Kids table yes or no?

GREAT idea.

In fact, depending on your venue, you might even consider to hire a babysitter for the reception, to be a 'monitor' at the kids table, so the parents can really relax. We did this for my MOH's wedding, and it was a huge hit and we paid $125 for 4 hours - a drop in the bucket of the overall cost, and the kids were happier and the parents were happier.

At my own wedding, we had a kids table with different types of stuff for ages 7-12 in case it rained, but we also had outdoor space, so we had a basket with a football, cheap plastic baseball bats and balls, some gymnastics ribbons, and frisbees, for outside. Since it didn't rain, the kids stuff didn't get used, but I just donated the supplies to a teacher who was moonlighting with the caterer. You could also just give it to the parents on their way out.

I recommend given the older kids will get bored, to recommend to parents to have them bring gameboys or tablets. Also, you can pick up a few inexpensive games or arts and crafts kits from Michaels for $5-10, or get some generic lego kits or tinker toys or something they can 'build stuff' with, and sprinkle them on the table too. We bought pastels and some real 8x10 canvases, so they could make an actual art piece. We also had a $1 notebook from the bargain bin from Michael's with the first initial of each of the kids, so they had a sourvineer. All told, it cost us about $50 for the supplies.

We are having one! they love to feel special!

I veto the kids table. With the kids ages you listed it could go bad or kids not even eat. I think kids tables should only be kids ages 10-14 ish. Any younger you start to have issues with getting into trouble and then the older ones want to feel like an adult.

I'm seating kids with their parents for the meal, but we do have a kids area/table that will have crayons and some customized coloring books I made, maybe some other fun things to keep them occupied. Nothing over the top.

I think it's a great idea, if we would have kids, we would be having one.

I was at a kids table once when I was 13 and it was a poor choice, in my opinion - this could have been because it was just handled poorly too. The ages ranged from 16 to 3 at the kids table and the younger ones ended up hiding by their parents' sides anyway. It was uncomfortable and I felt like we were hidden far away in a corner. The older kids had to police the younger ones, even if we didn't know them. It was awkward. I don't think I'd have one even if we were inviting children to our wedding.

I think ages 3-5 is too young for a kids tables. It could be perfect for the older kids (7-13) if you wanted to do it. As FMG said though, it could be awkward for the 13 year olds to have to sit with the 7 year olds, but it depends if they know each other or not.

I agree that 3-5 is young enough that they should sit with their parents. Older kids are fine, but only if they know each other (i.e. all cousins).

Like most of the others, kids will sit with their parents during dinner, but we have two kids areas, one just off the ballroom for the small children, where they can color, build legos, make felt crafts and an assortment of cars and trucks and still be within sight or hearing of mom and dad. The other one is downstairs for the "tweens" there's a ping pong table and a billiards table and a poker table for Uno and other card games. It also has the big screen with the DVD player. I've posted about it before but I'm hiring two nannies for the 6 younger grandchildren the day before, day of and during the reception, they will be able to supervise the kids areas. There are only 9 children under the age of 10 (most are 5-9) and 6 who are 10-13. Hoping we've got this covered.

13 is way too old for a kids table.

Kids tables are terrible, awful ideas, and no child needs a reminder to bring something to entertain themselves. Shockingly,t he kids at my wedding SAT and ATE and then DANCED.

If I were 13 and someone sat me at a kids table with a coloring book I'd be livid.

I want my kid sitting with me, but that's just me. I wouldn't sit 3-5 year olds alone, that's a disaster waiting to happen imo.

I'm in the same boat. We are debating on having a kids table, but leaning more towards not having one. Most of the kids are all family so they know each other and will most likely occupy themselves. Kids in our family love dancing so i'm pretty sure the dance floor will be their entertainment. As for the younger kids, even with a kids table (if we do one) I would still have them sit with their parents.

Thanks for all the feedback, we were pretty torn because of the range of ages. I think we will hust sit them with their parents. Should be provide an activity for the smaller ones while they eat or no?