I tied the knot 15 years ago, in a time when social media wasn’t inundating us with wedding advice from every corner of the internet. Back then, decisions about our big day—like the venue, decorations, and guest list—were made through good old-fashioned conversations with family and friends. Honestly, if I were planning my wedding today, I might find myself scouring the web for tips and tricks, just like everyone else.
Our wedding was wonderfully DIY. We rented a modest hall, decked it out ourselves, and my fantastic mother-in-law and aunt whipped up a feast fit for 200 guests. My parents took care of the desserts, drinks, and flowers, while my father-in-law set up a sound system with playlists that my husband and I curated. The entertainment? It came from our talented family and friends who serenaded us throughout the night. It was all done on a budget, and it was an absolute blast.
Oh, and yes, we invited kids. It never even crossed my mind to exclude them. My husband’s youngest sister was just 8 years old at the time, and with a whole crew of cousins ranging from 6 months to 16 years, not inviting them simply wasn’t an option.
Fast forward to when I became a parent and started receiving wedding invites myself. Suddenly, I paid attention to whether kids were included on the guest list. Sometimes, it made the difference between me attending or staying home. Could I leave my baby overnight? Would I need to hire a babysitter? While I’ve made it to most kid-free weddings I’ve been invited to, I’ve had to skip a few as well.
Having wrangled my own little ones at events, I completely understand why some couples choose not to invite kids. They can be loud and unpredictable. I once brought my 2-year-old to a wedding where he promptly sprinted over to a stunning cupcake display and smashed his face into one before I could intervene. Thankfully, the bride found it hilarious!
That said, I believe it’s entirely up to each couple to decide on their guest list. If they opt for a no-kids policy, parents should make an effort to attend child-free. But let me advocate for inviting kids—it’s not just about convenience for me. Having a lively bunch of kids at our wedding was one of the best decisions we made and created some of the most unforgettable moments of the day.
Our wedding was vibrant, loud, and occasionally chaotic. A group of cousins performed an adorable, albeit slightly awkward, dance to “Put a Smile On Your Face.” Sure, there were a few baby coos and cries during the ceremony, but nothing that threw us off track. Most parents simply took their little ones outside if they got too noisy, which is common.
The laughter and energy from the kids filled our wedding with warmth and made it feel like home. It reflected the essence of family, which is what marriage meant to my husband and me. Bringing our families together, including the kids, embodied the spirit of our union.
Of course, not every couple plans to start a family right away, but I believe that the gathering of loved ones during a wedding is crucial, and kids represent family in all its chaotic glory.
So, if you’re considering a kid-free wedding, go for it! It’ll be quieter, and there’s a lesser chance of things getting broken (unless someone overindulges in the drinks). But if you feel even the slightest urge to invite kids, trust me—you won’t regret it. They bring a sense of wonder and a whirlwind of memories that last a lifetime.
For more on the journey of family and love, check out this insightful post on home insemination. Also, if you’re looking into fertility options, Make a Mom has great resources to explore. And for those expecting, March of Dimes offers excellent guidance through pregnancy.
In summary, inviting kids to your wedding can turn a good event into a heartwarming celebration filled with laughter and unforgettable memories.