Deciding on how to to involve children in your wedding in meaningful ways can be a delicate matter, but when done right, their presence can bring an extra layer of joy and charm to your celebration. Today on Polka Dot Wisdom, marriage celebrant Zee Scott offers creative and thoughtful ways to involve the little ones in your big day, making them feel special and ensuring they contribute to the memorable atmosphere. Whether it’s giving them a role in the ceremony, creating a kid-friendly zone at the reception, or planning interactive activities, there are countless ways to make your wedding day enjoyable for guests of all ages.

Photography by Ariana Harry 

Children at Weddings? I know from that opening line alone – this could be seen to some as a touchy subject to some!

Ultimately, whether you have children or not at your wedding is entirely your choice BUT just know, there are ways to include children that can add an extra layer of joy and sweetness to your big day… if you want to! Whether they are your own kids, nieces and nephews, or the children of close friends, giving them a special role can make your wedding even more memorable. Read on for some creative ways to include children in your day.

The Ceremony

Depending on your ceremony content, you may require some help from guests to hold things or bring items to you or your celebrant. These jobs may seem small or non important to you BUT children will love that they are involved especially if they believe it’s an important role.

Photography by Dan Brannan 

The Wedding Party

The classic roles for children in a wedding are flower girl and ring bearer [you can give them whatever title you prefer]. They will feel more included in your day if you invite them to be involved from the start of the process. Allow them to help select their outfit and decide how they will enter the ceremony.

Younger kids can be assisted by older kids or members of the wedding party. In my experience, allowing smaller kids to enter with parents who are part of the wedding party minimises disruption.

If all else fails… rest assured, guests will not resist “ooo-ing and ah-ing” as they watch the cuteness unfold.

Bubbles and Petal Patrol

Older children can assist with handing out confetti [cones at the start or handfuls during signing]. For smaller children, bubbles are a fabulous idea. Have them blow the bubbles as you exit… It’s fun for them and makes for great photos! My one tip, get those “bubble blasters”, they make for pretty magical images.

Fans, Water and Tissues 

It’ll probably be the heat of summer if you are handing these items out and thus, this is a task best for the older children. You can pop them under an umbrella or create a lil’ market stand for maximum enjoyability!

Handfasting 

It’s an oldie but a goodie… many couples continue to opt for a traditional [or non-traditional] handfasting ritual. The beautiful thing about this ritual is that it can take up to three people to make it happen. Someone to present the ribbons, someone to tie the ribbons and someone to read the poem. It’s a beautiful way to symbolise the blending of families too.

Rings and Vows 

Sharing personal vows and swapping rings? Personal vows in lil’ booklets and rings in personalised bags or boxes are a great idea. Worried about the rings going for a lil’ walk? Have a parent or alternative adult hang on to the rings until the time comes OR even an older child to escort the younger one to the front. Either way the photos will be a lasting reminder of their super important role on your day.

Lastly, I know having wedding programs are pretty much a thing of the past but maybe you have a map that shows guests how to get to the reception venue. Or, special instructions about the wedding recovery party the next day? These can be handed to guests as they leave the ceremony area.

Photography by Hey Babe Photos

Beyond The Ceremony 

There’s plenty more fun to be had beyond the ceremony!

Are they your kids? Often childcare is left up to the grandparents… this may work for you BUT do the Grandies really get to enjoy themselves? I highly recommend hiring a nanny to be with them for the day. If you have a nanny already, check if they would be available – this would be the easiest option all round!

If you do not have a nanny, it’s a good idea to speak to a few. The ones I know all offer no-obligation meetings/hang time, where they meet with you and your kids before the day.

Guestbook Attendants 

Set up a fun station where kids encourage guests to leave a message. Load them up with stickers, stamps and colourful pens. They will encourage guests to lean into their playful side and leave a fun arty message.

Photo booth

Probably one of my fave suggestions… Set up a kids photo booth! Give them disposable cameras, a backdrop and some props. Ask your MC to give regular “shout outs” to make sure they are always busy! Let them snap away and see the wedding from their perspective.

Scavenger Hunt 

A “wedding” themed scavenger hunt of course! Provide a list of items or items that children must find and tick off. It can be simple like “find someone with a blue tie”…

Have  a lil’ prize ready at the end… It can be something simple like a bag of lollies or those favour bag medals.

Kids Area

Whether it’s a table or an entire room, create an area just for the kiddos. A table covered with brown paper, piled high with colouring pens and pencils, stickers and stamps… Lead me to the stage… I would definitely be there! If you opt for a room, consider hiring a nanny to keep them entertained… and safe.

Dance Off! 

As someone who loves a dance floor, this is totally my fave idea! Maybe the thought of a first dance between you and your partner chills you to your core. Hand over the baton to the minis… Kick off the dance floor with a kids-only dance-off. Play their favourite songs and let them show off their best moves!

Photography by Anitra Wells

I hope these ideas are helpful and offer some inspiration for your day.

And remember, including children in your wedding not only makes them feel special but also adds a touch of spontaneity and fun to the day.

Happy planning!

About the author: Zee Scott is a Melbourne-based marriage celebrant and MC known for her vibrant, personable, and inclusive approach. She specializes in creating unique, heartfelt ceremonies that reflect the personalities and love stories of the couples she works with. With a focus on making weddings both fun and meaningful, Zee ensures that every ceremony is memorable, engaging, and tailored to the couple’s vision.

Thank you so much Zee for sharing such a delightful piece. We absolutely love these ideas on how to include children in your wedding!