Keeping Kids Entertained on your Wedding Day
Hosting a kid-friendly wedding can be both rewarding and challenging, but with the right planning and creativity, it can certainly be a magical experience for everyone involved. Here are some fantastic ideas to keep the little ones entertained and engaged throughout your special day:
1 . CREATE AN ADULT FREE ZONE
Creating a designated Kid’s Zone at your wedding is a fantastic idea to ensure that the little ones are entertained and engaged throughout the event. Here’s a plan to bring this whimsical haven to life:
Choose the Perfect Location for the zone:
Select a spot at your venue that is easily accessible but slightly separated from the main reception area. This could be a corner of the venue or an outdoor space, depending on the weather and available space.
Decorate to Delight
Use colourful balloons, streamers, and banners to designate the Kid’s Zone and make it visually appealing for the children.
Incorporate themed decorations if your wedding has a specific theme, adding an extra element of magic.
Provide Age-Appropriate Activities:
Set up a craft table with various activities such as colouring books, crayons, markers, stickers, and craft kits suitable for different age groups.
Include interactive games like board games, puzzles, building blocks, and age-appropriate video games if possible.
Consider hiring a professional entertainer such as a clown, magician, or face painter to engage the children with entertainment tailored to their age group.
Safety First:
Ensure that the Kid’s Zone is safe and secure, with appropriate supervision if needed.
Avoid small objects that could pose choking hazards and make sure any equipment or play structures are child-friendly and well-maintained.
Snack and Refreshment Station:
Set up a snack and refreshment station with kid-friendly finger foods, drinks, and treats to keep their energy up throughout the festivities.
Consider including healthy options alongside indulgent treats to cater to different dietary preferences.
Personalise the Experience:
Create personalised activity packs or goody bags for each child attending the wedding, filled with fun surprises and treats.
Bubbles:
Place small bottles of bubbles at each child’s table setting or have them available in baskets near the entrance to the Kid’s Zone.
Encourage kids to blow bubbles during key moments of the wedding, such as the ceremony recessional or during the first dance. It will add a whimsical touch to the atmosphere and create memorable photo opportunities.
Glow Sticks:
Distribute glow sticks to children as they arrive at the reception or place them on their seats as a surprise.
As the evening progresses and the sun sets, the glow sticks will create a mesmerising wonderland on the dance floor. Kids can enjoy dancing and playing with the glowing accessories, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Include a few wedding-themed activities or games to make them feel like part of the celebration.
Communicate with Parents:
Inform parents about the Kid’s Zone in advance so they can plan accordingly and feel confident that their children will be entertained and supervised during the event.
Provide a designated point of contact or staff member who can assist parents and address any concerns or questions they may have.
2. THE GREAT OUTDOORS
Incorporating outdoor lawn games into your wedding celebration is a fantastic way to add a sense of fun and adventure for guests of all ages. Here’s how you can create an unforgettable outdoor experience with thrilling activities and games:
Giant Lawn Games:
Set up a variety of giant lawn games such as oversized versions of classics like Jenga, Connect Four, and Checkers. These larger-than-life games will capture the attention of both children and adults and provide hours of entertainment.
Consider adding other lawn games like cornhole, ladder toss, and horseshoes to cater to different preferences and skill levels.
Sack Races and Bean Bag Toss:
Organise friendly competitions with sack races and bean bag toss games. Divide guests into teams or let individuals compete for prizes and bragging rights.
Provide clear instructions and designate a space for these activities, ensuring safety and fair play.
Bouncy Castle or Inflatable Slide:
Bring in a bouncy castle or inflatable slide to take the outdoor fun to the next level. These attractions will be a hit with children and add an element of excitement to your wedding festivities.
Make sure to have supervision for these activities to ensure the safety of all participants, especially younger children.
All-Ages Bonding Experience:
Encourage guests of all ages to join the outdoor fun and embrace their inner child. Whether it’s grandparents playing giant Jenga or teenagers racing in sack races, these activities will foster bonding and create cherished memories for everyone.
Provide seating areas and refreshments nearby so guests can take breaks and recharge between games.
