So I had a thought ! with weddings not quite happening when they were originally planned, there is the possibility that their maybe a few new additions on your guest list !
Here are some tips to help you keep your little ones entertained and some tips to help your day run smoothly when there’s children involved.
I love it when there are kiddies at weddings, they add that touch of spontaneity and fun with their energy and excitement. I always make sure that they are given time to get involved and be part of what’s going on. When there are children involved in the photography at weddings it’s important to understand that things have to be a little more flexible and fluid in order to get the most out of them.
Kids are fab, but they don’t usually run to a plan or schedule so here’s some tips to help your day work with little ones…
Snacks….
Have them on stand by, children are natural grazers and they’ll be a lot happier if they aren’t hungry, stash them in your changing bag and have that to hand, put some in Grandad’s pocket or Nanna’s handbag too!
Getting Ready in the morning
So if you’re still feeding your little one then they’ll definitely be with you in the morning , have some share clothes incase you need to change after feeding them, wear thin layers so you don’t get to hot.
Have a designated Nanny/friend to take them for a stroll in the pushchair to give you time to get ready and relax and hopefully they’ll have a sleep.
Get the kids involved, give them a job to do. They could be making a card for someones birthday at the wedding or drawing a picture of the newly married couple to pin up at the reception.
Let them feel grown up , they can have their hair and make up done too. It’s a great way to make them feel part of the day and not a spare part in the way.
If your little ones are a bit older they may want to get ready with the groomsmen , this can be a really lovely experience as they can feel really grown up and part of the gang. Try to leave getting the children dressed until last.
If your little ones are walking done the aisle if it is possible, have a little practise before your guests arrive, if your getting ready at the venue, have a wander to the ceremony room and take a look. Make it fun, dance, twirl skip down the aisle with your little ones so it seems fun and not too serious. If you have a baby in arms get one of your bridesmaid to carry them down the aisle.
A great opportunity to get a lovely family portrait is after you’ve signed the register. If you little ones are happy to take part and are awake then this is the perfect time also your guests may like to take their own pictures of you all as a family too.
Confetti is the perfect time too, let them throw some confetti or have some bubbles for them to blow.
Games,… everyone loves a good game , from crochet , Jenga to a sack race ,… it also means that the adults and kiddies mix and they can play together.
If your venue has a fantastic outside lawn/ space make the most of it.
I love this Alice in Wonderland inspired wedding, Flamingo crochet on the lawn,… and jam tarts for desert.
A tea set , set out on a big blanket can be fun.
Group shots , I will always make these fun and relaxed but with children it’s always good to had a bit of movement and fun so they don’t get bored.
Speeches…
If your doing your speeches at the beginning of your meal, either have some bread rolls available or have your children’s meals brought then, they’ll be quite happy munching through their meal wait your doing your speeches.
Have an activity pack on the table, you can either make these yourself or buy them online.. Amazon have these from as little as £2.99 each. They can be busy colouring and drawing.
Photography Challenge
I have created a PHOTO challenge check list, put some disposable cameras on the tables or let the children use a mobile phone . They have to photograph everything on the list during the meal and there could be a prize!
Click here to download FREE printable Checklist,… PHOTO CHALLENGE.
This to photograph ….
- The newly married couple
- Someone laughing
- Something very beautiful
- The best dressed person
- The best beard
- The cake. and many more.
Later in the day…
Time out, be prepared to step away from all your guests for a bit with your children,….
to grab some fun portraits
Don’t be too precious if they shirts are a bit creased by then or they don’t want to wear their ties, it’s absolutely fine.
It could be that when I do your group family portraits that your little one was asleep, so it could be that your personal family portraits are captured later on when they have been feed and are awake and are good to go.
PhotoBooths…
These are great fun whether your young or not so young…
If you are having a DIY photo booth it might be worth having someone to keep an eye on the props so they don’t all disappear.
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Dazzled by the lights…
Children absolutely love disco lights , this can be a really fun part of the day watching them chase the strobes and twirl around in the colours.
There is often a little gap between the end of the meal and evening reception you could have a little early children’s disco with the music a little softer so the kiddies get to have a good boogie before the dancefloor antics start !
Here’s my free download PHOTO Challenge , to keep the kiddies entertained at Dinner. Get them to photograph a list of things they’ll love it .
https://static.showit.co/file/B3dhMkeiQpuThxwkck9BYg/52401/photochallengedownload.pdf
Photography is a great skill for life and it engages the photographer with it’s subject and environment a great way to develop their creative minds and understanding .
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