Kids or kid free?

It depends on the kids! As long as they're not the kind who have to be the centre of attention all the time and create if they're not, I think it's great to have them.

As long as you're consistent on who can/can't bring kids (e.g. only close family, only people travelling long distance) people will understand. But I wouldn't exclude kids because you think the parents will prefer it - if parents want to come without their kids, they will do, but some parents might be reluctant to leave their kids/unable to get childcare.

If you do invite children, it's nice to have something to keep them occupied during the 'boring' bits (for them!) like speeches - so maybe activity packs or a side room with games where they can entertain themselves.

I think kids or no kids must be the most asked question on this forum over the years and there is no right or wrong answer and it usually ends up in arguments.

As for keeping them occupied I am not sure how much use activity packs or side rooms will help as these days kids have got their own Ipads/ Tablets and the parents themselves will know the best ways and tricks that work for them to keep their kids occupied.

During the day I have seen bouncy castles but my advice to couples is whatever you do don't inflate it until we have finished with the kids in the photos.

A - you wont get them off

B-- if you do they will have red faces and you will spend the next 10 min re- dressing them for the photo.

C - A deflated bouncy castle with the promise of inflating it will always out bribe a few chocolates any day.

My suggestion of activity packs/side room was aimed at smaller ones - the kids we were inviting were all under 10 and don't have Ipads etc - and knowing them all very well, I know the kinds of things they like and that will keep them occupied.

One of my friends did something similar for each of the kids at her wedding, and they all spend the reception happily occupied with their new toys. Obviously, if you don't know the kids very well, it's best to ask the parents what will be work for them.

We only have a select number of guests with children, all of whom will be aged 7 and under at the time we get married. We're having the children at the wedding because almost all of them will be my bridesmaids! However, knowing how terrified my OH's best man is of children, I intend on putting them to good use and playing a few jokes on him over the course of the day!!

Which leads me to my real point - children are well known for saying and doing things that adults would never do. Have you heard the saying "out of the mouths of babes"...? Depends on your sense of humour and how much you enjoy hearing the random (and sometimes incredibly witty) things children say. Personally, I look forward to that. Other people would not.

Think Ada who posted about bedspreads is in the wrong place lol.

For our wedding I have said no kids. I am getting married for the first time at 44 and I have two daughters from a previous relationship who are aged 10 and 13 who will be in the bridal party. I have asked my sister to be my matron of honour and her 3 kids are also in the bridal party. That is it!

Number of reasons really- all my friends have at least 2 kids so this would add hugely to the numbers, not to mention the cost, most of them are older kids, probably over the age of 8. I have been to a few weddings with lots of kids and it did get chaotic and my fiancé does not have children so he would prefer it to be a more grown up occasion. I told all my friends before I sent the Save the Date cards out, a few uni friends were a bit quiet in response so maybe they were not pleased but my closer more local friends were thrilled at the prospect of a day and night without their kids!

It is personal preference though and if you do invite children then entertainment is defo required, electronic or otherwise!

It depends on the children and your desire. We thought about it, but I'm not sure yet. They'll probably get bored quickly, and there's a lot of work. They get tired of everything that has to be repeated quickly, I don't think they'll like it.

My parents only got married in 2017 and because of this there were a lot of children there (near enough 1 child to every adult!), including a couple with autism. They hired 2 bouncy castles (one was an assault course it was great fun!) and put out some lawn games, the kids were as good as gold and kept themselves and each other entertained while the adults relaxed on the terrace and had drinks, it was lovely! They also put out some activity packs out during the wedding breakfast so the kids had something to do while the speeches were going on, and they gave the kids bubbles during the ceremony which made for some lovely pictures (this was an outdoor ceremony).

I think for as long as you accommodate for having children at your wedding and give them something to do they will add an element of fun to the day. We got some great family photos on the bouncy castle too

It's a funny one as for me it was easy - no kids except immediate family. I have been to too many weddings with toddlers crying or yelling they are bored during the ceremony...!

But it does depend on the style of your day / venue, if it's more friends or family on your guest list.

The immediate family kids coming to ours will all be aged 7+ plus too, so no issues with behaviour on the day. I think a full wedding day is a long day for small children (and sometimes the parents too!)

If we said yes to all kids of our friends, we would have a wedding day with over fifteen 1-5 year olds!!! Thankfully, all our friends are pleased to have a night off, even the ones travelling and staying overnight as we have given them over a year to sort childcare.

For friends with newborns at that stage, we are flexing and saying they can bring them as when they're that tiny they're less fuss and we would rather have friends there with their newborn than not at all - so will of course accommodate where we need it.

We had no confusion on our invites either- we put a small note about only being able to accommodate the children of close family and include the names of those children on the invite.

Good luck!