Reflecting back on my wedding day, which took place 15 years ago, I’m grateful that social media wasn’t a constant source of external opinions back then. Decisions about the wedding, from the venue to the guest list, were shaped through genuine conversations with family and friends rather than endless online research. Today, I’d probably rely on various blogs and forums for advice, but at the time, we had a simple, heartfelt ceremony.
We opted for a cozy venue that we decorated ourselves. My wonderful mother-in-law and aunt prepared a feast for around 200 guests, while my parents contributed desserts, drinks, and flowers. My father-in-law set up the sound system, featuring playlists curated by my husband and me. The entertainment was provided by our talented family and friends, making for an unforgettable celebration.
One of the decisions that came naturally to us was inviting children. My husband’s youngest sister was just 8 years old at the time, and many of his cousins ranged from infants to teenagers. Excluding kids simply wasn’t an option we considered. It wasn’t until I had kids of my own and started attending weddings that I began to notice the impact of whether children were included. The question of childcare often dictated my ability to attend.
Having dealt with my own children at events, I completely understand why some couples choose to have kid-free weddings. Kids can be unpredictable and messy—like the time my toddler, at a wedding he was invited to, dove straight into a gorgeous cupcake display before I could intervene! Luckily, the bride found it hilarious, but it definitely underscored the chaos that kids can bring.
That said, I firmly believe it’s a personal choice whether or not to include children in wedding celebrations. If couples decide on a no-kids policy, I think parents should make an extra effort to attend without their little ones. However, I passionately advocate for including kids, as their presence made our wedding a vibrant and joyous occasion.
Our wedding was lively and a bit chaotic, filled with children performing a dance to “Put a Smile On Your Face.” I recall some babies cooing and others crying during our ceremony, but it only added to the warmth of the day. The sounds of laughter and excitement created an atmosphere that felt like home, encapsulating everything that marriage meant to my husband and me. It was about uniting our families and starting a life together, with all its beautiful messiness.
While not every couple may envision starting a family right away, the essence of a wedding is about celebrating family and friends coming together. Children, with their unpredictability, symbolize the joy and chaos of family life.
So, if you’re considering a kid-free wedding, I understand the appeal of a quieter, more controlled environment. But if you have even the slightest inclination to invite kids, I wholeheartedly believe you’ll cherish the joyful noise they bring. They add a layer of magic and lasting memories to any occasion.
For those interested in topics related to starting a family, check out this insightful article on intracervical insemination and for a deeper dive into couples’ fertility journeys, visit Make a Mom. Additionally, if you’re curious about the success rates of various fertility treatments, WebMD provides excellent information.
In summary, inviting kids to our wedding created an unforgettable atmosphere of joy and chaos that truly represented what we wanted our union to symbolize—family, love, and life.