What is the point of allowing them to an event they don't understand?
2007-01-15 07:32:19 · 43 answers · asked by Anonymous in Family & Relationships ➔ Weddings
Children need to experience life and being part of family traditions will stay with them forever. How will a little girl learn to dream of her own wedding unless she is part of one as a child? These events shape their view of family and encourages the passing along of traditions.
2007-01-15 07:43:51 · answer #1 · answered by Jennifer D 5 · 2⤊ 2⤋
I think weddings can be appropriate with or without children. For some families, weddings are a celebration for all family members including children, especially when children play an active role in the couples lives (i.e., nieces and nephews). Others may prefer a more adult atmosphere and choose not to include them and that is fine as well. I do think pre-adolescent children and older understand weddings and including children is a nice way to demonstrate how one should behave during social functions. It also gives them opportunities to see family members they may not have seen in a long time and interact with other children in the family.
2007-01-15 07:47:05 · answer #2 · answered by Veronica W 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think it really depends on the style of the wedding and the wishes of the bride and groom. If the wedding is very formal and the bride and groom do not want children as the ceremony then there are several options: have childcare at the event, make it know ahead of time, etc. If the wedding is more casual and/or children are involved in the family events and are welcome then make sure that there is appropriate food and activities to keep the children occupied.
My daughter got married and knew that there were lots of children in the family and that she was close to some of them. They wanted the kids to be involved in the wedding and have fun. They had the catering serve french fies and chicken nuggets in addition to the Adult oriented buffet. They invited the kids to participate in the reception and dance and have fun. I watched the DVD and was amazed at how happy everyone seemed.
2007-01-15 07:46:45 · answer #3 · answered by debwils_4kids 4 · 3⤊ 1⤋
YES!
They are part of the family and should come even if they don't know what going on. They know it important, they will get that from the adults around them. So what if they cry, or do something. At the end of the day two people will be married, and I have yet to see a perfect wedding. So yes they should attend, let them see what life is about, and join in they will learn a lot, enjoy themselves, eat cake, maybe have their picture taken with bride. After all a wedding is the START of a new family and everyone should celebrate that.
By the way, in our church, a wedding is open to the public. That is ANYONE can witness the ceremony. They can walk in off the street and sit down.
We had kids from 2 or three up, we had a child friendly reception at the church, cake, punch, light dinner. Yes a few kid did get loud, but I siced an uncle on them, and they got louder and had a great time. If you want have an adult reception go ahead but invite the kids to the wedding.
2007-01-15 07:46:01 · answer #4 · answered by Richard 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
We let the parents decide if they wanted to bring their children to our wedding. Many people came from out of state and brought their children with them. The youngest ones, about three or four years old really didn't understand what the event was for, but the six year olds and older sure did ... and they thought they were lucky to attend!
We set up a "kids table" at the reception, with games, coloring books, juice boxes, stuffed animals for them to keep, a few sweets, stickers, etc. It was a hit. When the kids weren't dancing, they were playing at the table.
I did not mind the children coming to our celebration ... I was pleased that everyone came and had a great time!
2007-01-15 07:44:50 · answer #5 · answered by aivilo 3 · 3⤊ 1⤋
This has been a hot topic lately.
You will find answers on both sides of the issue.
I am a no kids at weddings supporter. I dont think they belong there. I am not a child hater (have 2 extremely well behaved girls of my own) but that being said, I know places where they should be and where they shouldnt. For the same reasons that I wouldnt take them to the Four Seasons for dinner, I wouldnt take them to a wedding. Kids are unpredictable and command attention, they cant help it.
I think a wedding day should be focused on 2 people, the bride and groom, but kids will be kids and you can never guarantee that the focus of the wedding will be where it should be when they are around.
Plus, a wedding and reception is a long day for a kid, the last thing anyone wants to hear is a tired kid whining about wanting to go home or worse an over tired kid crying.
2007-01-15 07:42:00 · answer #6 · answered by kateqd30 6 · 2⤊ 2⤋
I think it's just personal choice.
We are saying NO children because our cater charges a flat fee of $75 per head, not discount for children and you can not bring in your own food.
Most of the people we invited, don't even care. They are actually looking forward to a night out without their kids and they understand how expensive a wedding is. Sorry but I am not spending $75 a head to have a bunch of 3 year olds running around!!
2007-01-15 08:06:42 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The answer to this question really is up to the couple. Sometimes the event itself will be too late in the evening for small children, other times it is financial concerns that dictate no children. I am inviting many children to my wedding, mostly because I like kids, and always felt kind of slighted when I wasn't invited as a child. The funny thing is, when I told friends and family that there children would be welcome, most said thanks but no thanks. Many of them have chosen to get baby sitters so they can enjoy an adult night by themselves.
2007-01-15 10:17:03 · answer #8 · answered by MelB 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say that it is entirely your (and your fiance's) decision. My fiance and I are debating an adult reception, but we're considering an acception to the rule for children of the immediate family (plus, I want my own son in the wedding). I have a lot of family and friends from out of state that I also don't want to hinder them from coming if they can't bring their children. We've also considered writing a small note in the invitations that there will be care providers available upon request. In other words, we would get a couple hotel rooms for the night and hire in a couple certified child care professionals to attend to the children while the "grown-ups" enjoy their evening.
Hope this helps. Congrats and good luck!
2007-01-15 08:41:41 · answer #9 · answered by angel 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's generally up to the bride and groom - but don't kid yourself about them not understanding: kids are WAY smarter then we adults give them credit for. Trust me, my 7 and 5 year are very clear on what a wedding is all about, the meaning, etc - my 3 year old is getting there.
Besides - based on the current divorce rate, it's safe to bet that half your adult guests don't fully understand what the event is really all about either.
2007-01-15 08:36:58 · answer #10 · answered by Chrys 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, everyone is going to have a different thought on this,but mine is:
They could come to the ceremony, but that's it. For my wedding, we are not inviting anyone under the age of 19 - family or not - If they were our children, different story, but that's not the case.
I find the problem with inviting children to a wedding, the parents of that child doesn't get to really enjoy themselve at the wedding - because they are having to tend to a child - making sure they are behaving, cutting their food, leaving early if they are tired and so on, so that is why I feel the way I do.
2007-01-15 07:45:57 · answer #11 · answered by eyesoredesigns.com 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