When Children Are on the Guestlist: Planning for Little Ones at Your Special Event

If the words “children’s table” evoke memories of family Thanksgivings spent sitting in the kitchen, eating turkey and mashed potatoes (or, heaven forbid, Brussels sprouts) off paper plates, you’ll probably be surprised to learn how grown-up things are for kids now, at least in the world of weddings and other catered events.

No longer are children considered disruptive little beings who have to be corralled (or kept at home). Increasing numbers of brides, grooms, event planners, and other hosts are making them feel like valued guests with child-friendly menus, fun, and memorable activities, and imaginative seating arrangements that consign those old kids’ tables to the past, where they belong.

Burgers. Fries. Filet Mignon?

Kids may be notoriously picky eaters, but that doesn’t mean they only want hot dogs, burgers, pizza, and fries (although you can’t go wrong with serving them). As times have changed, so have children’s palates. Kids might like lobster, filet mignon, or chicken cordon bleu as much as anyone, although in smaller portions. With some creative adjustments, you can serve similar fare to everyone, adult or child alike.

One option? How about using a picnic basket, bento box, cafeteria tray, or tin camping plate to present a right-sized portion or slightly modified meal. The lobster tail you serve to adults becomes lobster mac-and-cheese for the kids; filet mignon can be cut into smaller bites and presented with vegetables as a kebob, only without the skewer.

Or how about working with your caterer to create a unique meal in a Mason jar? Chicken pot pies, burrito bowls, and even chili can be spooned out of a jar. Reluctant to put glass jars in the hands of your smallest guests? Try filling plastic Mason jars with warm pizza sauce and cheese for dipping breadsticks made from pizza dough.

Busy Hands, Busy Bodies

Let’s be honest: No one under the age of 10 or so is an expert at sitting still for hours on end. (Some adults don’t fare much better!)

So how do you keep the little ones engaged at a wedding, reunion, or other events? How about themed coloring books and crayons…or hand-held blackboards and chalk? As an alternative, top the kids’ table with butcher paper and handout crayons or markers so they can draw to their hearts’ content.

One Fab Day recommends favors packages with classic games like jacks and hangman, costumes and masks for playing dress-up (especially fun for a photo booth), and candy.

And Martha Stewart suggests setting out cushions so young guests can make pillow forts and using “interactive” centerpieces at the kids’ table — a display of toy dinosaurs, small stuffed animals, or mini Etch-a-Sketches, for example.

When actors Mario Lopez and Courtney Mazzo married a few years ago in Mexico, they adopted the interactive centerpiece concept for their children’s table, Inside Weddings reported. Not only was it decked out in colorful streamers, but also, a pile of mini pink-and-white piñatas in the center served as both decoration and party favors.

Risks and Rewards

While inviting children to your wedding does add an element of risk — there’s always the possibility of less-than-ideal behavior, crying, and distractions during key moments — children also have a way of adding to the poignancy of your wedding, party, or special event. There’s something particularly meaningful about watching your parents enjoy their 50th anniversary celebrating with their great-grandchildren or seeing the groom share a dance with his niece. Little ones can add elements of beauty, whimsy, and wonder to an event, and taking extra steps to ensure smooth (as possible) sailing during their time there just might be worth it.

About the Author:

Roger Igo is the founder and CEO of special events venue, The Bell Tower on 34th, along with Houston catering service Excellent Events, and research resource, Venues in Houston. He is the author of “Keep On Going, The History of The Bell Tower on 34th,” a former radio host, a graduate of CEO Space International, and an alumnus of The Disney Institute.