How to Keep Kids Entertained at Your Arizona Wedding

“Should we invite kids to our wedding?”

This is one of the most common questions we get asked as wedding planners.

Deciding whether or not to invite the little ones to your Arizona wedding is a big decision for many couples. While the idea of adorable flower girls and ring bearers might melt your heart, the reality is that it’s not always so easy to keep kids entertained for such a long day.

Before you start brainstorming entertainment ideas, take a moment to consider a few key factors specific to your Arizona celebration so you can be equipped to make the right decision!

Things to Consider Before Entertaining Kids at Your Wedding

#1: Is Your Venue Suitable for Kids?

Before you think about how to entertain children at your wedding, consider whether or not your venue is even suitable for them in the first place.

Does your chosen wedding venue offer areas where children can move and play safely? While indoor weddings may be shielded from the desert elements, they can still be unsafe for children depending on the layout and decor.

If you’re having an outdoor wedding, be mindful of any potential hazards unique to Arizona, such as extreme heat or desert wildlife.

#2: Age Range Matters

Second, remember that age range matters significantly. The activities that will engage a toddler will be quite different from those of a pre-teen or even a school-aged child.

#3: Know Parental Expectations

Finally, have open conversations with parents on expectations before the wedding. Some parents may prefer dedicated childcare, while others may want to keep their children close. Understanding their preferences can help you create a comfortable environment for everyone.

Keeping Children Entertained at Your Wedding

After you’ve kept those careful considerations in mind, let’s look at a few ideas for entertainment!

Create a Kid’s Corner

Transform a designated children's seating area into an exciting activity zone during the reception. You can use activity books, coloring materials, engaging games, or puzzle books to keep them occupied during quieter moments, such as speeches.

Include Them in the Wedding Activities

Another great way to keep children engaged is to involve them in the celebration. Make the kids feel special by assigning "junior wedding assistant" roles, such as helping to distribute wedding favors and pamphlets or being part of a welcome committee to greet guests.

You could also give them disposable or kid-friendly digital cameras to capture their unique perspective of the wedding day. You might be surprised by the adorable and candid shots they get!

Let Them Spend Time Outdoors

If your venue has outdoor space, embrace the Arizona sunshine by offering outdoor entertainment (weather permitting, of course!).

Set up lawn games like giant Jenga, cornhole, ring toss, or supervised group activities like bubble-blowing stations. You could also have a craft area where they can make wedding-themed crafts or even decorate small succulents to take home as a memento of your Arizona wedding.

Important Considerations for Your Little Guests

Ultimately, the goal is to ensure everyone, including your youngest guests, has a wonderful time at your Arizona wedding. With a little thoughtful planning and creativity, children can have a blast while adult guests enjoy the big day, too!

Did you find this helpful? Be sure to check out our blog for more wedding planning tips. Here’s what we recommend reading next: