Children bring a sense of magic and spontaneity to weddings. Their laughter, curiosity, and joy make your big day feel even more alive.
So, if you’re planning a child-friendly wedding, sharing your celebration with the little ones makes perfect sense. After all, they’re an important part of your life – and including them can make your day feel truly complete.
However, keeping children entertained throughout a wedding can be tricky. You want your event to be enjoyable for all ages, with kids having just as much fun as the adults. To help you plan an inclusive and stress-free celebration, we’ve rounded up creative, practical ideas that will make your wedding unforgettable for everyone.
At Big Day Productions, we’ve covered thousands of weddings across the UK – from London to Edinburgh, Oxford, and beyond. Our team knows exactly how to capture the joy and charm of every guest – big or small.
So, here are our top tips for creating a wedding day full of smiles, laughter, and magical memories.
Why Plan a Child-Friendly Wedding?
Weddings are about love, unity, and family – and that includes the youngest members, too. While not every couple chooses to invite children, there’s something incredibly heartwarming about seeing little ones enjoying your day.
However, if you do decide to welcome kids, you’ll want to make sure they’re kept entertained. Children can quickly get bored sitting through long ceremonies or formal dinners. Keeping them engaged means:
- Parents can relax and enjoy the celebration.
- You’ll avoid restlessness or disruptions during key moments.
- Kids will remember your wedding as a fun and happy experience.
- Your photos and videos will capture even more genuine smiles and laughter.
Ultimately, a child-friendly wedding doesn’t just benefit the little ones – it enhances the atmosphere for everyone.
1. Welcome Gift Bags Full of Activities
Every child loves receiving a gift, and an activity bag is the perfect way to make them feel special from the start. Hand these out at the reception entrance or at their table.
What to include:
- Crayons and colouring pages
- Stickers and mini puzzles
- Sunglasses or glow sticks
- Snacks or small treats
- A note saying “Welcome to our wedding!”
These small touches go a long way in making kids feel included – and they’ll stay happily occupied during dinner or speeches.
Pro tip: Choose items that are quiet and mess-free to keep things smooth for parents and photographers alike.
2. Outdoor Cinema
If your venue has a garden or courtyard, an outdoor cinema setup is a huge hit! Once the dinner and speeches are over, play a children’s movie so the little ones can unwind.
What you’ll need:
- A projector and a white screen or a large sheet
- Cushions, bean bags, or picnic blankets
- Popcorn, juice boxes, and fairy lights for ambience
You can play family favourites like Toy Story or Encanto – and the best part? The adults will probably join too!
3. Giant Outdoor Games
When it comes to kids, bigger is always better. Oversized outdoor games are perfect for venues with outdoor space. They also double as fun entertainment for grown-ups.
Try setting up:
- Giant Jenga
- Connect 4
- Cornhole or ring toss
- Lawn bowling or croquet
These classic games bring everyone together, creating wonderful candid photo opportunities that our Big Day Productions photographers love capturing.
4. Chalk-Drawing Table
Children can’t resist chalk! It’s colourful, creative, and completely mess-free outdoors.
Setup tips:
- Cover a table with chalkboard paper or use a low easel
- Provide a bucket full of colourful chalk
- Encourage kids to draw “wedding art” for the newlyweds
You could even host a mini competition – pick the most creative doodle and reward the winner with a small prize. This activity keeps kids entertained and adds a touch of personality to your day.
5. Craft Table
If you’d prefer to keep kids in one area (especially indoors), a craft table is ideal. It gives children something creative and calming to focus on.
Include:
- Coloured pencils, crayons, and markers
- Paper, stickers, and stencils
- Wedding-themed colouring sheets
- Simple DIY crafts, like making cards or paper flowers
This is also a brilliant way to get kids involved in your wedding theme. For example, they can create drawings or cards for the couple, or even props for the photo booth!
Tip: Rotate activities throughout the evening so they don’t get bored.
6. Hire a Professional Entertainer
If your budget allows, hiring a professional entertainer is the easiest way to ensure nonstop fun. A dedicated kids’ entertainer or childcare team will manage everything – so you and your guests can fully enjoy the day.
Popular options include:
- Magicians or balloon artists
- Face painters
- Storytellers or puppeteers
- Dance or mini-disco hosts
- Supervised play corners
Some venues even offer wedding childcare packages, which can be a great investment for peace of mind.
7. Create a Kids’ Zone
Dedicate a small area to the little guests – especially useful for venues with multiple rooms or outdoor areas.
What to include:
- Small tents or teepees
- Cushions, fairy lights, and soft toys
- Simple games and storybooks
This not only gives children their own space to play safely but also makes your venue look even more charming and family-friendly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make my wedding child-friendly without losing elegance?
Opt for subtle, tasteful entertainment zones – like a small craft table or outdoor games – that blend seamlessly with your decor. Choose colours and props that complement your wedding theme.
Do venues charge extra for kids’ activities?
Some do, especially if you require additional space or equipment. Always check with your venue when planning setups like outdoor cinemas or dedicated play zones.
Should I inform parents about the activities beforehand?
Yes – mention it in your invitations or on your wedding website. Parents will appreciate knowing their children are welcome and catered for.
Capture the Joy with Big Day Productions
At Big Day Productions, we’ve photographed and filmed weddings all across the UK – from grand manor celebrations in the countryside to intimate city ceremonies. What makes our approach unique is the consistency and professionalism of our carefully curated network of photographers and videographers.
Whether your big day takes place in London, Edinburgh, Oxford, or anywhere else in the UK, our rates remain consistent and our results exceptional.
We love capturing every detail – including those genuine, heartwarming moments when children laugh, dance, and play. These moments bring warmth and authenticity to your wedding story.
So, if you’re planning a child-friendly wedding and want your photography and videography team to handle every joyful moment with care, get in touch with Big Day Productions. Let’s make your wedding day unforgettable – for guests of all ages.
Ready to Plan Your Perfect Child-Friendly Wedding?
Contact Big Day Productions today to learn more about our photography and videography packages across the UK – and let’s capture the love, laughter, and family magic that make your day truly special.