Signature Grand Weddings

For engaged couples with blended families, the question of whether—or how—to include their children in the ceremony can present a considerable dilemma during the wedding planning process. There was a time when children weren't especially welcome at weddings, with many brides and grooms wary of potential disruptions on their big day.

In the past few years, though, it's become more common for kids to be included in weddings, whether they're the children, siblings, cousins, nieces, or nephews of the happy couple. If you're considering including youngsters in your sand ceremony and reception, the following tips will help make their involvement as smooth and enjoyable as possible, while allowing their parents to relax and enjoy themselves at the wedding.

If the bride and/or groom have children from previous marriages, consider allowing them to participate in the sand ceremony by pouring their own vial of sand into the unity vase. This can be a sentimental and symbolic way to commemorate the blending of the two families.

It's a good idea to hire a babysitter to watch young children during the wedding ceremony. Some hotels and reception halls have an on-staff sitter or a kids' club to supervise young children and keep them entertained. Better yet, ask older kids in the family who have babysitting experience if they'd like to earn some cash by watching their young cousins.

During the reception, there are virtually unlimited ways to keep kids entertained. Try seating children of similar ages at one or more kids' tables, complete with games, bubbles, and other activities. You can even have childrens' tables covered with butcher paper and crayons for impromptu art activities. Offer a kid-friendly menu with familiar favorites like pizza, chicken nuggets, French fries, pasta, and fish sticks.

If there are only a few children present, assign them important jobs, like inviting people to sign the guest book or passing around favors. If there will be a large amount of little ones, you can involve them all in watching and helping with a magic show or picking the music for part of the entertainment. Some reception activities, like doing the limbo or dancing, can be made kid-friendly simply by inviting them to participate.
Finally, set up an area at the reception just for the youngest kids, where they can relax with movies, games, and snacks.

Although it takes a little extra work to incorporate children into your destination wedding, your efforts will be rewarded with a lifetime of wonderful memories.