Kids area?

Micqs

SOOOO.  I thought I had the whole wedding thing down in terms of lowest cost at our reception.  We have a minimum but we were told it was a total, not food and beverage.  The lady who started our "case" was let go from our venue.  NOW we find out that our minimum is just food and beverage.  (turns out this was in the contract and my fiance didnt read it when he signed it.  My fault so I cant complain too).  ANYWAY.  Our original plan was to omit children from the ceremony and reception.  But now that we have to meet this minimum, we have to include them on the guest list.  Ive been to many weddings in which children had a tendency to run crazy and out of control causing more people to chase after them than enjoying themselves.  Im not negative about kids, I just dont want to worry about children and people not enjoying themselves due to chasing their child.  So, has anyone done or heard of someone doing a kids area?  By kid's area, I mean a corner or area within eye sight that has kids related activities to keep them entertained without preventing parents from enjoying themselves.  I was brainstorming today and I thought maybe this area could have coloring books, legos, blocks, games, etc that might provide them with some of their own age entertainment. 

libby2483

We did not do any sort of kids area or have any special children's activities at our wedding.  The kids at our wedding danced, played outside on the patio, and used the photobooth.  We didn't have any misbehavior issues.  I personally think creating a kid's area just sounds like unnecessary time and effort, but perhaps others can give you some suggestions of what worked for them.

libby2483

Also, if you don't want kids there, which it sounds like you are hesitant about, you could ask your venue if you could meet the minimum in other ways: offer additional appetizers, upgrade the bar, offer a late night snack, etc.

HobokensFury

We had an adults only wedding. I would personally invite more adult friends and co workers before I invited children but that's my own personal bias.

vandoolr

Some places will offer a board room (near the reception room) where you can hire a babysitter and put a movie on. You could have other activities available too. When we toured some venues they highlighted that feature.

I'm creating activity packs with colors, and activity book and other little trinkets (stickers, etc.).

Maggie0829

I really don't think a "kid's area" is necessary.  The weddings you have been to with the kids running crazy all over the place is more the parents fault then the kids.  You need to trust that the parents will bring the necessary items to keep their kids occupied.  Also, I had 3 young kids (under the age of 4) at my wedding and they had a blast dancing the night away.

As for Vandoolr's suggestion of hiring a babysitter, that is not the best idea.  Parents really do not feel comfortable leaving their children with a person or persons they have never met before.

If you really don't want kids at your wedding then don't invite them.  I am sure there are plenty of people you could include in your guest list to meet the minimum that aren't kids.

[Deleted User]

You stil don't have to invite them if you don't meet the minimum you still just pay the minimum usually.  Basically they are saying we want to at least make X amount.  I found several venues that said if I didn't meet the minimum I could just pay what was left that day so just ask

Chrisnpriss

I'm actually having a kids area. Well there's a room where I want to accommodate for the few kids that will be there. If you have the space why not. I'm a preschool teacher so I plan on making pails with coloring books .. crayons.. games.. something to keep thm busy and a tv an dvds. Nowadays every kid has an ipad or iPod .. Parents will be responsible for their kids.