31 July 2024

The Ultimate Guide to Children’s Entertainment for Weddings

We all know that planning a wedding involves juggling a million and one individual things. Keeping our guests relaxed and enjoying themselves is central to a memorable day, and ensuring that your youngest guests are entertained can be a crucial part of this. Keeping children entertained also allows adult guests to properly enjoy the celebration. However in our experience, it’s perhaps the most commonly overlooked aspect of the day.

Weddings are magical, joyous occasions, and it’s essential to create an environment where everyone, including children, can enjoy the day. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the world of children’s entertainment for weddings, making sure that your special day is memorable for all ages.

Why Keeping Children Entertained is Essential at Weddings

Children bring a unique energy and joy to weddings, but as all parents know, they also require special attention to keep them engaged and happy. Without proper planning, kids can quickly become bored and restless, and even disruptive.

By keeping children entertained with fun and engaging activities, you create a more enjoyable experience for everyone involved. Keeping children busy with activities can prevent boredom and tantrums, ensuring a fun and inclusive atmosphere. Happy children mean relaxed parents, allowing them to fully participate in the festivities.

Choosing the Right Wedding Entertainment Ideas

When selecting children’s wedding entertainment, it’s important to consider the ages of the children attending, their interests, and the overall theme of your wedding. Here are some popular and effective ideas to keep kids entertained:

Interactive Games and Activities to Keep Kids Occupied

The following ideas are great, DIY activities for kids at weddings which don’t require a huge amount of planning or a big investment. After all, sometimes the simplest ideas are the best!

Outdoor Games

Planning a summer wedding? If your wedding venue has outdoor space, take full advantage of it with classic lawn games like croquet, giant Jenga, sack races, or a scavenger hunt. These activities are a great way to help kids burn off energy, keeping them entertained and happy throughout the day.

Incorporating these games into your wedding can create a lively and engaging atmosphere, ensuring that your youngest guests have a fantastic time while the adults enjoy the celebration.

Board Games and Puzzles

For a novel approach to indoor entertainment, consider setting up a table with a variety of board games, card games, and puzzles suitable for different age groups. This can keep children occupied and encourage them to interact with each other – far preferable to staring at a device!

With a range of games available, from simple card games for younger kids to more complex board games for older ones, there’s something to engage every child. Board games provide a fun activity, while also promoting social interaction and cooperation among the children. It also keeps them contained in one place!

Craft Stations

OK, so this one requires a little more setup – and perhaps additional supervision – but we’ve seen some weddings have great success with craft stations for kids. Craft stations are always a hit with kids of all ages and can be a simple, cost-effective way to keep them content through the day.

Our advice is to keep it simple and glue-free! Provide materials for simple crafts like colouring, bracelet making, or origami. You can even incorporate your wedding theme into the crafts for a personalised touch.

Professional Entertainers

For those looking for something a little more memorable (or those who are keen to outsource the kids activities!), you might consider a professional entertainer as part of your wedding entertainment ideas. Sometimes hiring a pro is the best course of action!

Magicians and Clowns

Hiring a magician or clown can provide a memorable experience for particularly younger children. These professionals know how to keep the attention of young audiences with their interactive performances.

These entertainers can create a really positive atmosphere that keeps children engaged, allowing parents to relax and enjoy the celebration knowing their kids are having a fantastic time. Just be aware that older kids might feel like they’re too cool!

Balloon Artists and Face Painters

If you’re having an informal celebration, balloon artists and face painters can add a fun and colourful element to your wedding. Most children absolutely love having their faces painted with vibrant designs, transforming into butterflies, superheroes, or their favourite animals. Just be aware that some children may have allergies, and there is of course the possibility of making a bin of a mess!

Watching a skilled balloon artist twist balloons into imaginative shapes and animals can captivate and delight kids. These interactive activities provide endless entertainment, keeping children happy and engaged throughout the event, while also creating memorable keepsakes for them to take home.

Puppet Shows and Storytellers

A puppet show or storyteller can engage children with stories and characters, bringing a really cool touch to your wedding. If you have the luxury of a separate space, these performances can be especially useful during quieter moments of the day, such as during the speeches or meal, providing a calm yet entertaining experience for the kids.

Kid-Friendly Zones

Kids’ Tent or Room

Create a dedicated space for little guests to relax and play. Equip it with soft seating, toys, and age-appropriate entertainment like movies or video games. This gives kids a place to retreat and unwind if they become overwhelmed.

Movie Area

Set up a small movie screening area with bean bags or floor cushions and show kid-friendly films. This can be especially helpful during the reception when adults are mingling and dancing.

Food and Drink Considerations

If possible, consider offering a special menu for children with their favourite foods like chicken nuggets, mini pizzas, or even fruit skewers. Providing fun and healthy snacks will keep kids happy and energised.

For an interactive element, you could set up a mocktail bar where children can create their own non-alcoholic drinks. Additionally, children can be involved in decorating a replica wedding cake, which can be a fun and engaging activity. This fun activity is a great way to make kids feel included and special.

Top Tips for Success

Ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for children at your wedding involves a bit of extra planning and coordination. Keeping kids occupied with fun activities can contribute to a smoother event, allowing adults to enjoy the celebration without disruptions. Here are some tips to help you succeed:

Communicate with Parents of Children Attending

Inform parents ahead of time about the entertainment and childcare options available at your wedding. Informing them about these options can help them plan for their own children, ensuring that each child feels involved and important throughout the day. Providing this information well in advance allows parents to plan accordingly and feel comfortable bringing their children.

Knowing that their kids will be entertained and well-cared-for enables parents to relax and fully enjoy the celebration. Include details about the activities, the schedule, and any professional caregivers or entertainers you’ve hired.

Clear communication helps build trust and ensures that parents are prepared, which contributes to a smoother, more enjoyable experience for everyone.

Safety First

Ensure all activities and entertainment options are safe and age-appropriate for all the kids attending your wedding. Take precautions by having a well-stocked first-aid kit on hand for any minor accidents. Designate an adult (or preferably a professional) to oversee the children’s area, ensuring they are supervised and safe at all times.

This person can manage the activities, address any issues that arise, and provide peace of mind for parents. Prioritising safety not only prevents accidents but also creates a secure environment where children can have fun and parents can enjoy the event without worry.

Key Takeaways

At our wedding venue in Northampton, we believe that children’s entertainment is an essential part of creating a memorable and enjoyable wedding experience for all. Face painters can be a great addition to summer weddings, adding fun and colour that appeals to all ages. By incorporating interactive games, professional entertainers, kid-friendly zones, and thoughtful scheduling, you can ensure that your youngest guests have a fantastic time.

Planning a wedding is a journey filled with love, joy, and countless details. By considering the needs of the children attending your wedding, you can create a celebration that is truly inclusive and enjoyable for everyone. We hope this guide has provided you with valuable insights and ideas for making your wedding day magical for guests of all ages.

If you have any questions or need assistance in planning your wedding entertainment, feel free to reach out to us. We are here to help make your special day unforgettable.