It’s important to consider every single one of your guests when planning your wedding. Below is a great list of ideas about how to make sure that kids will be entertained on your big day.

1. Hire a babysitter for the tiniest children, those under age five who need constant supervision.
2. Hand out mini Etch-A-Sketch’s. Have a contest and ask the kids to make the best drawing of the bride or groom. Award a prize to the winner and let the kids keep the toy as a wedding favor. If you want it to feel more personalized, put a permanent sticker on the back of each Etch-A-Sketch that features your names and the date of the wedding.
3. Offer a treat with which the kids can take part in the toast that follows a formal speech. For example, the speech made by the parents, best man, or maid of honor. Fill small glasses with milk and place a chocolate chip cookie on top.
4. Create a busy box and gift one to each child when they arrive at the reception. Include items that are age appropriate. For example, a coloring book and crayons for small children, or a jump rope for slightly older children. Include things like snacks, stickers, disposable cameras, bubbles, candy, themed pen and paper, etc. If you’re not sure what kiddos like best, ask friends and family to quiz their children and learn what they would enjoy finding in a busy box. Don’t let on as to why you’re asking, or the surprise will be ruined at the wedding. Just tell them you’re taking a survey, which you are.
5. Hungry kids are grumpy kids so take them into consideration during the various times throughout the evening when food will be served. Especially during the appetizer hour. The sooner they eat the better. Then continue to present them with small plates of food throughout the night. For this to be successful it’s imperative that you include food that kids love. For example, peanut butter and jelly mini sandwiches during hors d’oeuvres hour, pizza during dinner, and ice cream during dessert. If you want to up the fun factor, include a soft serve ice cream machine at the reception. Set up a station with cones and toppings so they can access and create their own ice cream cones all night.