Destination weddings are a wonderful way to celebrate love in beautiful places that you won’t always get the chance to visit. More recently, couples are embracing a new trend: including children in their special day. While other people stay away from having kids in the event, some are more than happy to involve them and even include them in the ceremony. Whether they are your own kids or those of close friends and family, there’s no denying that the cute giggles and the loud waves of laughter add a sense of fun, warmth, and togetherness to your big day.
In this article, we’ll talk about kid-friendly wedding destinations and provide tips on how to make your special day equally enjoyable for young ones and adults.
Why Include Children in Destination Weddings?
Some couples purposely don’t want kids at their wedding because they believe they might cause inconvenience. They can be loud, and they will inevitably make a mess. While that may be true to a certain degree, having children attend the wedding can make the event more inclusive and family-oriented. They can even be part of the entourage as flower girls or ring bearers, bringing an element of spontaneity and lightheartedness. But perhaps the best part about allowing kids to go to weddings is that their parents can come to your special day without worrying about childcare arrangements.
Beyond the cuteness they bring to the day, kids also create opportunities for fun and memorable moments—think candid photos of kids dancing at the reception or playing together by the beach.
Choosing Kid-Friendly Wedding Venues
When picking kid-friendly wedding destinations, the key is to find locations that offer something for both adults and children. Here are some top considerations:
1. All-Inclusive Resorts
All-inclusive resorts typically provide kids’ clubs, child-friendly dining, and entertainment options, which is why they’re ideal if you plan on inviting families. As long as the children are supervised, you shouldn’t have to worry about them causing issues at the location.
2. Beach Destinations
Beach weddings are inherently relaxed, making them a great choice for families. It’s so easy to keep kids engaged when they have access to the beach. They can play in the sand (a great photo opportunity, if we might add), paddle in the water, or play beach games while parents are at the ceremony or reception. But you need to be careful and find beaches with gentle waves and family-friendly amenities. You wouldn’t want to put these kids in danger by choosing a beach known for tall waves and sharp rocks by the shore.
3. Countryside Venues
Countryside or estate venues often come with wide open spaces where children can run around and explore safely. Rustic venues may also feature animals or outdoor games, making them a fantastic option for keeping younger guests entertained. You might want to talk to the venue administrator to make sure that there are fences or perimeter walls that will prevent the kids from going too far and away from the group.
Reception Ideas
Once you’ve chosen your destination, it’s time to plan your kid-friendly wedding. Here are some reception ideas you can use to make sure everyone has a great time:
Outdoor Adventure Zone
An outdoor venue, such as a garden or vineyard, allows plenty of space for kids to move around. But to make sure no one strays, create a kids’ area with board games, snacks, or even consoles so they can stay entertained. You can assign someone to watch over the area so no one sneaks out and explores on their own.
Interactive Kids’ Table Indoors
Design a special kids’ table indoors with fun activity packs, colouring books, and puzzles. Add kid-friendly snacks and a small disposable camera for them to capture their own version of the wedding, creating both entertainment and adorable keepsakes.
Kids’ Movie Lounge
Create a cosy movie lounge with blankets, bean bags, and a projector. Kids can wind down and watch animated movies, giving parents some relaxed time while they enjoy the reception.
Planning and Logistics for a Kid-Friendly Wedding
Having children at your wedding requires some extra planning, but it doesn’t have to be tedious. Make sure the day goes smoothly for everyone by following these tips.
1. Family-Friendly Accommodations
When inviting your family and friends to your destination wedding, make sure you do your fair share of research. Especially if your guests are making their own reservations for accommodations, the least you can do is make sure they have several options on where to check in without spending too much. Ideally, these places should be able to provide specific add-ons like cribs, high chairs, and even babysitting services.
2. Travel Arrangements
Direct flights or shorter travel times are easier for parents who will be bringing babies or toddlers. Provide your guests with airline recommendations and make sure that at all times, a medical services provider is accessible.
3. Childcare Options
Consider providing professional childcare during the event. Some venues provide this as an additional service, but you can always hire your own and rent a room you can turn into an activity area for the kids.
A Celebration for All Ages
Hosting a kid-friendly destination wedding doesn’t mean compromising on elegance or romance. Here at South Pacific Bridal, we cater to all ages in our kid-friendly wedding venues. So don’t be afraid to embrace the joy and laughter children bring to weddings. Make your wedding celebration truly one for the whole family to cherish. Contact us to start planning your kid-friendly wedding!
