What do adult wedding guests fear regarding the presence of children? Mainly unpredictable behavior both during the wedding ceremony and the reception. Sometimes children react with anxiety to such a large group of people, thus absorbing the attention of adults. We should also remember that children get tired faster than adults and staying up late at night might be impossible for them. Other times children can be difficult to discipline, and in other circumstances, they might simply get bored. In these last cases, an animator for children at the wedding works well, especially when a large group of children is expected and their age allows for organizing interesting games. So what can you do to keep children entertained at a wedding so that the fun is enjoyable for all guests?
Boredom and fatigue are one thing, but if we decide to have child guests, we will face some organizational issues. One of them is the question of how to seat children at a wedding? Seating arrangements can sometimes be debated for a long time, and it seems that except for the youngest children, mixing children with adults does not work. A separate children’s table at the wedding is a very good idea. It can be placed to allow children easy access to the terrace or garden, which might have an inflatable playground. The animator can also create a space there where they will blow soap bubbles for the children.
The children’s menu at the wedding is also an issue. As is known, children’s culinary preferences can be challenging, so expecting them to go for sophisticated wedding dishes might be disappointed. It's worth considering the dishes together with the organizer or chef, whose experience can be helpful in this matter. The last technical issue concerns how to count children for the wedding. You need to agree with the wedding organizer whether children are counted as adult guests or possibly with a 50% discount. Maybe children below a certain age will not be counted in the price. What will make the wedding fun for children?
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It is no news to anyone that children’s basic activity is playing. At all kinds of events, besides dancing, games can be organized easily. Well-chosen wedding games for children will integrate and engage the youngest, allowing adults to enjoy themselves in a slightly different style. Gift packs for children are a good start at every wedding. They may include crayons, coloring books, soap bubbles, or board games. Of course, sweets for children present at the wedding never disappoint either. It is also worth considering gifts for children usually given to all guests at the wedding. Perhaps children’s gifts should be a bit different than those for parents. For example, large colorful lollipops for children at the wedding can depict the bride and groom. What can keep the youngest entertained during the wedding party?
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There are plenty of ideas, although much depends on what is available. Ideally, the hall allows some separation of the children’s table, giving children space to run, blow up balloons, and spread out coloring books and crayons. Wedding coloring books for children can be thematic, related to the event, allowing painting the bride and groom, bouquets, cakes, and balloons according to their own taste. Particularly popular among girls is face painting, which allows them to become their favorite animal or princess. Almost every event features the eagerly awaited moment of a piñata. Children line up and take turns hitting a sturdy bag shaped like a wedding cake, filled with sweets. Waiting for the sweets to pour out is an exciting moment for children. The animator can also act as a clown or mime, organizing a fun show or outdoor theatre performance. Already mentioned balloons for children provide an ideal opportunity for games and competitions during the wedding. It’s good if the wedding hall also has a garden where children can throw and chase balloons without restrictions. Another interesting idea is helium balloons that decorate the children’s seating area, sometimes shaped like various fairy-tale characters, which children can take home at the end. What else keeps children in good spirits longer?
Games are games, but especially older children like competition. This, of course, involves prizes. Various contests for children at the wedding can be organized, just like for adults. Thus, tug of war, musical chairs, blind man’s buff, or "hot potato" can engage the youngest eager to compete for prizes. This can also be entertaining for adults. A building blocks contest titled “the biggest wedding cake” can encourage parents to cheer or even participate. At the wedding, thank-yous for children may be an additional nice touch, for example when each child receives a certificate for perseverance and good fun. It can also serve as a souvenir of this important, for some families, event.
Children can be a colorful accent at any event, including weddings, provided they are considered and their somewhat different needs are met. They reward this with good fun, unique dance moves, and endless laughter.
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