Weddings And Children Can Be A Dangerous Combination
Most of the romantic and idyllic wedding scenes we have seen in movies involve cute and lovable children. However, being the cheery, innocent and fun creatures that they are, most often weddings, at least in the movies, involving children turn out to be hilarious and disastrously amusing.
We know that children are fun seekers and would not cease to entertain themselves during boring hours. Children cannot easily calm down and comprehend the fun adults have on weddings. The occasion can be quite boring to them.
When children get bored, they become trouble to adults. They can roam around, throw food at people, fight with other kids or ruin things. These are entertaining to them, but can be nightmares to adults, especially to brides and grooms during weddings.
Should You Invite the Children?
Face the facts. Most brides and grooms are just not crazy about the idea of having kids at their weddings.
The very thought of having an unruly child mess up her gown or upset the bridesmaids sets panic in any bride-to-be. Unfortunately, many parents are not very sensitive to the concern. They don’t appreciate or comprehend how a bride could not want their cute and loveable kids at the wedding.
Wedding etiquette guides and books suggest that you should make it clear on the invitation that children are not invited. They offer two ways of stating that the bride and groom would rather not have children in attendance. Either omit the kids’ names from the invitation, or verbally spread the word that your wedding is an “adult only” occasion.
The second option can make you feel uncomfortable, but it is better than having to endure a child’s tantrums or misbehavior during your special day.
Because not all people understand and know wedding etiquette, it is sensible that at some occasions, the couple should be straightforward and inform the guests beforehand that the wedding would involve an ‘adult reception.’
In some cases, you will need to be frank in telling guests that kids are not welcome at the ceremony or the reception. It may seem impolite, but think about it from a practical standpoint. Formality is an important element in your once-in-a-lifetime day. Recognize and protect it.
If you’d like to be a little more subtle, you can simply state the number of seats that are reserved for your guests. When you say that “Mr. and Mrs. Mercer have two seats reserved” on the invitation, you’re clearly stating that Mercer’s five kids will not have a place at the wedding. There should be no question about it.
Guests who do not take your cues and insist on bringing their kids should be dealt with directly. Contact them before the wedding and explain why children are not included. Consider it a little lesson in wedding etiquette.
Wedding etiquette for the parents
For parents, if it is not said in the wedding invitation that children are not permitted to attend the wedding, and the couple and hosts did not call to emphasize the idea, then it is safe to assume that you could bring along your children.
However, you must remember your simple wedding etiquette and deal with any unruly behavior immediately. You wouldn’t want your own wedding spoiled by a child’s tantrum.
Imagine that you are the bride or groom, and how you would feel if a child caused a scene at your wedding. Suddenly, the kids may begin to lose a little of their cuteness.
As a guest of the bride and groom, you should take the initiative and leave your children at home. They’ll probably have more fun anyway, playing with their own toys or watching TV, or even doing their homework. Weddings can be dreadfully boring for kids, and their boredom can easily lead to a wedding-crashing scene.
If you must bring the children, put your own wedding etiquette to good use and make the most of the occasion. Use it to teach your kids manners and proper behavior at formal events. Turn this occasion into a learning opportunity, and explain that you expect your children to behave like the adult guests.
This would be the best teaching occasion to show the kids how to act during weddings, and train them about some table and social manners.
Wedding etiquette also tells us to learn from each occasion. It teaches couples how to be good and patient hosts. It teaches parents to take responsibility for their children and to teach the kids valuable social skills.
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