Fifteen years ago, when I said “I do,” social media wasn’t the omnipresent force it is today, so planning my wedding didn’t involve endless scrolling through online opinions. Instead, the choices about the venue, decorations, and guest list were made through heartfelt discussions with family and friends. Honestly, if I were planning today, I’d probably be overwhelmed by all the advice floating around out there.
We opted for a down-to-earth wedding. We rented a modest hall, took matters into our own hands with decorations, and my fabulous mother-in-law and aunt whipped up a feast fit for 200. My parents took charge of desserts, drinks, and flowers, while my father-in-law set up a sound system featuring our favorite CD mixes. Entertainment? Our talented family and friends took care of that, too. It was a budget-friendly celebration that turned out to be a blast.
And yes, kids were on the guest list. It was a no-brainer for us. My husband’s youngest sister was just eight at the time, and he had a ton of cousins ranging from six months to sixteen years old. Not inviting them never even crossed our minds.
It wasn’t until I became a parent and started attending weddings that I began to notice whether kids were invited. It often dictated my ability to attend. Could I leave my baby overnight? Was a babysitter in the budget for that long? While I’ve managed to attend most of the kid-free weddings I’ve been invited to, I’ve missed a few too.
After dealing with my own kids at events, I completely understand the hesitation some couples have about inviting children. They can be loud and a bit unruly. I once brought my toddler to a wedding (he was invited), and before I could stop him, he dove into a stunning cupcake display, smearing frosting everywhere. Thankfully, the bride laughed it off.
Ultimately, I believe couples should do what feels right for them regarding kids at their wedding. If they choose a no-kids policy, parents should make an effort to attend sans kiddos. However, let me make a case for including kids. Having a lively bunch of children at my wedding was one of the best decisions we made, and it created some of the most cherished memories of the day.
Our wedding was vibrant, loud, and occasionally a bit chaotic. A group of cousins even put on a charming (if slightly awkward) dance performance to “Put a Smile On Your Face.” Sure, there were some baby coos and cries during the ceremony, but nothing that overshadowed the moment. Most parents instinctively take their little ones out if they get disruptive, so it was all good.
Looking back, the presence of children made our wedding feel like home. It was a representation of family, which is what marriage meant to us. We wanted to start our own family while uniting our families, kids included. Sure, not every couple gets married with the intention of starting a family, but the gathering of family and friends is a core aspect of weddings, in my opinion. And despite their unpredictability, kids symbolize family in all its messy glory.
So, if you’re leaning towards a kid-free wedding, go for it! It’ll likely be quieter and less chaotic. But if you’re even somewhat considering inviting kids, trust me—you won’t regret it. Kids might add noise and a little mess, but they also bring joy, laughter, and unforgettable memories.
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In summary, inviting kids to my wedding was a decision I wholeheartedly support. It added a special touch to the day that I wouldn’t trade for anything.