Children at Weddings
From LoveToKnow Weddings
Children at weddings? This is the subject of endless debate. On one hand there are those who feel the whole family should be invited to share in the festivities. Still there are others that feel children are too immature and can't be counted on to behave. Read on for a look at children at weddings.
Too Immature?
Whether or not children belong at a wedding depends on the Happy Couple. As a guest it is up to you to respect their wishes. Understand that if you're child is not invited it is in no way an affront to you and your children. Instead try and see the bride and grooms perspective.
Children at weddings can't always be counted on to behave. Babies cry during the wedding ceremony and young children fidget and ask questions. Think of how the bride and groom might feel as they're reciting their vows while a baby is crying in the background. In many cases parents can control their children, but what about those who can't or won't?
The church isn't the only consideration. Children at wedding receptions can also be disruptive. It isn't fair to ask a child to sit and behave himself for hours on end. He might act up if he gets bored.
Participation
Many parents feel they can't enjoy wedding festivities such as dancing with if children are attending. Consider if it wouldn't be more enjoyable for you to leave the kids with someone else for the day so you can go to the wedding.
If You Invite One…
You may feel the bride and groom should make an exception and invite your child to the wedding. After all she's such a good girl and the bride adores her. The thing is, you might not be the only guest who feels this way. If the Happy Couple allows one child to attend, they will have to allow everyone to bring children or they will feel snubbed.
Cost of Children at Weddings
An important consideration is that children cost money too. The bride and groom have to pay by the head, no matter how little that head may be. When you consider that many children are picky eaters, their meal may even go to waste.
Babysitter
If parents refuse to leave their children at home, there's a way to have children at weddings that might satisfy all involved. The Happy Couple might consider hiring a baby sitter. Many churches and reception halls have areas set aside for children. Parents won’t have to leave their children at home and the bride and groom don't have to worry about whether or not children might be disruptive.
Children at Weddings
If the Happy Couple has no qualms at all about having children at their wedding, there are a few things to keep in mind.
- Young children may be bored. Bring coloring books, crayons and other activities that might keep them amused for a few hours.
- Young children might not appreciate wedding food. If you have a picky child and the catering facility doesn't offer chicken fingers, you might consider bringing your child's food.
- If the party is lasting late into the night you may have to leave early. Especially if your children tend to get cranky when they miss their bed times.
Whether or not there should be children at weddings is entirely up to the bride and groom. If they decide they would rather not invite children, please respect their wishes. After all, they're the ones who will have to pay for the extra little heads.
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Comments
Kristi - What an excellent plan! Best wishes for your special day.
-- Contributed by: Melissa MayntzWe are inviting children to the wedding because we know so many people with children who are traveling from out of state. During the ceremony, we have hired teens from the youth group to stay in the nursery and watch the children. In return, we are donating a little money to their mission trip.
-- Contributed by: KristiI think that any child younger than four is too young to sit through the wedding, unless they're actually in the wedding. I would have someone stationed by the doors, directing parents with children to a childcare area, where children younger than four would be required to stay during the ceremony, and, if their parents choose, the reception. It's very disruptive to hear a baby or todler crying during a wedding.
-- Contributed by: AnnoyedThis page has been accessed 8,926 times. This page was last modified 23:52, 13 April 2006.
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