FI and I were discussing this tonight and he told me to post it on here to get your opinions.
Since we are having 2 entree choices for the adults, I naturally thought it to be appropriate to include a separate meal for the kids that they would like, since our entree selections are going to be a 6 oz steak or smoked chicken. The restaurant that will be doing out food has mini corn dogs on their kids' menu and I thought that would be a good finger food for the kids, and easy for us to clean up.
Now the dilemma: FMIL told FI that we shouldn't have a separate selection for the kids since "most parents just give the kids some of their food off of their plate." My argument is, "What about when the kids that are 6 or 7 and need more food than just a little bit off their parent's plate?" And I don't foresee too many children under the age of 13 or so wanting steak or chicken. And if the kids do want steak or chicken, fine; they will be able to mark their selection on the RSVP card.
The way FI explained it to me is that it seems FMIL is concerned about spending extra money on food for the younger kids. But the restaurant doing the catering is actually the last place I worked at (I just left in November since I finally got a job in my field) and know that full payment can be made after the event so we would only be paying for the food served at the event (unused portions can be used at the restaurant since they are on the restaurant's regular menu).
What are your thoughts on having a separate selection for the younger children? Are you planning on doing a kids' meal?