Keeping Kids Quiet During a Wedding Ceremony

Keeping kids quiet at a wedding ceremony doesn't have to be a major challenge.

Noisy children are a big concern when planning a wedding ceremony. The only real way to avoid children in attendance at a wedding is to declare the ceremony for adults only. This is often not an option for couples with large families or who have out of town guests with small children. When children are present at a wedding ceremony, there are pre-emptive measures the couple getting married, and the parents of the children can take to help kids stay quiet.

Babysitters

If the bride and groom know there are going to be many young children attending the wedding ceremony, it might be wise to hire a babysitter or two for the occasion. The children can be watched by a trusted friend or even a teenage relative in the bridal couple's home, or in a separate room in the building where the ceremony is being held. If the bridal couple chooses to go this route they should keep in mind that not all parents may feel comfortable having their children babysat, especially if the person watching the children is a stranger. In cases such as this there still may be children in attendance at the ceremony.

Distractions

A great way to help kids stay quiet during a wedding ceremony is to keep their hands and minds busy. Parents can bring crayons and coloring books to keep children engaged. The bride and groom can also provide special coloring gift bags at the door for guests who have children.

Electronic Games

Use age appropriate electronic games to keep the kids busy. These types of games are a great way to pass the time during what children will most likely consider a very boring ceremony. When using electronic games to occupy a child during the wedding ceremony, it's important to make sure that the game is in silent mode.

DVDs

If a parent knows the wedding ceremony is going to be particularly lengthy, a portable DVD player and headphones can be a good way to keep kids quiet and happy. Kids will be likely to whine and make a fuss.

Keep Kids Seperated

Most parents know that two children dressed in uncomfortable clothes in an unfamiliar place are likely going to bicker or fight -- particularly siblings. When bringing more than one child to a wedding ceremony a parent or other adult should sit between each child. The less access the kids have to each other during the ceremony, the less likely a noisy fight or a loud bout of laughter will interrupt the ceremony.

Snacks and Drinks

A hungry child can be a very whiny child, so it is important to provide snacks and drinks. Parents can bring quiet snacks and juice boxes for their own kids, and the bride and groom can also provide a snack bag to guests with children at the door. Parents who have babies present at the ceremony should make sure they have a fresh bottle or two. Breastfeeding moms should expect that they may need to nurse during the ceremony to keep their babies happy.

References

• Hope for the Family: Ten Ideas for Keeping Your Child Quiet in Church
• Confetti: How to Keep Small Ones Entertained on Your Big Day