A wedding is a special event that includes guests of all ages, children included. However, a wedding is not an event that children usually find attractive and this could be a problem. As we all know, a bored kid can do all sorts of things just to get the attention and feel some excitement and this is definitely not something that the parents and the bride and the groom want.

This is why you should plan some activities that will help kids feel included in the wedding and make them feel special. Just like adults love dancing, kids may want to engage in some activities suitable to their age. Some couples may find this difficult because they are already preoccupied with their activities during the wedding day, but the fact is that it doesn’t take much to make kids in the weddings happy. Your wedding day is not only a celebration of love between you and your partner, but also an opportunity to share precious memories with your loved ones, including the little ones in your life. From participating in special ceremonies to adding unique touches to traditional roles, here are some creative ways to include kids in your wedding.

1. Sand Ceremony

If you already have kids together or are blending two families together, a great option is a sand ceremony that differs from the traditional unity candle ceremony by including each member of the family. You, your partner, and each child pours a different color sand into a single vessel symbolizing the blending of two families into one, creating a beautiful family keepsake that you can cherish for years to come. This is one of my favorite ways to include kids in the ceremony and your wedding day, as it communicates to them that you're all united together.

"As you now combine your sand together, your lives also join together as one family! They realize in order for a home to be a happy one, it is essential that there be love and understanding between the children and the adults being married.”

2. Walking Down the Aisle

Invite the children to walk down the aisle alongside the bride or groom, either individually or as a group. If you have younger children, you can also carry them down the aisle. This can be a heartwarming moment that symbolizes the joining of families and the beginning of a new chapter together.

3. Ring Bearer and Flower Girl

Of course, you can still include the traditional roles of ring bearer and flower girl, but consider adding a unique twist by letting the children personalize their roles. For example, instead of scattering petals, the flower girl could carry a small bouquet or a basket of flowers. Similarly, the ring bearer could hold a special sign or banner announcing the arrival of the bride.

4. Family Vows

Another sweet and sentimental way to Include children in your wedding day is having them be a part of the vow exchange by incorporating family vows into the ceremony. This allows you to express your commitment to each other, but also to your children and your family as a whole, promising to love and support them as part of your new family.

5. Family Portraits

This might seem obvious, but carving out time for family photos of you with your children is the perfect way to include them and have beautiful memories of this special moment. Wedding photos are one of the most important aspects of any wedding, and while you want and will get plenty of photos as newlyweds, including your kids in a few family portraits will serve as a beautiful reminder of the love shared by the entire family.

6. Special Kid Space

If you are planning an outdoor wedding, you can place a special smaller tent for the children. Even if you have an indoor wedding, you can mark a special area for kids. Instead of forcing children to sit with their parents, you can give them a chance to communicate and interact with their peers in these marked areas. This is the area where you can place some games, puzzles, books, movies or even gaming consoles. No matter what type of content you will use, you should remember to assign someone to watch the kids especially if we are talking about very young kids. There is no doubt that kids love such spaces because they make them feel like grownups and enjoy the time spent there.

7. Kid-Friendly Activities

Depending on the age of your kids or the number of kids invited to the wedding, you could set up a designated kids' area with activities and games to keep the little ones entertained. Making plans for party games designed for kids is another way to bring smiles to kid’s faces on a wedding and eliminate boredom. Maybe you have a few fun beach games, such as a bean bag toss, or provide sand buckets and shovels for the kids to play and entertain themselves in the sand. You can use these games at any stage of the wedding, but it is the best idea to let them play these games (or even participate in these games) right after the guests finish their meals (after the reception). Younger kids will be glad to play some of the all time favorite party games including blind man’s bluff or musical chairs.

Providing giveaway is a great idea too. The vast majority of children enjoy receiving gifts and favors. A simple scavenger hunt or some other similar game where they will get a chance to earn their favors and gifts will keep them busy for hours. Party favors that come in the form of toys are definitely a good solution.

8. Let Them Dance!

As mentioned before, dancing is the main activity of adult guests, but why not let children dance for 15-20 minutes? Find music that they like and let them be the main stars of the wedding for a short period of time. Don’t forget to take photos!

As you can see, kids can enjoy weddings and play special and active role without getting involved in mischief, but in order to achieve this you will have to make a good plan before the wedding starts. Including children into your wedding day creates a memorable family moment that will last a lifetime. These creative ideas will help make your wedding day even more memorable for both you and the children involved.

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