Children can bring a sense of wonder, spontaneity, and heart to your wedding day, but incorporating them requires more than just setting aside a few seats at the table. Thoughtful, stylish touches can elevate their presence from charming to unforgettable, creating moments that feel intentional, editorial, and deeply personal. From capturing cinematic family portraits to inviting them to share in a first look to curating favors designed just for them, there are unique ways to celebrate little ones while maintaining an event of your dreams. These 8 ideas prove that not only is involving children in your wedding possible, it's also magical and meaningful – a memory you all will treasure long after the final dance.
Bring the Joy With
Curated Entertainment
Sometimes, the best gift you can give your younger guests is the freedom to enjoy themselves. Hiring a children’s entertainer – such as a magician, storyteller, or balloon artist – adds a layer of delight while ensuring parents can relax and enjoy themselves. This curated entertainment becomes a mini-event within your wedding, sparking laughter and wide-eyed wonder. It's practical, thoughtful, and will be remembered as magical by the kids.
A First Look They’ll Never Forget
First looks aren’t just for couples, they can also be a meaningful way to include children in the excitement of the day. Imagine their eyes lighting up when they see you fully dressed for the first time – a moment layered with awe and emotion. It’s an opportunity to reinforce their role in your story and make them feel connected, important, and loved. Whether you capture it quietly or celebrate it openly, a shared first look can create unforgettable, heartwarming memories.
Georgia Fowler, Rebecca Spencer
Let Their Creativity Set the Scene
Children have a natural flair for creativity, and weddings are the perfect canvas for their imaginations. If your theme and event design allow, consider inviting them to contribute small, meaningful touches, such as adorning a tablescape, designing place cards, or crafting whimsical décor. For a playful twist, set out crayons and paper at the reception tables and let little guests color their way through dinner. This will keep them engaged while adding a layer of joyful, unscripted artistry to your day.
Elevate Your Bridal Party
What could be more charming than having children step into the spotlight as junior bridesmaids or groomsmen? Beyond the visual delight, it’s a meaningful gesture that shows them just how valued they are in your social circle. Whether they're wearing scaled-down versions of the other bridal party members' attire or something uniquely tailored, their presence brings innocence and warmth to the occasion. The result is a bridal party that feels more personal and familial – and undeniably photogenic.
Pernille Haugen, Luis Mendoza, Lightfeels Wedding
Favors Designed
With Children in Mind
A thoughtful touch goes a long way when it comes to keeping little ones happy throughout the festivities. Personalized favors, such as mini puzzles, coloring kits, or beautifully packaged sweet treats, signal that their experience has been considered just as much as the adults’. These tokens don't just entertain, they make children feel honored as true guests, not afterthoughts. It’s a simple yet impactful way to create smiles and ensure a smooth day.
Family Portraits Meet Editorial
Family portraits don't have to be stiff and obligatory – they can be artful, elevated, and joyful. By setting aside time for an editorial-style family photo shoot, you give your children the opportunity to be part of something timeless rather than traditional. Imagine chic backdrops, thoughtful poses, and playful spontaneity captured with sophistication. This approach transforms the usual formality into a celebrated highlight, creating images you’ll want to frame and display on your walls.
A Dance Floor Made for Everyone
Few things resonate as much as music, especially when it’s something everyone knows and loves. Adding a family dance with kid-friendly songs or nostalgic movie soundtracks transforms your reception into a celebration that spans generations. Children love having the chance to dance freely without the pressure of formal routines. The result? A joyous, unfiltered burst of energy that embodies what weddings are meant to be: togetherness.
See Your Day Through Their Eyes
See your wedding through their eyes by giving children a film or disposable camera. The images won’t be polished, but that’s precisely their beauty – they’re candid, unfiltered snapshots of how the day felt from three feet lower. From blurry dance floor shots to heartfelt captures of relatives laughing, these photos have a charm that no professional gallery could replicate. Later, when you develop the film, you'll have a whimsical and unexpected second perspective of your day.
