January 5th 2025.
Hello there,
Are you in the midst of planning a wedding and facing some challenges? It's not uncommon for weddings to come with their fair share of stress and dilemmas, whether you're the bride, groom, a family member, or a friend. But fear not, as Alison Rios McCrone, a wedding planner and venue owner, is here to offer her expertise in solving your problems, no matter how big or small. So, if you have any burning questions or concerns, don't hesitate to email her anonymously and get the advice you need.
Speaking of which, let's dive into one such dilemma that Tilly has shared with Alison. Tilly is getting married next year and has two children, a three-year-old and a 15-month-old. She wants her kids to be a part of the ceremony and the meal, but the evening party might not be suitable for them. Tilly's usual babysitters, who are also their relatives, will be attending the wedding, and she wants them to have a good time instead of looking after the children. She has looked into hiring an on-the-day sitter, but it would add an extra £300 to their budget. Tilly is now seeking advice on how to keep her kids entertained and looked after during their special day without breaking the bank.
First of all, congratulations to Tilly on her upcoming nuptials! As her children are quite young, it's understandable that she wants to make sure they are well-taken care of during the ceremony and until bedtime. Alison has seen many couples getting married at her venue and hiring a babysitter for their little ones. Despite the additional costs for transportation and food, these couples have all praised it as a worthwhile investment. Tilly could also consider splitting the babysitter costs with other couples who are bringing their children to the wedding. This way, all parents can relax and enjoy the day without worrying about their kids.
Another option is to check with the venue if they have any registered childminders they could recommend. Alternatively, Tilly could look for a childminder who lives nearby and hire them for the required hours. The crucial time to have someone to help would be from the ceremony until the meal ends, which is typically around six hours. If there are any responsible teenagers attending the wedding, they could also help entertain the younger kids with games and activities. Tilly could also ask someone who knows her children well and is not on the guest list to come and look after them for a few hours.
Entertaining children during the wedding day doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. Simple and engaging activities can keep them happy and occupied during the photo session and mealtime. For instance, the venue could provide outdoor or board games suitable for younger children. Bubble wands or a bubble machine can also be a fun alternative to confetti and make for great photo opportunities. Tilly could even consider setting up a child-friendly play area at the venue, complete with a teepee, sensory lights, and their favorite toys and games.
For Tilly's three-year-old, a crafting area with various art supplies could be a hit. She could even incorporate wedding-themed coloring sheets, such as designing a wedding dress or decorating a wedding cake. Another idea could be to have a dress-up area with mini props, like hats and feather boas, for the children to take fun photos with. This could also double as a photo booth for the adults later in the evening. Tilly could also have a separate table for the children during the meal, equipped with books, crayons, and stickers to keep them entertained.
Of course, keeping the little ones well-fed is also essential. Tilly could set up a snack station with child-friendly treats or personalized goodie bags with snacks, toys, and puzzles tailored to each child's age. This will not only keep the children happy but also make them feel special. And if the budget allows, Tilly could consider hiring a balloon artist, face painter, or magician for the drinks reception.
When it's time for the little ones to go to bed, Tilly could assign someone to keep an eye on the baby monitor, while she and her husband dance the night away. This way, their guests can still join in on the fun, and it also gives them an opportunity to step away if the party gets too wild. Lastly, Tilly should not be afraid to ask for help from her friends and family. They would undoubtedly be more than happy to lend a hand and make sure Tilly's wedding day is perfect.
I hope these suggestions help, Tilly. Have a wonderful wedding day!
Best wishes,
Alison
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