11 Ways to Keep Kids Entertained

Entertaining children at weddings is up there with one of our most asked about bridal dilemmas. Many couples planning weddings with little guests on the list panic that the kiddies will be bored silly, drive their parents insane, or worse, run riot. The secret to having a stress-free reception for both the parents and the couple when having children at weddings is to be prepared and provide lots of kid-friendly fun. With that in mind, we've come up with a list of 11 Ways to Entertain Children at Weddings, because a happy crew of kids will make life so much easier on your one fab day...

1.  Fair Weather Fun - Outdoor Games

If you are having your reception in a venue which has a garden or decent outside area why not provide old school outdoor games in good weather? Fun lawn games such as hopscotch, lawn bowling, Twister, outdoor Jenga and Connect4 will keep them occupied for hours. Simple kites, skipping ropes and hula hoops are also great options.

2. Rainy Day Drinks Reception Entertainment

If the weather is not on your side, why not set up an area full of boardgames or jigsaws? Retro favourites such as Guess Who, Monopoly, Operation or Hungry Hippos will keep them busy and encourage kids to mingle. This is also a great option for the older kids on the guest list.

3. Arty Crafty Occupation

Kids love to make and do, so a mini area with pots of crayons and craft supplies like stickers, pipe cleaners, playdough to get creative with will go down a treat. Wedding themed crafts like decorating a cake, designing a wedding dress, making cards for the bride and groom or even making DIY masks for a photobooth would create hours of fun for little hands.

4. Kids Table

If there's a number of children of the same age attending (and they're old enough for it), then make it more fun for them by seating them all together and let to have their own fun over dinner.  Set a particular menu for them, and add a few games and entertainments (see below) and consider hiring a baby-sitter or minder to supervise.

5. Freebie Fun - Table Games

Create an I Spy or  Scavenger Hunt list to put on the table for the kids. A typical list could include items like a white dress, a person in a funny hat, a delicious dessert, something blue (you get the idea!) and provide a printable and disposable cameras so they can record and snap their finds! Some of our favourite free printable table games include

6. Hire professional entertainment

If the budget allows you could consider hiring some professional children's entertainers such as magicians, clowns or balloon modellers. 

7. A Movie Room

Keep kids happy by setting up a quiet area set up for a movie. Add comfy pillows and cushions, beanbags or kiddie chairs and pop on a movie. You could even provide mini bags of popcorn! This is also a great idea for wind down time later in the evening before putting the kiddies to bed.

8. Professional Minders 

Hire Babysitters to look after the children during the wedding. They both entertain & supervise the children in a designated area in or near the wedding reception before and after your wedding meal. It will help you and your guests relax and enjoy the wedding reception knowing the kids are staying out of trouble but most of all having fun!

9. Ole Ole! Get a Pinata!

Pinatas are a great idea to involve all ages, young and old. Both kids and adults can have fun hitting and collecting what comes out! 

10.Kids photobooth

Stock your photo booth with tons of dress-up items and photo props. You can even have a separate kids-only photo booth. Include items like funny hats, tutus, feather boas,  and the ever-popular mustache on a stick. 

11. Lots of Treats - Personalised Goody Bags

 Fill up little goody bags for each of your little guests with age-appropriate treats. Pop them at each child's place setting at the reception to keep little people happy. These don't have to cost a bomb, you can find lots of great bits and pieces in the Cheap as Chips shop or stores like Ikea. Heres a sample of what ca be included

• snacks and juice cartons
• mini puzzles and toys
• bubbles
• glow sticks
• crayons or colouring pencils (markers and paints are a big no no!)
• colouring and activity books

The biggest wedding trends to hit twenty eighteen

Calling all #bridestobe! If you’re in the early stages of planning your wedding or in the midst of it all, we are super excited to share with you some info! Forget about recreating a Romantic Vineyard 2.0 look – we’ve got the word on the latest wedding trends to hit twenty eighteen. And trust us, you’re going to love them all! Here’s our forecast for the top wedding trends of Australia in 2018. 

SUSPENDED FLORALS

 Stylish floral hanging displays were introduced towards the end of 2015 in one of our bridal photo shoots  and the trend has only just picked up (yep, we’re always three steps ahead!)

Expect to see more hanging flowers and greenery in 2018. Not only does it create a dynamic to the space by experimenting with shifting heights and viewpoints, but it also provides more opportunity on your tables to introduce additional elements like candles, or big sharing platters

TRANSPARENT ELEMENTS

We love love LOVE see-through elements and décor – it’s so on-point for the modern and minimalist couple who love to play with clean lines and futuristic flairs.

Think Perspex hanging seating plans, tablescapes, chairs, and even invites + menus. We think these clear ghost chairs from Melbourne’s Wedding Planner will set the scene perfectly, and look INCREDIBLE in an intimate venue as it gives the illusion there’s extra room – less really is more!

INTERACTIVE GRAZE CRAZE

In 2018, we’ll be seeing more and more weddings abandon the large guestlist + formal sit-down dinner. Instead, grazing tables are predicted to take over as the go-to meal option for couples looking for elaborate spreads and indulgent feasts. Not only are they an incredibly easy way to cater to a variety of tastes for your special event, but they’re also super social.

CASCADING BALLOON INSTALLATIONS

One of the biggest wedding trends we’re anticipating for 2018 is saturating your event with an enormous can’t-miss-it balloon display. Why let kids have all the fun? We want in on this playful decoration that can be perfectly customised to your event space: we promise that it will add an instant wow factor. Who knew a ball of hot air could become so on-trend!? 

D I Y IDEAS FOR YOUR TABLES

We all know a simple DIY wedding would save your money by using some handmade details. What’s more, it’s also great for brides who want their big day extra special with their own thoughts. That’s the reason why so many brides pay attention to wedding decoration, especially wedding table setting décor. So today in this post we will introduce you to DIY wedding centerpieces ideas for your reception. 

#1 Candle Vases Centerpieces

Simple vases with lighting candles, you will love this for the table setting. By the way, add water for a floating look if you are interested.

#2 Painted Bottles

Painted bottles centerpieces will be perfect for your rustic wedding. Gather different shapes of bottles and just paint! Wrap them with twine and decorated with wheat, which makes a great rustic inspired wedding.

#3 Wine Glasses Table Decor

Common wine glasses container wedding centerpieces will make your wedding quite special and earthy with some little things, like stones, sands, succulent or any cut flowers.

#4 Mason Jars Wedding Centerpieces

If you read my other post about mason jars, you would know mason jars are terrific for every wedding décor, let alone centerpieces.

#5 Lanterns Centerpieces

Different shaped lanterns in nude colors make great table centerpieces, especially when the sun sets. Decorated with mason jars and seashells, an outdoor beach wedding table setting will show its real charm.

#6 Sand and Flowers

Finally, my favorite wedding centerpieces idea – sand & flowers. Glass vases, colored sands and single bloomed peony, which décor will be more creative than this? Just buy some sands from local store and add the flower. You will find the beauty!