Your wedding day brings together the people who matter most as you celebrate your commitment to one another. As you plan this momentous occasion, you'll face one important decision: whether to include children in your celebration. This choice affects not only the atmosphere of your event but also the experience of your guests with little ones.
At Settlers Country Manor, we've hosted countless weddings with varying approaches to including children. Here's our guide to help you make the best decision for your special day.
Understanding Your Options
Child-Free Celebrations
Many couples opt for an adults-only wedding, and for good reason. This approach allows parents to enjoy a rare evening out, focusing entirely on celebrating without dividing their attention. It creates a more sophisticated atmosphere and eliminates concerns about disruptions during key moments like the ceremony, vows, or heartfelt speeches.
However, this choice may present challenges for guests who:
Cannot secure childcare for the entire event
Are breastfeeding and need to be with their infant
Have traveled from out of town with their children
You'll also need to decide where to draw the age line—is 16 old enough to attend? What about family members who are 14 but very mature?
The Middle Ground: Ceremony-Only Inclusion
A popular compromise is welcoming children to witness your ceremony and join for light refreshments afterward, but arranging for them to depart before the evening reception. This thoughtful approach allows children to participate in the meaningful parts of your day while giving parents the freedom to fully engage in the evening festivities.
This option works particularly well at Settlers Country Manor, where our spacious outdoor garden venues provide ample room for children during the early celebrations.
Fully Child-Inclusive Weddings
Embracing a family-centered celebration by including children can add joy and spontaneity to your wedding day. This approach typically takes one of two forms:
Selective inclusion: Inviting only children who are closely related or especially important to you (nieces, nephews, godchildren)
Open inclusion: Welcoming all children and guests
When planning a child-friendly wedding, consider these enhancements:
Menu options: Work with our chefs to create child-friendly meal alternatives
Activity stations: Set up a dedicated kids' area with coloring books, simple crafts, or lawn games
Timing adjustments: Consider an earlier reception end time to accommodate little ones' bedtimes
Supporting Breastfeeding Mothers
At Settlers Country Manor, we pride ourselves on making all guests comfortable. For breastfeeding mothers, we offer:
Private spaces in our historic manor house for feeding and changing
Staff assistance with warming bottles when needed
Beautiful outdoor areas with secluded spots for privacy when desired
Making your Decision
Ultimately, the right choice depends on your vision for your wedding day. Consider:
The number of guests with children
Your budget (additional guests mean additional costs)
The formality of your event
Your relationship with the children in your life
Whatever you decide, communicate your choice clearly on invitations to avoid any confusion. Many couples include a thoughtful note explaining their decision, especially when opting for a child-free celebration.
At Settlers Country Manor, our experienced wedding coordinators can help you navigate this and other important decisions to ensure your wedding day perfectly reflects your vision while ensuring all your guests, regardless of age, have a wonderful experience.
Ready to discuss your wedding plans at Settlers Country Manor? Contact our wedding team today to schedule a tour of our beautiful grounds and discuss how we can make your special day unforgettable.
