The presence of children at a wedding brings a lot of joy to the celebration, but it also poses a considerable organisational challenge. To ensure that all guests, regardless of age, can fully enjoy this special day, you need to provide the right space and entertainment for the little ones. This guide will show you how to organise the children's time at the wedding, so that parents can take a breather and the whole party runs in a harmonious and relaxed atmosphere.
Why is it important to look after children at a wedding?
The answer is simple: happy children mean relaxed parents, and therefore a calmer bride and groom and a successful party. An investment in organising time for the little ones is really an investment in the comfort of all the guests. When children have fun, they are not bored at the adults' table and can use their energy creatively. They will remember your wedding as an extraordinary adventure rather than a long, tedious meeting.
Parents, on the other hand, knowing that their little ones are well looked after, can attend, dance and celebrate with you without stress. For them, it's a chance to really relax. And for you, it's a guarantee that you'll avoid chaos, kids running around the dance floor or crying at the least opportune moments.
How do you plan wedding attractions with children in mind? A step-by-step guide
Start by creating a guest list taking into account the number of children and their ages. This is a key step to get the entertainment right for the little ones. Toddlers will need different attractions and older, energetic children will need different ones. To make it easier, you can divide them into three age groups:
- Children 0-3 years: At this age, the most important thing is to provide a calm, safe space. A relaxation area with mats, blankets and simple sensory toys - away from loud music - will be a good option.
- Children 4-6 years: Preschoolers need movement and creative activities. Art corners, building blocks, board games and simple games led by an animator will work well here.
- Children 7 years and over: Older children will enjoy more engaging activities - creative workshops, a photo booth with goodies, outdoor games or mini tournaments.
It is important that the attractions are varied - even in a small group of children, there will be those who want to run and those who prefer to draw quietly. A well-prepared children's zone should offer activities of a different nature: physical, creative and calming.
If there will be more than 5-7 children at the wedding, consider hiring a professional sitter or entertainer. This will ensure safety and allow parents to enjoy the party in peace.
Essential equipment for the play area
Furniture and accessories that are suited to children's height are essential - a small table and a couple of chairs will enable children to draw or do puzzles comfortably. Make sure all items are stable and have rounded edges. Art materials are also essential: crayons, markers, safety scissors, glue and themed colouring books. Plasticine, pastry cream or jewellery-making kits will also be a hit. Don't forget classic toys that engage for a long time. Worth preparing:
- Board games and puzzles: choose games with simple rules and varying degrees of difficulty,
- Blocks: Large wooden or plastic blocks are a versatile toy for developing the imagination,
- Books and stories: A few interesting books can be a great way to calm down for a while,
- Simple toys: cars, dolls or animal figures will allow for free, creative play.
Animator at a wedding - is it worth it?
Hiring an entertainer is a great solution, especially if there are more children of different ages at the wedding. A professional entertainer will not only ensure that the little ones are entertained, but also that they are safe - giving parents the chance to enjoy themselves in peace. This is convenient and effective organisational support.
Animators offer a wide range of activities: from games with an animation sling, face painting and balloon modelling to mini competitions or dance animations. They work flexibly, adapting the programme to the age and number of children and, thanks to their experience, are able to take care of the atmosphere and defuse tensions in the group.
The cost of the animation depends on the number of children, the working time and the type of attraction - it is usually between £150 and £300 per hour. Ready-made packages are also popular, e.g. 3 hours of animation at a price of PLN 550 to 1000. Additional attractions (e.g. piñata, inflatables) and the animator's journey are usually paid for separately.
Proven children's attractions for weddings
The best attractions are those that combine fun, creativity and movement, yet are safe and possible to organise in a wedding setting. The list below is guaranteed to put a smile on the faces of the little ones.
- XXL soap bubbles: a spectacular outdoor attraction that mesmerises not only children.
- Face painting: Being able to transform into a tiger or Spiderman is the dream of many children. Make sure the paints used are approved and hypoallergenic.
- Bouncy castles and slides: If you have access to a garden, a bouncy castle is a sure bet. It does, however, require constant adult supervision.
- Illusion shows: A short, professional show will engage not only the youngest but also the adult guests.
- Piñata: filled with sweets and small gifts guarantees great excitement during the smash.
- Creative corner/DIY workshops: organise a themed workshop, e.g. jewellery making, figurine painting or designing a laurel for the bride and groom.
- Mini cinema with cartoons: The perfect solution for an evening of tranquillity. All you need is a quiet corner, cushions and a laptop with some popular cartoons.
- Outdoor games: if the weather is fine, use the outdoor space for games with the animation sling, sack races or tug-of-war.
- Sweet table (Candy Bar): Make sure to include healthier alternatives such as fruit, mousses or mini cupcakes in addition to sweets. A chocolate fountain is an absolute hit.
- Photo booth with gadgets: prepare a special set of props for the little ones - superhero masks, princess crowns and funny glasses.
Organising time well for the little ones is not an extra chore, but an investment in unforgettable memories for everyone. It is a gesture that shows that every guest, regardless of age, is important to you.