Capture the Moments:
Hire a photographer or designate a friend or family member to capture candid moments of guests enjoying the outdoor games. These photos will serve as wonderful mementoes of the joy and laughter shared during your wedding celebration.
Weather Contingency Plan:
Have a backup plan in case of inclement weather. Consider renting a tent or indoor space where guests can still enjoy the outdoor games without worrying about rain or extreme heat.
By incorporating outdoor lawn games into your wedding celebration, you’ll create a lively and memorable experience that encourages guests to embrace the spirit of fun and adventure. It’s a fantastic way to bring people together
and make your special day even more enjoyable for everyone involved.
An Action Packed Quest
Craft themed treasure maps or clue cards that lead the children to hidden treasures scattered around the wedding venue. You can use parchment-style paper and draw or print maps featuring landmarks or key locations within the venue.
Personalise the maps with elements from your wedding theme or incorporate fun illustrations to make them visually appealing and engaging for the kids.
Clever Clues and Riddles:
Create clever clues or riddles that provide hints to the location of each hidden treasure. Tailor the difficulty level of the clues to the age group of the children participating to ensure they remain challenged but not frustrated.
Use rhymes, puzzles, and wordplay to make the scavenger hunt even more enjoyable and interactive for the young adventurers.
Hidden Treasures:
Hide small treasures or trinkets at various locations around the wedding venue. These could include themed toys, treats, or even small prizes like stickers or temporary tattoos.
Consider incorporating elements from your wedding theme into the hidden treasures to tie the scavenger hunt seamlessly into the overall atmosphere of the event.
Adult Supervision:
Assign adult volunteers or members of the wedding party to supervise the scavenger hunt and ensure the safety of the children as they explore the venue.
Provide each group of children with a designated adult guide who can assist them with deciphering clues and navigating the treasure hunt.
Group Collaboration:
Encourage teamwork and collaboration among the children by organising the scavenger hunt in groups or teams. This will foster camaraderie and make the experience even more enjoyable for the participants.
Consider incorporating a friendly competition element by awarding prizes to the teams that successfully complete the treasure hunt first or collect the most treasures.
Treasure Unveiling:
Once the scavenger hunt is complete, gather the children together to unveil the treasures they’ve discovered. Celebrate their accomplishments and congratulate them on their successful adventure.
Consider providing goody bags, or small favours for all participants as a token of appreciation for their participation in the treasure hunt.
By organising a treasure hunt at your wedding, you’ll create an exhilarating and memorable experience for the young explorers in attendance. It’s a fantastic way to engage children in the festivities and make them feel like valued participants in your special day.
3. THEIR VERY OWN POP STAR
What an absolute blast this would be.
Imagine the kids’ excitement of seeing their own Taylor Swift, Harry Styles or a favourite boy band or girl bands, performing live just for them. What a brilliant surprise!
At Quinn Artistes we can provide a selection of talented tribute artists who look and sound like the real thing.
Our tribute artists are experienced professionals who can authentically replicate popular performers. It’s a great way to bring the magic of these artists to life, and create unforgettable experiences for the children (and adults!) and will add that extra special something to the kids’ day.
Many singers are self-contained ( which means they will provide their own PA system and microphones) and are happy to perform outside, however, it might be worth considering in your plans, to set up a gazebo to ensure the show goes on whatever the weather.
Having a tribute act is a surefire way to get them bopping, and making friends while creating unforgettable memories too!
Quinn artistes have a fantastic variety of popular tribute acts to keep the little ones entertained.
4. A CHILD-FRIENDLY TABLE AND SEATING FOR THE WEDDING BREAKFAST
How about creating a special table just for the kids? Is a thoughtful touch that ensures they feel included and part of your special day.
Trying to add colorful décor and themed elements ( maybe mini versions of the adults favours) Perhaps use different fun coloured crockery so the kids know their table has been set just for them. This will make it feel like their own little party within the wedding celebration.
Providing age-appropriate activities ( such as card games, quizzes and puzzles) is a genius move to keep them engaged and entertained while the adults can relax and enjoy their meal and the festivities without worrying that the little ones are bored, or up to mischief – It will also keep them off any unwanted technology, and get them interacting with each other.
It’s a win-win for everyone!