Guest Lists - do you include the children?

Weddings with or without children.

This is one of the first and sometimes most stressful decisions for brides to be when organising
your wedding, and for others the answer is simple; Do you invite children?

Bored, sick, or tantrum throwing children can run amok and caused damage, drown out wedding vow's, interrupt speeches, and distract guests etc, while some of the best candid and spontaneous snapshots involve capturing glimpses of a childs view of the world evoking truly sentimental moments and tug at the heart strings of all attending or create a sense of fun.

Which ever way you choose make sure the parents know and understand your choices so you don't end up with any unexpected guests on the day; the a last minute run around can cause havoc with caterers, venues room, food, and budgets; or parents knowing their children have been catered for and warmly welcomed on arrival.

4 ways to help you choose.

Firstly consider your wishes and to be honest with yourself, do you want children attending your wedding?
At this stage, leave out how other people might feel, your fear of offending someone, and any guilt you may associate with your decision. Leave out traditions and family and peer pressure. Answer the question honestly, Do you want children at your wedding?

Secondly look at the style of your wedding is it appropriate for children?
For a cocktail party starting late at night, perhaps not; perhaps yes for a wedding at the beach
or a garden or park setting.

Thirdly will there be other children there, and how many?
Can the children entertain themselves or do they need more supervision?

Fourthly consider your budget, can you afford it or is your budget over stretched already?

Whichever way you choose to go will be entirely your discretion.

Remember it is your wedding, your moment to shine and have the wedding of your dreams, so children or no children, it's your choice, and which ever way you decide, make sure it's very clear to the parents.

see related articles:

Children not welcome, 4 ways to let the parents down gently.

Children welcome, now what?

Wedding entertainment providers.

Good luck with your wedding plans.