Kid-Friendly Weddings

July 31, 7:36 AMDC Metro Area Parenting ExaminerMichelle Flannigan

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Children waiting to sprinkle flower petals at
the feet of the new couple. Photographer: Beth
Nelson.

I recently took my boys to the most kid-friendly wedding I have ever attended. Children were welcomed and included in both the ceremony and the reception. They had a great time, and as a result, so did all the parents.

Here are a few ideas I learned from my cousin AJ and her new husband Joel:

1) Get married outside. If children get fidgity, parents can take them away from the seating area and still have a decent view of the ceremony while their toddlers play in the grass.

2) Instead of one or two flower girls, invite all children to the altar. Ask them to grab some rose petals from a basket and sprinkle them at the feet of the bride and groom.

3) Ask the photographer to organize a group photograph of all guests after the ceremony, including youngsters.

4) If you have an open or cash bar, make sure the bartender keeps a cooler full of alcohol-free, caffeine-free drinks on hand. It's a real treat for a preschooler to drink strawberry soda.

5) Assign tables at the reception. Lay coloring books with crayons at the seats of all toddlers and preschoolers.

6) Hire a balloon man.