Suggestions for keeping children busy at a wedding

LOLOL Rebecca, are you scared now? I can feel you shaking...

I'll second your sentiments!

I thought (VERY BRIEFLY) about playdough. Then realized it's smoosy and stains.

Depending on the venue, I was considering a game system. I'd have to keep the big people away from it though, and make sure that

A. The church will let me do it, and

B. The big people don't steal it from the kids

Hire someone to keep them under control and entertained.

@ Mrs. S - LOL! Yes!!! =)

@ Dani - That is a good idea, but it won't work in my venue. It's just a big room, so no separate place for a gaming system.

How old are they, or at least what range?

Between 4 - 10...big range! =(

Shoot I'm shaking right along with her if she is! lol I just read that post to my FH and he was like oh hell naw! lol I'm petrified now!

First thing: I don't think all parents are as irresponsible as those parents. As a child I would have NEVER been allowed to do that. We have a couple of children coming (my 2 year old nephew and 9 year old twins) because their parents don't have other options for child care. I know (even the two year old) would be have better than those children. Because of our venue, we tried to encourage our friends with children to hire a babysitter and "Get a night off." I agree w/Nancy-If you can pay for the children to have a baby sitter and maybe just hang out some place close by, that would be great. You could also create their own area. You could take PVC piping and wrap fabric (or sheets) on it and stick it in a corner.

I HIGHLY doubt though you will have an issue though.. I have been to MANY weddings with children and have never experienced a situation like that.

@ Kasey - LOL!!!

@ Christina - Thank you! That makes me feel better! But I'm still giving them coloring books and crayons! >

I too am a little nervous. I am going to make activity kits for the kids, with coloring book pages, connect the dots, etc.

I would ask the kids' parents directly.

You may only have to come up with something for the younger ones. When I was 10, I was (according to the 10 year old me), almost a grown up. I wouldn't spend time with 4 year old kids because obviously they're - kids :-)

Here's an idea: a craft table, persay. Have an extra table set aside from all the important/expensive stuff, if you have room, maybe a corner or something. Have coloring books, crayons, cheap lil party bag gadgets (party city has all kinds) just make sure of size-no choking. Things like that should keep em busy, & if they still try to misbehave, honestly dont be afraid to say something. I would be polite but, " I have a table over there specifically to keep the kids entertained, please take your kid over there, so he stops destroying ______"

I even have the idea of having specific snacks for the kids only, like juice boxes, crackers. Kids seem to keep quiet with food in their hands.

You have some great ideas here so far.

I would add any type of arts and craft that is non-messy and there are options if you go to Oriental Trading.

Definitely have kid friendly food and snacks, hunger can lead to misbehavior and meltdowns.

Think table top board games, playing card games, and sometimes just toy cars and trains.

I personally don't want children at the wedding/reception, however, MyLo is having second thoughts. Several of his groomsmen have children, one of which is caring for his 3 grandchildren. Due to the cost of daycare, they may not be able to pay for a babysitter and their attire. So now, on top of finding a venue, we have to have one that can provide an additional room, food for approximately 30 children (which will grow once the rest of our guests find out) and entertainment. This could cost another $2k. I told MyLo this would not be free for our guests. We are providing them with a sitter. I am thinking $20 per child for 5 - 6 hours of daycare is a steal.

HisMrs. definitely put it to the guests as an hourly breakdown per child, I find when I do it that way sticker shock is not quite so bad for parents and clients. Create a way for them to "register" in advance so you have some payment coming in possibly to cover the costs. --- Yes it does add up when there are several kids, good luck.

We are putting this on our website letting parents know this is an option. We will provide them with a deadline date to register with their child's name, age and any food allergies they may have.

Well, I got the 3 kids ages 4 to 10 in the wedding party some party favor boxes full of things for them to have and do. It also doubles as a little gift for them being in the wedding.

They cost around $3 to $5 each and the shipping isn't so bad either. They have a bunch of different themes and you can go to the dollar store and put more candy, activity book w/ crayons, or little toys in there...

You could also just make up your own but $3 is kinda cheap, I thought.

http://partymarketonline.com/zm/index.php?main_page=search&keywords=party favor box

I'm also doing milk and cookies for them as well.

Print out some worksheets.... more coloring sheets for the younger kids.

More puzzle related stuff for the older?

OMG, these are great ideas!!!! Thank you!!!

You are the bride! Those kids have parents who will need to supply either activities for them or get a sitter..it's not up to you to figure that out..lol...You're under enough stress as it is..the parents need to keep their eyes on their kids..but frankly..not to sound rude but it's really not a place for kids. Esp the younger ones..they dont know what's going on..