Published at 21:09, Wednesday, 04 July 2012

Young bridesmaids dancing the night away, pageboys sliding along the dancefloor, the cheeky smiles of children as they tuck into your wedding cake.....

Lyndsey Rafferty of The Event Nannies entertains children at the wedding of Tracey and Dave Wildeyat the wedding.********This picture has been acquired from an external source. It may have been submitted or downloaded from the Internet. Seek approval to re-use on the Web/edition************X693924.jpg

For many couples these are the memories that make a traditional family wedding but for others the thought of children running around on their big day will cause them to worry. Yet it’s a question brides and grooms have to think about when they’re coming up with the guest list for their big day.

For some couples, children are an essential part of their wedding day, especially if they have children of their own or in their bridal party, and there are lots of things you can do to make it an enjoyable and stress free day for everyone.

At your ceremony, make sure families with young children sit towards the back of the ceremony venue or near the door so if they’re noisy they can be taken out quickly without disrupting the ceremony.

If there’s a child you know could be a problem don’t be afraid to speak to the parents to make it clear that they must take the child out if they can’t sit still or make a noise during the ceremony.

You could give the children you’re close to a job so they feel they’re involved, such as reading a short poem or prayer during the service or handing out order of service sheets but always check with their parents to make sure they’ll be capable of performing the task first.

Make sure the children are included in the photographs and for these shots make sure they’re taken early on before they get tired or bored and before they have chance to run about and get their outfits dirty.

When it comes to choosing the food and drink for your guests, don’t forget to mention to your venue that there will be children and ask how they can cater for them.

Also make sure there’ll be enough soft drinks available and check if there’re nappy changing facilities and high chairs available.

For older children you could have a special table with colouring books and toys to keep them entertained between courses or you may want them to sit with their parents so they can keep a close eye on them.

Giving children activity packs or bags as favours has become popular.

If there will be a lot of children then there are now companies locally who can provide a mobile childminding or creche service.

Or you could provide entertainment such as a caricaturist or magician or activities such as a bouncy castle or giant games.

Another idea is to set up a room with computer games, board games or a television for older children.

If things don’t work out quite as you’d expected on the day, don’t get upset with them. Try to enjoy it and think about the fun they bring to your special day. If you really don’t want children at your wedding then it’s your decision so don’t worry if you think you’ll offend people.

If you do want your wedding to be child-free then make sure you give the parents plenty of notice so they can make childcare arrangements.

Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk