Getting to Know Your Little Guests
You'll meet every kind of child at a wedding: from the serious and solemn ring bearer to the rambunctious flower girl who can't be stopped from skipping down the aisle; from the fidgety future inventor turning your favor boxes into toy boats to the athlete-in-training organizing a game of tag during your reception.

The unpredictability of children at weddings often presents a worrisome challenge to parents, wedding planners, and newlyweds alike, and in the hustle of preparing for your big day it can be easy to forget that the personalities of children are as unique and varied as adults. But with a little forethought and an open mind, you can incorporate their needs in your planning. A little bit of extra effort will go a long way towards making your wedding as enjoyable for them as it will be for your older guests!

Flowergirl Gifts and Ringbearer Gifts
For many children, your wedding will be the first big social event of their young lives. This is especially true for your ring bearer and flower girl, who will not only have very public and very visible responsibilities but will also be present during much of the "downtime" on your big day.

It is important, therefore, to remember to include ring bearer gifts and flower girl gifts in your shopping. An age-appropriate collectible such as a coin bank, sports memorabilia, or flowergirl jewelry can provide a lifetime of memories and will help get your little attendants even more enthusiastic about playing their parts on your special day.

We also recommend special ringbearer gifts and flowergirl gifts like a child-size backpack or tote bag for them to keep a few favorite toys or books nearby so they can stay occupied during slow periods. You can even take an extra step and place activity kits or coloring books inside their bags to express your gratitude and keep them entertained!

Providing Kid-Friendly Entertainment
As for the children outside of your bridal party, we strongly recommend providing a small amount of kid-friendly entertainment. You can even use the same principles as a daycare program: If, for example, you have an extra room available at any of your events, consider keeping some toys or child-safe wedding favors inside to give the children at your wedding something besides your silverware or centerpieces to interact with. You can also set up a television with a DVD of a popular kids' movie, or have a chaperone available to play games and lead them in a few fun activities.

A Stress-Free Wedding
Disruptions from children at events like a wedding are usually the result of discomfort or boredom. By taking the extra time to consider their needs and properly thanking your ring bearer and flower girl, your wedding can be a stress-free environment and the children in attendance will be a blessing, not a liability. The kids will love the fun and, trust us, their parents will thank you for it!