Do You Think Kids Should Be Invited To Weddings?

I am getting married this year, and I have two small kids - getting both of those things to work harmoniously on the day is proving to be a little bit of a challenge. Of course we love kids, ours and everyone else's, so our first instinct was to create a really family-friendly wedding day where everyone is welcome to bring their kids if they wish.         And that is why we are having our ceremony at Dublin Zoo (true story).     That part is fine; the kids will be fully entertained by their surroundings and it's early enough in the day that they won't be too tired or grumpy to kick off. But what about later, when we get to the restaurant for our meal, have the speeches, dancing and let's be honest, many, many scoops?     A little bit of doubt has started to creep in about whether that part of the day is really 'kid friendly' at all and so I took to the land of Facebook to get a few strong opinions on the matter. I asked, 'Kids at weddings - yay or nay?' and here are some of the responses I received: From The Yay Camp:

"We didn't have kids at ours ( we didn't have any ourselves at the time) and I kind of regret it!! I think if kids are properly catered to, then they can be great craic at weddings! It's such a personal choice though" - Dara, London

 

"There are loads of kids in my family and I have pre schooler myself so I factored that into my venue selection and booked our local rugby club so they'll have outdoor space and the club's facilities to keep them entertained for the day" - Melissa, Dublin "I've experienced hundreds of weddings and the children often make it more fun. Although its great to get 'a night off' as parents, it's just as nice to include them & watch their antics! Just as long as they keep quiet for the ceremony!" - Dave, Belfast "Had a kiddies table and a massive box of toys colouring entertaining things at the table each kid had there own table favour .. we also had a child minder (girl from our local creche) stay from after dinner overnight and next morning with the about 5 kids. But my own kids being invited to a wedding other than a family one I wouldn't bring them unless they where part of the bridal party." - Karen, Co. Kildare "Yay if your friends have kids they are part of their family i think to not invite them is a bit insulting it's like saying your ok but we hate your kids. If people decide to come without them that's their choice. We had lots of kids at our wedding and it was lots of fun for them. There wasn't loads of crying and they were more then happy to all play together." - Amie, Leeds, UK

From the Nay Camp:

"NAY NAY NAY!!!! The become the centre of attention they pull parents away and there's ALWAYS tears!!!" - Fiona, Malahide

"Nay for me for toddlers and kids, it's too long a day for them and it's hard work for the parents trying to watch them. In saying that though I wouldn't mind small babies, I know it's hard for people to leave small babies so I would have no problem with that. I had a wedding when Síofra was just 4 months old. We asked could we bring her but were told no. I was breastfeeding her so couldn't leave her, I ended up bringing my mum to the hotel and she minded her in the room while I had dinner. It was a hassle running back and forth to the room between courses and I ended up in the room in my Jammies and watching xfactor by 9.30pm!" - Ciara, Kildare "Nay.... All seems like a lovely idea but someone needs to bring them to bed... That someone won't be too happy.... And someone needs to stay sober-ish/responsible.... Who likes that at a wedding?" - Leslie, Ashbourne

What do you think? Do you like to know that your kids are included on a wedding invite when you get one, or are you happy to leave them at home for the day? Join the conversation on Twitter @HerFamilyDotie Also don't miss this hilarious video of this page boy making a serious wedding entrance!