Fifteen years ago, I tied the knot in an environment far removed from the social media frenzy that dictates so much of our lives today. Back then, choices regarding our wedding—everything from the venue and decorations to the guest list—were shaped by heartfelt discussions with family and friends rather than endless scrolling for opinions online. Today, I dare say I might approach it differently, but at that time, we planned a wonderfully simple celebration.
We opted for a humble hall, took care of the decorations ourselves, and were fortunate to have my talented mother-in-law and aunt whip up a feast for 200 guests. My parents handled the desserts, drinks, and flowers, while my father-in-law set up a sound system that played our personalized CD mixes. The entertainment was a delightful showcase of talent from our family and friends, making for an enjoyable atmosphere.
And yes, we decided to invite kids to our wedding. It was a no-brainer for us—my husband’s youngest sister was just 8 years old, and he had a multitude of cousins ranging from infants to teens. Excluding them from our special day never even crossed our minds.
Fast forward to when I became a parent and started attending weddings myself, and I began to notice how the presence or absence of children affected my decision to attend. Questions swirled in my mind: Would I be able to leave my baby overnight? Could I afford a babysitter for that long? While I’ve managed to make it to most of the “adults-only” weddings, I’ve had to miss a few due to those very reasons.
Having navigated the challenges of bringing my kids to events, I completely understand why some couples choose not to invite children. They can be loud and unpredictable. I once brought my 2-year-old to a wedding where he was invited, and before I could intervene, he had plunged into a spectacular cupcake display, much to the bride’s amusement.
Ultimately, I believe every couple should do what feels right for them regarding kids at their wedding. If they decide on a no-kids policy, then parents should respect that and make the effort to attend without their little ones. However, let me advocate for including kids in weddings—not just because it’s easier for parents like me, but because having a lively group of children at our wedding made the day truly memorable.
Our celebration was filled with joy, laughter, and a touch of delightful chaos. Young cousins stole the show with an adorable dance to “Put a Smile On Your Face,” and the sounds of babies cooing or crying simply added to the atmosphere. It felt like family, and that’s the essence of what my husband and I envisioned for our marriage—uniting our families and embracing the chaos that comes with it.
While not every couple aims to start a family right away, the gathering of loved ones to witness the union is a core aspect of any wedding. Children, with all their noise and unpredictability, embody the spirit of family.
If you prefer a kid-free wedding, that’s perfectly valid; you’ll have a more serene environment with less risk of accidental mishaps. But if you’re contemplating inviting kids, I assure you, you won’t regret it. They bring joy, wonder, and a treasure trove of beautiful memories to any celebration.
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In conclusion, whether you choose to include children or not, remember that each wedding reflects your unique vision and values.
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