Planning a wedding that includes children can add a special sense of joy and family to your big day, but it can also come with a few extra challenges. Whether you’re inviting nieces and nephews, your own children, or guests travelling with little ones, a bit of planning goes a long way toward creating a celebration that’s fun, relaxed, and family-friendly.

At VR Weddings, we welcome weddings of all kinds – from elegant adults-only affairs to warm, family-filled celebrations. Our venues in Rotorua and Auckland both offer flexible spaces, on-site accommodation, and experienced planners who can help make your child-inclusive wedding smooth, joyful, and stress-free.

Here are our top tips for including kids in your wedding, without the chaos.

1. Make Them Feel Special with a Role

Kids love to be involved and giving them a role in your ceremony is a great way to keep them engaged. Think flower girls, ring bearers, sign holders, or handing out confetti at the end of the ceremony. For older kids, consider including them in the bridal party or giving them a short reading to do.

Bonus: It creates beautiful photo moments and memories they’ll always treasure.

2. Create a Kid-Friendly Zone

Designating a space where kids can play, draw, or take a break from the formalities helps keep little ones happy (and gives their parents a chance to relax). At VR Rotorua Lake Resort, the spacious setting makes it easy to set up a quiet kids’ corner. At Airport Gateway Hotel, there are plenty of ways to incorporate a small play or activity area into your reception setup, helping keep children entertained nearby while adults enjoy the celebrations.

You could provide colouring books, games, soft toys, or even hire a professional babysitter or entertainer for a few hours during the reception.

3. Offer Kid-Friendly Meal Options

Not every child will enjoy a gourmet wedding menu, so consider offering a few familiar and fun options like mini burgers, pasta, or fruit platters. We’re happy to help tailor a menu that keeps younger guests fed and happy without complicating your catering plans.

Tip: Seat kids with their parents, or create a dedicated kids’ table if they’re old enough to enjoy some independence.

4. Plan Your Timeline with Kids in Mind

Children don’t always love late nights and long speeches. Think about scheduling the key moments (like the ceremony, first dance, and cutting the cake) earlier in the day or evening so families can enjoy them before little ones get too tired.

Both of our venues offer on-site accommodation, making it easy for families to slip away for naps or early bedtimes without leaving the celebration entirely.

5. Keep Parents in the Loop

Let your guests know in advance what kind of child-friendly options you’re providing. A quick note on your wedding website or invitation insert is a great way to share details about meals, entertainment, or any quiet spaces available.

Clear communication = happy parents who know what to expect and how to prepare.

6. Embrace the Unexpected

Kids are unpredictable and that’s part of the charm. Whether it’s a toddler walking the wrong way down the aisle or a flower girl refusing to throw petals, these spontaneous moments often become the stories everyone remembers (and laughs about) for years to come.

Host a Family-Friendly Celebration at VR Weddings

At VR Weddings, we make it easy to host a wedding that includes the whole family. With beautifully appointed venues, on-site accommodation, and a friendly, experienced team, we’ll help you create a day that’s thoughtful, relaxed, and full of heart – no chaos required.

Ready to start planning?
Explore our wedding packages or talk to our planners about creating a celebration that works for guests of all ages.