When I tied the knot 15 years ago, social media wasn’t the opinion factory it is today. Back then, decisions about our wedding—like the venue, decorations, and guest list—stemmed from heartfelt talks with family and friends rather than a deep dive into online advice. If I were planning it now, I’d probably end up doing a mix of both.
We opted for a cozy, DIY wedding. We rented a modest hall and took charge of the decorations ourselves. My wonderful mother-in-law and aunt whipped up a feast fit for 200 guests, while my parents handled the desserts, drinks, and flowers. My father-in-law set up the sound system with CD mixes that my husband and I curated. Our entertainment? Talented family and friends who belted out tunes throughout the night. The result? A fun, budget-friendly celebration.
And yes, we invited kids—an easy decision at the time. My husband’s youngest sister was just 8 years old, and he had countless cousins ranging from infants to teenagers. Excluding them never crossed our minds.
It wasn’t until I became a parent myself and started receiving wedding invitations that I began to notice whether kids were welcome. Sometimes, it determined whether I could attend or not. Could I afford a babysitter or leave my little one overnight? I managed to attend most kid-free weddings, but I inevitably missed a few.
Having tackled the challenge of bringing my own children to events, I completely understand why some couples choose not to invite kids. They can be loud and unpredictable. I remember bringing my 2-year-old to a wedding (where he was invited) and watching in horror as he dove face-first into a cupcake tower just moments after arriving. Thankfully, the bride found it hilarious!
Ultimately, the decision to invite kids should reflect what feels right for each couple. If a no-kids rule is established, parents should make an effort to attend without their little ones. However, I wholeheartedly advocate for including kids at weddings—not just for my convenience, but because having a lively group of children made our day truly special.
Our wedding was a whirlwind of joy, laughter, and a bit of chaos. A troupe of cousins even performed a dance to “Put a Smile On Your Face,” which was both charming and a little awkward. Babies cooed and cried during the ceremony, but it didn’t distract us. Most parents simply took their little ones outside if they became too noisy.
The presence of children filled our wedding with warmth and a sense of home, making it feel like a true family gathering. For my husband and me, celebrating our union alongside our families—kids included—was significant. It represented not just the joining of two people, but the blending of families, which was a big part of why we decided to marry in the first place.
Of course, every couple has their own vision for their wedding day, and a kid-free event can offer a quieter atmosphere with less chaos. But if you’re considering inviting children, I genuinely believe you won’t regret it. Kids may bring noise and a bit of mess, but they also infuse the day with joy, wonder, and lasting memories.
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In summary, inviting kids to our wedding added an element of joy that I will always cherish. It transformed our celebration into a vibrant family affair, highlighting the essence of what marriage is all about—coming together as one family.