Friend's Kids at Wedding?

Thanks for the feedback and encouragement! Sorry this definitely didn’t get posted in the group I thought...apparently I am great at falling down the wedding planning rabbit hole further than I think lol. Wedding is still over a year away so I’ll keep people posted or ask for more tips as we get into the gritty details.

That's a great idea! If was available I am sure parents would be very appreciative of it.

Our wedding will be no kids except for those who are coming from out of town and are family.

We have a number of friends and family with little ones 7months to 7 years and we have created special wedding favors with mega blocks, stuffed animals, stickers thing's to keep them busy. Our venue has a few small rooms where we have thought of setting up little beds for them in case they pass out early, we have air pads and pillows and blankets just in case. Typically the parents just want to call it a night but that's why after our wedding reception is over were going back to the hotel and going to gather there and catch up with friends and family.

We didn't do this for our wedding but it is a lovely idea! I think just having stuff to keep them entertained as you said and some food should be fine.

I think that's a great idea!!

There will likely only be a 5-10 children, total, at my wedding - I've planned to hire a babysitter, and to set up a 'sleeping area' at our reception. We have several small rooms in the hall, beside the main hall, so we'll use one of those.

This way parents can stay and enjoy the party, the littles can play and dance and then crash!

I think it's a great idea to have a kids area! You could probably even have some of the older nieces/nephews watch the younger children (if they are interested in doing that). Since the tent will be nearby, if there are any issues, the parents are right there to come deal with it.

I would suggest having a variety of activities. Children get bored easily and so having a mix of games, sports, books, colouring, crafts, will be helpful to keep their bodies busy and their minds off the fact that their parents aren't right beside them.

Chances of hiring an actual daycare is unlikely. As an RECE I've never heard of centres doing that. However you can place an ad online looking for 3-5 RECEs(or however many you think you may need) to hire to do that. They will likely bring a lot of their own books and activities, you'd probably just have to provide larger activities and games.