HOW TO KEEP CHILDREN ENTERTAINED AT A WEDDING – BY HESTER
It’s time for me to admit that with so many exciting projects in the pipeline and only 24hrs in a day, we need more hands on deck. Over the coming weeks Bijou will be welcoming an all star line up of Wedding experts ready to share their top tips to make your day amazing. The first member of the Bijou team to introduce you to is the lovely Hester Lear, owner of online special touches boutique Wedding in a Teacup. With a background as a fashion buyer and an aim to help you brides ‘create your day, your way’ there’s nothing Hester doesn’t know about throwing a unique and fun (for all ages!) Wedding. For her first post I’ve asked Hester to share her expert knowledge answering a question that troubles so many brides and grooms – how to keep children entertained at a Wedding?
Inviting children to your wedding is often a hot topic, dividing opinion! But I’ve got some tips below to help you plan ahead ensuring little ones are amused and occupied throughout the celebrations.
BEFORE THE BIG DAY
Give children a role to play on the day – ring bearer, confetti thrower, page boy or flower girl. If they feel like they’re included, they are less likely to become bored and restless, and more likely to realise the importance of the day! Cute gifts declaring their status (flower girl bags, or page boy cufflinks) will make them beam with pride and makes a wonderful photo too.
Flower Girl Mini Tote Bag
THE DRINKS RECEPTION
If it’s summer and you have a nice stretch of ground outside ask responsible, creative, older kids (or a kid-at-heart usher) to run a treasure hunt, organise giant garden games, maybe even apply face paints or temporary tattoos! Award prizes too – inexpensive but brightly wrapped.
Childs Pouch
THE WEDDING BREAKFAST
Have a separate kids’ table during meal time and bribe the oldest ones to be in charge – they’ll all have a ball. A kiddies’ menu never goes amiss, and you can decorate the table to make it stands out from the rest! A washable tablecloth is brilliant – looks great and provides entertainment. Just make sure you provide the washable pens too!
Washable Cotton Doodle Tablecloth
THE SPEECHES
Keep little ones entertained during the speeches by leaving colourful pouches or paper bags filled with colouring-in kits and retro games on their tables; if you make your youngest guests feel special, not just tolerated, they’re more likely to behave like little angels…
Heads & Tails Game
Colours In Boys Rule Placemat
THE PARTY
A trunk of dressing up clothes is always a hit with children (ask friends and family to donate them or make them). Pirates and princesses never fail, and it will all add to the magical joy of your day… If your budget is able to stretch and you are looking at ways of entertaining a large number of children why not consider hiring a balloon artist or clown – the adults will love it too, and not only because their kids are entertained.
Colour In Pirate Hat
Big thanks to Hester for all her fun ideas. From fun colouring-in kits, to sweetie jars and special gifts for flower girls, as you’ve seen Wedding in a Teacup is an inspirational treasure trove with items to suit all budgets. Shop all the products featured in this post and heaps more at – www.weddinginateacup.co.uk