There are lots of ways to involve kids in your big day – especially if they're your own mini VIPs. Here are some ideas
1. Before the dayGive your children a genuine role in helping to plan the day. Take them wedding shopping with you, ask them their opinion on table decorations, let them help you with favours or choosing a colour scheme. It gives them a sense of ownership and a feeling that it's their day too...
2. Inviting guests
Why not include your children's names on the invitations? Then guests will be invited from the whole family. Or let them send invites to their own friends. And you might like them to help design the invites too!
3. During the ceremony
Give a reading (perhaps a child-friendly poem, or something they’ve written themselves) and if they’re musical they could maybe offer some light entertainment during the ceremony. Talk to the celebrant about how the ceremony might be adapted to incorporate the children too.
4. Keep them busy
Ask the kids to take informal photos of guests or to be in charge of the guest book. You can also include them in your first dance, by opting for a family-led ceilidh rather than the traditional couples dance.
5. When tiredness kicks in
Be prepared for the time of day when kids get a little tired or grumpy. Maybe you could make up party bags for the younger ones – a colouring-in competition is a great trick for keeping them quiet. And make sure to ask your groom or the best man to thank them in their speeches – or even give the kids a little speech of their own.
Having children at your wedding? Join in the conversation at the Scottish Wedding Directory Forum
