Guests w/ young kids; do we provide highchair/place setting?

You invited the children - therefore it is appropriate they are bringing their children. I have one person on my side of the bridal party and both of her children are coming, because I invited them...

As a mother of a young child, if my kid was invited to a wedding, no matter at what age, I would be expecting a place setting for her. Trying to fit her in with FH and I would not be comfortable at all.

I don't understand why it wouldn't be appropriate. Did you not invite the children? And I think you should provide a high chair for children that would use it. You can ask the parent if they would like one. Depending on the age of the child the parent might just hold the child and not want a high chair.

If I ever went to an event/dinner with my child (1.5) and didn't have a high chair it would be a disaster.

We would have to take turns eating, wouldn't get hot food because of it. We would be battling him trying to hold him at the table...

I would say you definitely need some high chairs...probably eniugh for any kids like...under 3. And maybe a handful of booster seats for older kids too?

I would also definitely have a spot for all the kids. Sometimes tables are pretty crowded as is, let alone trying to squeeze a bunch of kids at the table that's already filled with adults!

Is there a way you can find out how many highchairs you need and just rent them to save the parents headache? If there are not going to be high chairs or booster seats, then you should to tell any parents with children under three. And yes, each child needs their own seat.

I'm confused by your question about the groomsmen's children. You invited them, so yes it's appropriate that they bring them.

You need to provide seating to the kids since you invited them.

Hmmm-and the highchair rental is expected?

I'm confused. Why are you surprised people are bringing "*all* their kids" if you invited *all* their kids? Did you expect people to pick and choose their favorites?

You need provide a place setting for all children who won't be in a high chair. You need to provide at least the option of a high chair for the kids who may need one. To find out if one is needed, you'll have to ask the parents.

Yes, highchair rental is expected. Parents of young kids have to lug around enough shit that their kid needs. Do you really expect them to BYO highchair?

The best way to handle this is to personally contact every family with young children and ask if they 1. need a highchair (most 2 and under will) 2. need a booster seat (depending on size some might need this) and if you are offering a kids meal 3. need a kids meal. We had 7 kids age 2 and under and 3 older kids (10-13) at our wedding, and I emailed each parent of the babies/toddlers and asked them their preferences. I also told them what the buffet and kids meal options were before asking which meal I should order for their child. They all responded very quickly.

Yeah, I'm planning on asking each parent with children what kind of seat their kid will need, and then providing that. At their own place setting...cause they eat at the table at home, of course they deserve their own space? Only one couple in the wedding party has a kid, and I'm even probably going to give her a seat with her parents at the head table and a seat next to her grandmother, because she'll be bouncing around between them. I don't think that's completely necessary, but it's something I personally care about.

Either way, providing the proper seat for everyone you invited is the way to go.

Definitely provide seats, whether chairs or highchairs depending on the age. We also provided little coloring packets at the kids seats. Happy kids = happy parents/guests = happy wedding!

I just became super grateful that my venue doesn't charge for 5 and under. I'm saving more than I realized!

It is certainly appropriate for guests that you invited to attend the wedding. (Kids are guests too).

You should individually contact the parents to find out if the child needs a high chair. If yes, provide the appropriate number of high chairs. If no, provide the appropriate number of chairs.

I don't know what area you live in, but I rented high chairs for $10 each. That's nothing since we only needed 3 of them. You should provide seating for them. Also, ask your venue if they have any or at least booster seats. Our venue is letting us use their 2 booster seats at no charge. So 2 of the parents wanted those instead of highchairs.

So if my son was invited to a wedding and I chose to bring him (although I'd probably get a sitter if it was friends since most family events all my sitters are there anyway) but I would absolutely expect a place for him to sit and he would need a high chair. To each their own, but if you forgo the high chairs you will have toddlers running everywhere while guests are trying to eat.