Children's Parties

[BecBennett]

I'm planning on keeping our wedding pretty much adults only, but I want to offer to pay for the childcare of all of our guests kids in the form of a children's party.

Would this just be held in one of the resort rooms that we've got booked? Or would we need to book out another room for it?

There will be a maximum of 16 kids attending (probably more like 6 when we get final numbers) so what has everyone else done?

Or if anyone's done this, how was it organised, and where was it held?

Thanks

 

[Skylersmommy5]

When we have ours, we were thinking of doing something similar but having ours close by in a room for our DS and TwinDNephews, and the few other young ones, and hiring a sitter or two and decorating the room with balloons and crape paper streamers(not taping or stapling them or anything like that) with either pizza or some child friendly meal for the sitters to serve, even set up a Disney Movie or two for them to watch, with some cupcakes or cookies and goldfish or cheerios to nibble on during the movie(instead of popcorn), with juice boxes and some board games and other activities. They can use the beds or pull out bed foe any kid that needs to go to sleep. Otherwise we will be paying for plated meals but I think the kiddos including our DS would have more fun being kids and have their own fun. Good luck with your's and please share what you're doing as well for your's.

 

[lurkyloo]

You could do it either way - you could have all the kids stay in one family's room and hire Kids Nite Out to come watch them. They bring games and activities and fun stuff. Or you could have a room near your reception where Kids Nite Out will watch them. Then you could do a catered kids' meal if you wanted, and the parents could easily check in throughout the reception.

 

[Skylersmommy5]

Lurkyloo, you had exactly my idea stated perfectly. I know for as energetic as my DS is and our Nephews are, they might as well have more fun in a room with some sitters and enjoy being a kid, not running around the reception site and god for bid run under the cake table and knock over your cake. I know Id be wanting our DS to have fun while we entertainthe Adults, but still know he's in great hands. It is hard keeping track of your own child while entertaining 100-115 adults but you want everyone having a good time.

I may have been opposed to "Adult Only" Receptions in the past now being a parent myself and it's a nicer alternative than just hiring a babysitter or having a list for your guests to find their own sitters. Kids love to party too, but when it's geared toward them. Yes it may cost more money to add to your Wedding Budget, but think of who it will be spent on? It seems like that little extra to insure they have a great time too is all worth it in the end(and at least kids don't require the fancy plated meals). I know for ours, we will have the spotlight dances start first before the meal so I can have a mother/son dance with DS before he heads off with the sitter(s).

If you have kids of your own, like I do, let them be the host(ess) of the kids party and let them do the inviting. Sure you'll be inviting everyone to your Wedding/VR, but kids love receiving their own invitations in the mail from another kid too and they'll feel special receiving an invitation from your child.