Scene Stealers - The Kids are Alright...Really!

Should we have children at our Wedding? ...

…it was one of the first questions we had to address at our wedding and it no doubt comes up fairly early on for most couples planning a wedding.

I love children at weddings, they’re unpredictable and for this reason it makes them a joy to photograph (see a few of my recent favourites below).  But for a Bride and Groom planning the wedding of their dreams, the prospect of a temper tantrum during their vows might well be enough to put them off.

We took the decision to invite children from close family only, it was a tough decision but we made it clear early on.  We telephoned friends to let them know in person and in order to avoid misunderstanding and save hurt feelings later on.  I can’t remember it being a big issue, in fact, for most people, it was an opportunity to get the babysitter in, have a night off and let their hair down.  Ultimately, it has to be a personal choice and whatever you decide, it will be the right choice for you.

If you do have children at your wedding here's one really fun way to keep them entertained (and it's photography themed!).  It's become quite common to have disposable cameras on the table at a wedding but had you ever thought of combining this with a game of I-Spy?  Well here you go...you will need copies of this card, disposable cameras, and pencils at each child's table setting.

Martha-Stewart I-Spy

(via Martha Stewart Weddings)

The idea is that using the card, the children can go off on a photographic scavenger hunt ticking off items on their list as they capture them on camera.  The winner is the first child to tick off all the items on their list but, to save any fall-out, a small prize for all the completed cards wouldn't be a bad idea!  Some younger children might need help from an elder sibling, or, adult guest but otherwise this should keep them busy for a while.  A little bit of healthy competition from your younger guests should also help to keep your photographer on their toes and you never know, they might surprise you with the results! Just promise not to bruise my pride if they do ;-)

Rob Dodsworth is a wedding photographer in Norfolk working throughout the UK and Europe.  If you are planning a wedding in Norfolk, or further afield and would like to have an informal chat about your wedding photography then please get in touch. I look forward to hearing from you!

Article updated: 2 April 2018