Planning a wedding can be stressful enough without having to accommodate the needs of children and extended family members. However, with some thoughtful planning and preparation, you can create a wedding celebration that is enjoyable for guests of all ages. Here are some tips for putting together a family-friendly wedding that will be memorable for everyone involved.
- Choosing Activities for Kids
When kids are part of the guest list, it’s important to have activities planned to keep them engaged and entertained throughout the day. Set up a supervised kids’ area with crafts and games, and even hire a professional babysitter or two to oversee activities. Have toys on hand like colouring books and board games so kids can have fun while parents mingle and dance. Consider scheduling dedicated times for kids’ activities like face painting or lawn games before the ceremony or during cocktail hour.
- Providing Guest Accommodation
If you’ll have lots of out-of-town guests, especially those travelling with children, arrange for affordable local accommodations like discounted hotel blocks, rental homes, or campgrounds. This gives families more flexibility and convenience as they won’t have to worry about driving long distances late at night after the reception ends. Provide guests with a list of family-friendly restaurants, parks, museums, and other attractions in the area they can enjoy as well.
- Choosing the Right Menu
Cater your reception menu to appeal to all ages and tastes. Include kid-friendly fare like chicken fingers, mac and cheese, and fresh fruit. You can even add a separate kids’ buffet table if you want. For adult guests, offer selections like steak, salmon, pasta, and hearty sides. And don’t forget dessert—cupcakes and ice cream sundaes are always crowd-pleasers! Having options ensures every guest can find something appealing.
- Picking the Perfect Venue
When kids and extended family are involved, you’ll likely need more space than for an intimate adults-only affair. Consider outdoor or rural venues where kids can run around freely and safely. Barns, farms, parks, and gardens provide beautiful backdrops for family weddings. Shropshire offers a wealth of stunning rural wedding venues perfect for larger gatherings.
Shropshire’s top wedding venue provides fabulous settings to host your family celebration in the countryside. With Shropshire weddings, you can find the ideal venue for your special day. From grand estates to quaint halls, weddings in Shropshire offer spacious outdoor areas for kids and large banquet halls to accommodate your guest list.
- Entertainment for All
It’s important to have entertainment and music that appeals to both kids and adults. Consider hiring a magician or caricature artist to delight kids during the cocktail hour. For dancing, opt for a DJ or band that plays hits across multiple decades and genres. You can even get the kids involved by adding classic party games like limbo or karaoke. The key is having a variety of interactive entertainment to keep all guests engaged.
Planning a family-friendly wedding does take some extra forethought and effort. However, choosing the right venue, menu, entertainment, and activities can result in a celebration that delights guests of all ages.
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