Whether it’s a bashful ring bearer, a playful flower girl, or your own little ones, kids in your wedding photography add joy, spontaneity, and heartfelt emotion to your big day. If you’ve decided to include kids in your wedding, take advantage of their natural charisma.
The best part?
Children don’t need to pose—they just need to be themselves.
Here’s how to thoughtfully and creatively include kids in your wedding photos, ensuring moments you’ll treasure forever.
Should I Include Children In My Wedding Photos?
Absolutely! Children bring authenticity to your wedding day. Their innocence, energy, and unpredictability create once-in-a-lifetime moments that can’t be staged.
When documented well, these interactions can become some of the most touching and memorable images in your photo album.
Whether you’re planning a large celebration or a more intimate UK wedding, make sure your wedding photographer is ready to capture these sweet, fleeting moments.
How To Include Kids In Your Wedding Photography
1. Capture Candid Moments During the Ceremony
Children truly shine when they’re free to be themselves. From clumsy flower girl entrances to a ring bearer’s proud march down the aisle, candid photos of kids offer genuine charm.
Photography tips:
- Let your photographer know you want spontaneous shots of the kids.
- Ask them to stay alert during moments like the walk down the aisle, waiting at the altar, or mingling with guests.
- Encourage natural movement – children skipping, giggling, or fidgeting can result in priceless photos.
Even if you miss these moments as the bride or groom, your photo album will preserve them beautifully.
2. Let the Kids Stand By Your Side
Some children – especially if they’re your own – might want to stay close during portraits. Instead of worrying about “perfect” poses, embrace their presence.
Why it works:
- Kids clinging to your dress or suit adds emotion to your photos.
- It makes family portraits feel more authentic and heartwarming.
- These small interruptions often lead to the most cherished, spontaneous shots.
Let go of perfection. Children being themselves next to you enhances the storytelling of your wedding day.
3. Feature the Rings in Tiny Hands
One of the most adorable wedding photo ideas is capturing your rings held in tiny hands. It creates a visual of innocence meeting lifelong commitment.
How to do it:
- Ask your flower girl or ring bearer to gently hold the rings.
- Use a special ring box or keepsake for added detail.
- Schedule this photo before the ceremony or during portraits.
This setup will not only melt your heart but also make a unique addition to your wedding gallery.
4. Give Kids a Role in the Ceremony
If you’re including older children in your wedding, why not let them take part in the ceremony itself?
3 Ideas to involve kids:
- Let them do a short reading before the vows.
- Pair them with a grandparent or sibling for comfort.
- Choose a passage or poem that reflects their spirit or family ties.
It’s a wonderful way to create meaningful memories, especially for blended families or those with children of their own.
5. Let Them Blow Bubbles or Throw Confetti
Children love interactive moments, and one of the best ways to keep them engaged is through fun traditions like confetti tossing or bubble blowing.
3 planning tips:
- Provide eco-friendly confetti or biodegradable bubble solutions.
- Ask kids to help distribute the confetti bags or bubble pots.
- Capture photos of kids mid-action for playful, joy-filled images.
Venue tip: Always check with your ceremony venue about their policies on confetti or bubbles to avoid any surprises.
6. Plan a Special Dance Just for Them
A fun way to include kids in your reception photos is through a dedicated dance.
Whether it’s with you, your partner, or just the group of kids at the wedding, this moment adds magic to your evening.
Dance ideas:
- A mini dance-off during the reception
- A special parent-child dance if it’s your own child
- A “kids only” moment on the dance floor for playful fun
These moments are visually delightful and incredibly heartwarming in photos.
7. Include Kids in the Cake Cutting
One of the most anticipated moments of any wedding is the cake cutting – and it’s even better when kids are part of it.
Ideas for capturing the moment:
- Let kids pretend to help with the knife (with adult supervision).
- Have them taste the icing for a candid reaction shot.
- Include your child between you and your partner for a sweet family portrait.
This photo idea guarantees cuteness and brings your wedding gallery to life with emotion and laughter.
Think Ahead: Create a Photo List with Your Photographer
Photographers often have wonderful ideas for kid-friendly shots, but it’s always wise to communicate your specific wishes.
Make a shot list that includes:
- Your flower girl and ring bearer walking down the aisle
- Candid shots during cocktail hour or dinner
- Family portraits including nieces, nephews, or your children
- Interactions between kids and older relatives (like grandparents)
Planning ahead ensures that the little ones don’t get missed in the excitement of the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose which children to include in my wedding photos?
Consider involving your immediate family’s children, your close friends’ kids, and any young relatives who may play a special role in your day. Including children who are already a part of your life will add sentimental value to the images.
What if my wedding is an adults-only event, but I still want to include children in the photos?
If your wedding is adults-only, consider hosting a pre-wedding or post-wedding event that includes children. This allows for family portraits that feature the kids without conflicting with the adults-only policy of the main ceremony.
Ready to Capture Every Sweet Detail?
If you’re planning a wedding in the UK and looking for a photographer who can beautifully capture every heartfelt moment, including the ones with your smallest guests, we’d love to hear from you!
Contact Big Day Productions today to learn more about our UK wedding photography and videography services. Let’s create photos you’ll cherish for generations.
