Most people who are planning a wedding will draw up a guest list but give no thought to the younger people who attend.
Specifically, what about the toddlers? Your sister may have a toddler; your cousin may be bringing along their twin toddlers; or maybe you and your partner have one. A bored, unhappy toddler is a recipe for a tantrum on a good day, and, on your wedding day, it’s the last thing you want.
Of course, your wedding day is your day, but in order to prevent tantrums, here are some top tips to keep the toddlers in attendance happy.
Create a Kiddies’ Corner
OK, starting at the beginning! When you are looking into wedding venues, ask them if they have toys on-site for younger guests, and if they don’t, ask them if it’s OK for you (and your relatives) to bring toys along to create a kiddies’ corner.
This is pretty much what it sounds like. A space that is full of colorful toys, coloring books, and brain teasers that are age-appropriate. This will need to be watched over by members of the wedding party (take it in turns!) but with a distraction and a dedicated space, the chance of your toddler guests losing their temper will go down.
Offer Face Painting
This can be a fun activity for the toddler, kids, and even the adults who attend your wedding reception.
If your budget can stretch to it, why not hire a face painter? This could even be an ideal addition to your wedding in general if you and your husband are artistic. Who says that all of the face painting has to be of butterflies? This can be reserved for the toddlers and kids, while you and your husband get your faces painted in white and gold (a dove or gold rings, for example). This will make for some very interesting wedding photos a few years down the line!
Provide Child-Friendly Food
Most people who have experience of toddlers will know that the majority of them have a favorite food. Usually, this is chicken nuggets! When you are planning your wedding venue menu, be sure to include some child-friendly food options, which can be healthy and pretty, without looking out of place on the buffet table.
This will help to prevent the toddler(s) at your wedding from becoming tired, frustrated, and hungry, all of which are a recipe for disaster. As Supernanny herself says, “you need to keep the blood sugar up to prevent crying!” Also, be sure to invest in juice boxes and, if you aren’t sure of your toddler guests’ favorite food or drink, just ask their parents and be sure to get in more than you think would be needed.
Oh, and be sure to save them some cake that they can take home!
Remember, a toddler can be tough, but a bored, tired toddler can be even tougher. It’s not about giving in, it’s about giving them activities to keep them occupied, so you can focus on your big day stress-free. Good luck!