By Kate Cohen

It’s time to tackle one of the most controversial wedding topics: whether or not to invite kids to your wedding.

For some couples, kids might be a distraction that draws attention away from the day’s activities.

For others, it’s unfathomable to host a family-centered celebration without their favorite little ones in tow.

Whether you choose to invite kids to your wedding or keep things adults-only, there are several things to consider before making your decision.

Here are some important things to think about when deciding whether or not to invite kids to your wedding.

If you DO Invite Kids to Your Wedding

Offer a Kids Menu

While your adult guests may enjoy a menu with dynamic flavors and ingredients, chances are your younger guests have pickier palates.

Offering a kid-friendly menu option will be appreciated by your kids and their relieved parents.

The good news is kid’s menus are often less expensive, so you’ll save a little money on your catering invoice, too.

Consider a Kids Room

If your venue has the space, consider designating a special area as the “Kids Room.”

This could be a corner of your reception space, or it could be a lounge or hospitality suite in a separate area from the party.

Hire certified babysitters to keep an eye on the kids while their parents are free to enjoy the rest of the reception.

You can fill the space with activities like coloring books, board games, crafts, and even video games to keep kids entertained.

As the evening goes on, set up a late-night movie with cozy blankets and pillows to help your younger guests wind down.

Be Mindful Making your Seating Chart

While it’s tempting to put anyone under the age of 10 at a designated “kids table,” you may need to be a bit more intentional about where you assign your guests seating.

Children under the age of 7 should typically be seated at a table with their grownups. This way, their parents can make sure they’re eating and assist as needed.

It’s very appropriate to seat families with young children at a table together.

Kids 7 and older can usually handle being seated at their own table, though designating or hiring a caregiver to sit with them is always a good idea.

If you DON’T Invite Kids to Your Wedding

Do You Want a Flower Girl and/or Ring Bearer?

Flower girls and ring bearers are arguably one of the cutest parts of a wedding ceremony.

If you have special kids in your life that you’d like to participate in your wedding day, then you should absolutely include them.

Some couples choose to invite kids to be a part of the ceremony, but not the reception.

Ideally, anyone included in your ceremony should be able to celebrate with you afterwards, kids included.

Your flower girl and ring bearer have gotten dressed up, purchased or rented an outfit, and maybe even traveled to get to your wedding. Inviting them to the reception is a way to acknowledge the efforts they’ve made to celebrate you and your partner.

You Can Make Exceptions, but Make them Fairly

Even if you want a mostly kid-free wedding, you may have a small number of kids who are important to you and you feel strongly about being a part of your big day.

The good news is you can still include them without having to extend an invite to every child in your social circle.

The key is to make your exceptions fairly.

For example, if you’re inviting nieces and nephews from one side of the family, you should extend the invite to kids on the other side, too.

Don’t be Offended if Guests Don’t Attend Because Their Kids Aren’t Invited

For some families, finding childcare just isn’t feasible for one reason or another, especially if your wedding is out of town.

As a result, don’t be offended if certain guests RSVP “no” because their kids haven’t been invited.

Just as you made the decision that was best for your wedding, your guests are allowed to make the decision that is best for their family.

Elegant Events at our Breathtaking Rosen Weddings Venues

Our four beautiful Rosen Weddings venues are perfect for accommodating weddings of all sizes – with or without kids on the guest list.

Our team of wedding specialists will help you bring your dream wedding to life with added perks like hospitality suites, discounted room rates for your guests to stay onsite, and fantastic in-house catering.

Schedule a consultation or a tour today to start envisioning your wedding with Rosen Weddings.