision for the event. Often times, a dance floor with children on it might actually deter adults from joining.
Conclusion: Balancing the Equation
Ultimately, the decision to have kids at your wedding is a personal one that depends on your preferences, the dynamics of your family and friends, and the overall atmosphere you want to create. Whether you opt for a child-friendly celebration or choose a more intimate adult-focused affair, communicating your decision with clarity and sensitivity will contribute to a joyful and memorable wedding day for everyone involved.
It’s always a good idea to have your preferences clearly marked on your save the dates, invited, and your wedding website. That way, by the time the wedding has come around, you’ve set clear expectations three times and given parents who need to make sitter arrangements ample amount of time to plan.
We hope all these pros and cons will help you feel both informed and equipped to make a decision that’s best for you and your spouse!
With love,
The Montgomerys
Dallas Wedding Photographer + Videographer
