Remember the Children . . . or, Keeping Kids Happy
Adapted from an article written by Amylee Udell
I was around five when I attended the first wedding I can remember. The anticipation was the best part. Since my only experience of weddings to that point was in fairy tales, I expected a beautiful princess bride and lots of magic. I was disappointed by the reality of the boring ceremony and reception. I guess that's why some weddings are adults-only affairs. But some couples can't imagine excluding these important family members and their weddings are overflowing with kids. Here are some ideas to make your Myrtle Beach wedding kid-friendly!
1. Invite kids. Put their names on the invitation and they'll feel included from the beginning.
2. Incorporate kids in the Big Day. Whether in a ceremony or the reception, give kids a special task. It keeps them busy and involved AND kids like watching other kids. So if a kid comes walking down the aisle or plays an instrument at the reception, the other kids will perk up and pay attention. they'll feel included in as much as you chose to have a kid do an important job at your wedding.
3. Make older kids helpers. they'll feel special and involved. If a kid is older or mature enough to handle some responsibility, give him or her a special job. Perhaps that little cousin that likes to just hang around the big girls could hold your purse or bouquet. Or the neighbor boy could be in charge of watching the gift table. Or your niece can give out the birdseed. The tasks will vary with each kid’s personality and maturity level.
4. Get a Kid-Lover to help. For me, this was my Mother-in-Law. She had a few ideas for kid activities. I thought they were great ideas so I told her to go with them, but that she would have to take care of everything. As the bride, you DO NOT want to worry about these little details.
Some of her activities that worked really well were a pinata and a shadow story time. She took the responsibility of gathering the kids and running the show.
5. Make a kid Activity Center and/or stage Kid Events (all run by your Kid-Lover).
Suggested Events:
• pinata (stuffed with small games, candy, coins). You could provide gift bags for the kids to put their goodies in.
• story time
• special kid dance at reception
• low key games (that won't mess up everyones nice outfit's): bingo, card games, board games, etc.
Suggested Activities:
• coloring/simple crafts (you don't want something too messy)
• puzzles
• disposable cameras just for the kids
• special kid foods (chips and dip, gummy worms, etc.)
• Writing notes to the bride and groom
6. Encourage kids to request songs at the reception. there's nothing cuter than a little boy or girl gettin down! Of course, you'll likely have to bear with the latest Hip Hop party tune, but everyone will enjoy it this one time.
7. Include a Daddy/Daughter and Mommy/Son dance for the guests.
8. Take a photo of all the kids together. It’ll be fun for them and a great keepsake for you.
You'll obviously adjust these ideas as your specific circumstances and budget dictate. If you really wanted to, you could rent a clown and inflatable moon jumps! But for most Myrtle Beach weddings, a few of the cheaper options would work really well. These options will keep the kids happy and occupied and even help the parents enjoy the wedding, knowing their kids are enjoying themselves too.
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