Tiny Humans at Big Weddings: The Pros & Cons of Kids at Your "I Do"

Title: Tiny Humans at Big Weddings: The Pros & Cons of Kids at Your "I Do"

Intro:

Let’s face it — weddings are a delicate balance of elegance, emotion, and... chaos. And nothing brings all three in one sugar-fueled package quite like children. Whether you're the bride wondering if your cousin’s triplets will upstage your first dance, or a guest nervously clutching a juice box as a peace offering, the question remains: should kids be on the guest list?

Here’s a lighthearted look at the pros and cons of pint-sized partygoers at weddings — from someone who's seen it all through the lens.

PRO: Unscripted Entertainment

Children are walking, talking wild cards. One moment they’re dropping petals like royalty, the next they’re sliding across the dance floor on their knees in formal wear. You simply can’t plan the kind of joy a toddler brings when they burst into spontaneous dance during your vows. It's real, it's hilarious, and it makes for excellent photos.

CON: Unscripted Drama

Of course, the same unpredictability can go... sideways. Think: mid-ceremony meltdowns, cake fingered before it’s cut, or a tiny guest yelling “BORING!” during the readings. It’s not a bug — it’s a feature. But one you might prefer at someone else’s wedding.

PRO: Heart-Melting Moments

Flower girls and page boys in miniature suits and dresses? Stop. It’s almost illegal how cute that is. Add in a proud grandparent tearfully holding a baby during your first dance and boom — emotionally cinematic gold.

CON: Bedtime is Non-Negotiable

Unlike your best mates, kids don’t get a second wind. Once the clock strikes 7pm, Cinderella’s carriage turns into a screaming pumpkin. Early exits, overtired tears, or entire families disappearing just before the speeches are all part of the bedtime battlefield.

PRO: Built-In Ice Breakers

Nothing gets Aunt Judith and your old uni pals talking faster than a three-year-old zooming past with a napkin cape and two fistfuls of Haribo. Kids loosen up a room and remind everyone it’s okay to smile, laugh, and not take things too seriously.

CON: Sticky Fingers Everywhere

You know what doesn't pair well with lace, silk, and tulle? Jam. Or chocolate. Or the mysterious goo that only toddlers seem to produce. Be prepared for the possibility of grubby handprints on your dress, your décor, and possibly your dog.

So, Should You Invite Kids?

It all depends on your vibe.

  • Want a formal, candlelit affair with a string quartet and speeches that go past bedtime? Maybe opt for an adults-only guest list.

  • Dreaming of a relaxed, family-filled day with laughter, love, and a side of chaos? Bring on the babes.

  • Somewhere in the middle? Offer a kids’ table, hire a wedding nanny, or arrange a quiet space for naps and cartoons (aka sanity savers).

Whatever you choose, own it. Clear communication on invites is key. And if you're on the fence — have your photographer ready. Because whether it’s giggles or tantrums, kids bring a kind of magic that no one else can.

Final Thought:

Just remember — whether your wedding is a no-kids soirée or a full-blown family jamboree, it’s your day. And no matter what, we’ll capture it beautifully (even if there’s a toddler with cake on their nose in the background).

P.S. If you're wondering whether a child-free wedding will ruffle feathers, the answer is probably yes. But hey, so will the seating chart.

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