Kids are great. Indeed, kids are probably one of the greatest by-products of getting married. Having a family to come home to, hearing the pitter-patter of tiny feet running to greet you at the end of the day, that’s what life’s all about. But at a wedding, the unbridled enthusiasm of kids (pardon the pun) can be a disturbing force that puts a damper on the festivities. Here are a few handy tips to help keep kids occupied at your wedding.

Outright Bribery

If you’re a parent, then you know that the one thing that always works without fail is to promise your kids something they want in exchange for good behaviour. This can be candy, extra T.V. time, or getting to stay up past their bedtime. The important thing is that you make it clear this prize is wholly dependant on their good behaviour, and if they fail to meet the criteria they forfeit the prize.

Attention-Grabbing Activities

This method really only works if the kids attend the reception and not the ceremony. During the ceremony, there won’t likely be a table the kids can use to occupy their attention, but once they’re seated at their reception table, there’s a lot you can provide them with to keep them spellbound. Whether this is a series of colouring books, a portable gaming device with headphones, or a puzzle you can be sure your kids will be on their best behaviour when their attention is somewhere else.

Extra Parental Support

Few things will put kids on their best behaviour like the watchful gaze of an eagle-eyed authority figure. For your wedding, you can ask a friend or family member to keep an eye on the kids during the more solemn and romantic moments of your big day. This will ensure your vows and speeches remain the memorable moments they’re meant to be.

Set Up a Games or Craft Room

If you can manage it within your wedding planning struggles, it’s a great idea to sequester the kids in their own, supervised games room. This can be a room where they can play with toys, be loud, and do crafts with which to entertain themselves. It may not be an entirely feasible option depending on your wedding budget, but if you can swing it, you’ll be glad you did.