Child care during wedding/reception

[Ali_P]

Almost every couple we've invited have kids, we were hoping some of them may find child care at home, but all are bringing their kids (we did invite them as a courtesy as we love our friends and absolutely wanted them to come with or without the children). Just wondering if any of you provided daycare for your event? I would prefer to have an "adult" reception after dinner, and just wondering how to handle the kids. Also, most are under the age of 6, and I'd rather not have "meltdowns" during the wedding as well. FYI~ there will be 15+ (under age 10) kids attending. Any ideas how to handle this dilemma would be appreciated (my FI and I don't have children, so this is a little challenging for us).

[Kelly C]

Hmmm... Well we invited guest with kids and they all said they were brining them and when it came down to it the only child is my own. She is alittle bumed that she wont have anyone to play with. After the dinner she is going back with my parents they are not big partyers so it is no big deal. Have these people already booked their trip? If not I wouldn't stress to much about it.

[Ali_P]

There are 6 children with airline tix so far, and since most of these friends are mutual friends, I think they'll all bring them.

[Kelly C]

Crap!!! Hmmm... Well when we thought we were going to have alot more kids we were going to bring FI cousin she is 20 and we were going to pay her way to watch the little people. Might be an idea?

[Hartyt509]

Difficult I think you may be stuck with it because I doubt they will be happy to take them all that way and then have to dump them for a few hours.

[selina]

I find that kiddies gravitate towards one another at weddings and ending up creating their own little parties, which keeps the parents happy and prevents boredom (which is the primary culprit to the onset of a meltdown).

 

I have 2- 4 year olds (twins) so I know... The best thing you can do to prevent the kids from getting bored and acting out is to keep them busy.

 

Maybe set up a kids table or designated area with lots of stuff for them to do (colouring / little toys / play doh / drinking boxes / fun finger foods).

 

You can't really prevent babies from crying or getting colicky, but kids are easier to manage at a wedding. My girls start to get weird around 10pm though, so most parents wouldn't want to stay right until the end.

 

Good luck. I'm sure it will be great!!

[RoryS]

Some hotels/resorts have access to babysitting services. You might want to look into that and it probably wouldn't be too expensive. Maybe the parents would contribute to it, as well. Also, most parents enjoy some "adult time" and will be with their kids the rest of the week, so might actually look forward to a little break.