Children can add brilliant energy to a wedding. They can also find speeches and a two-hour dinner significantly less fascinating than the adults do.
You do not need a full entertainment programme. A few well-chosen quiet activities can make the long sitting-down parts of the day easier for children and parents alike.
Start with the ages
A three-year-old and a ten-year-old do not want the same thing. If several children are attending, split activity options broadly by age rather than giving every child an identical pack.
Colouring and activity sheets
These are inexpensive, quiet and easy to personalise. Pair them with a small set of crayons rather than felt-tip markers if you are worried about tablecloths and formal clothing.
Stickers
Sticker sheets are compact and popular with younger children.
Mini puzzles and quiet games
Simple card games, mazes and small puzzles can work well for older children. Avoid anything noisy, messy or likely to roll underneath other guests' tables.
Personalised name packs
A child's name on an activity pack or place setting can make it feel like part of the wedding rather than an afterthought.
Create one kids' table or individual packs?
If the children know each other and are old enough to sit together, a dedicated table can be fun. Younger children may be happier beside their parents with an individual activity pack.
Do not overfill the box
Five useful activities are better than fifteen pieces of plastic novelty filler.
Ask the venue what is already available
Some venues have gardens, games, high chairs or dedicated family areas. Build around what is already there rather than duplicating it.
The aim is simply to make the slower parts of the wedding more enjoyable for children — and therefore more relaxing for everyone around them.