Weddings are all about celebrating love and creating joyful memories. While the adults are busy enjoying the festivities, it’s important not to overlook the younger guests who are part of your special day.
At FPM Music Management, we know how essential it is to provide wedding entertainment that keeps children engaged so that everyone can enjoy the occasion. With our expertise in live bands and events, we have plenty of creative ways to make sure the little ones have just as much fun as the grown-ups.
Let's dive in!
1. Musical Games & Competitions
Kids are naturally drawn to music and movement, so why not set up games like freeze dance, musical chairs, or a limbo competition? These musical activities encourage participation and ensure children have an absolute blast on the dance floor.
Top Tip: Offer small prizes to the winners and provide fun props like hats, glow sticks, or inflatable instruments.
2. Create a Child-Friendly Zone
One of the best ways to keep children entertained at a wedding is to set aside a special area just for them. Fill it with colouring books, puzzles, and craft supplies. Games like Jenga, table football, and Connect Four can keep them entertained for hours. This dedicated space allows children to enjoy the day without needing constant supervision.
Top Tip: If your venue has outdoor space, set up a tent or canopy to create a cosy and inviting area for the kids.
3. Offer a Kid-Friendly Menu
Weddings can be long for children, so having a special menu for them can be a big hit. Include favourites like mini pizzas, chicken nuggets, and macaroni and cheese. For drinks, offer colourful mocktails with novelty straws. These simple, delicious options will keep them happy and satisfied during meal times.
Top Tip: Give kid-friendly dishes names like “Pirate Pizza” or “Fairy Fries” to add a playful touch to their dining experience.
4. Hire a Children's Entertainer
For a bit of extra magic, consider hiring a children’s entertainer, such as a magician, clown, or face painter. These professionals specialise in captivating young audiences, keeping them amused for hours with interactive shows that will get everyone involved. This is a great way to ensure the entertainment for children at your wedding is both fun and memorable.
Top Tip: Schedule the performance during quieter parts of the event, like speeches or formal toasts, to maintain a relaxed atmosphere.
5. Outdoor Activities
If you have access to outdoor space, make the most of it with games and activities that kids can enjoy. Organise a treasure hunt or scavenger hunt with small prizes for those who complete it. Set up lawn games like bean bag toss, hoopla, or a mini obstacle course to keep their energy levels high and spirits lifted.
Top Tip: Have someone supervise these activities to ensure safety and fun for all of the children involved.
6. Petting Zoo or Pony Rides
For countryside weddings, a petting zoo or pony rides can be a magical experience for children. Interacting with friendly animals never fails to delight and makes for adorable wedding photos!
Top Tip: Ensure the animals are well cared for and supervised by professionals to create a safe and enjoyable environment.
7. Set Up a Movie Corner
Create a cosy movie corner with bean bags, cushions, and a projector or large TV. Play a selection of children's films or cartoons throughout the event. This space offers kids a chance to unwind, especially during the latter parts of the celebration when they might feel tired or need to recharge.
Top Tip: Provide snacks like popcorn or fruit to make this corner extra inviting.
8. Crafting Stations
Let kids unleash their creativity with a crafting station where they can make their own keepsakes. Provide materials for simple crafts like friendship bracelets, decorating picture frames, or creating personalised wedding cards. This hands-on activity encourages self-expression and gives children a chance to take home a special memento from the wedding.
Top Tip: Include instructions and examples of what they can make, sparking imagination and independence in their crafting.
9. Involve Kids in Special Moments
Make children feel part of your wedding by involving them in special moments. Whether as flower girls, ring bearers, or helping distribute confetti, giving kids a role can make the day more memorable for them. It also helps them feel included and appreciated in the celebration.
Top Tip: Plan a special group photo session with all of the children, capturing their joy and excitement as part of your wedding memories.
10. Provide Disposable Cameras
Give children disposable cameras and let them capture the wedding from their perspective. This activity can keep them engaged and provide you with unique photos from your wedding day. Kids will love the opportunity to play photographer and document their favourite moments.
Top Tip: Set up a photo drop-off station where they can leave the cameras at the end of the night, ensuring you get a collection of their snaps to enjoy later.
11. Surprise Appearances
Surprise your younger guests with a visit from their favourite superhero or princess characters! These entertainers can amuse and interact with children through storytelling, games, and photo opportunities.
Top Tip: Coordinate their visit during a lull in the wedding schedule, such as during speeches or the cocktail hour.
12. Cupcake or Biscuit Decoration
A brilliant way to keep children entertained at a wedding is to set up a DIY cupcake or biscuit decorating station. Provide icing, sprinkles, and sweet treats so they can create their own delicious masterpieces.
Top Tip: Have a staff member oversee the area to assist the younger children and to ensure a fun (and mess-free!) experience.
13. Lego Station
Set up a dedicated Lego table where kids can design and build their own creations, brick by brick. This is a great hands-on activity that keeps children engaged while allowing their creativity to shine.
Top Tip: Challenge them to build something wedding-related, like a mini cake, a tiny bride and groom or even a Lego version of your venue!
14. Puppet Shows or Storytelling Sessions
Engage kids with a professional storyteller or puppet show. These performances will captivate the little ones and offer them a refreshing break from the main wedding festivities. The excitement of a well-told tale or animated puppetry is sure to create smiles all around.
Top Tip: If possible, pick a theme that ties into your wedding - be it a woodland adventure or a whimsical love story - to make the experience even more immersive.
Wrapping Up: How to Keep Children Entertained at a Wedding
Knowing how to keep children entertained at your wedding doesn't have to be difficult. With a bit of thoughtful planning and the right children's wedding entertainment, you can ensure even your youngest of guests have a fantastic time.
Here at FPM Music Management, we specialise in creating unforgettable experiences, providing top-quality live bands that will keep the celebration in full swing. Our bands cater to all ages, ensuring your wedding is a hit with guests both young and old.
Check out our blog for more wedding ideas and inspiration, and let us help you craft the perfect celebration with the best live music in the South West.
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