From starring roles to mini meals, dealing with children at weddings keeps the soul young at heart.

For some brides and grooms the question of having children involved in the wedding is pure joy while others shun the idea.

Children do and say the darnedest things. We need to remember as adults we are their role models. What they say and do they have learned from us.

What is Your Age?

One of the important issue for couples to keep in mind is the age of the children involved. The age range for flower girls and ring bearers is four to eight years old. Children younger can be unpredictable to walk down the aisle alone. Those older than eight feel the role is babyish. The best deciding factor is how well you know the child yourself. 

If you come from a large family and making a decision as to who will be chosen, choose all of them. How? Consider having them walk down the aisle with the bride carrying the train.

Too Old or TOO Young

If you have nieces/nephews, cousins or friends in the preteen stage that you would like to be included at your wedding, ask them to be a junior bridesmaids or usher. The role is similar to the adult version: the junior bridesmaid can wear the same style gown in a coordinating or different color. Just make sure it is a more youthful design (no plunging necklines or high cut slits).

Other roles to consider:

• candle lighter
• guest book attendant
• greeter who hands out programs
• head table servers
• hands out bubbles or bird seed

Most children feel special when asked to share in your day.

VIP

Do you want to show those children who much you care about them? Have them seated at their own table. Think small. Everything from the table and chairs to the decor can be down sized for the mini me gang. You can rent or borrow kid-sized furniture. Try to have a space for the children that has easy access yet not disturb adults. Hiring a babysitter or having an adult supervise the table will keep things from getting out of hand.

As far as decorating the table, remember that children are curious little creatures. They will touch and handle anything and everything. Save candles, flower vases with water, knives…for adult tables only. Create child friendly decorations such as floral shaped cookies or lollipops. Using paper table cloths are great for drooling and spills. Goodie bags filled with coloring books, games or puzzles can keep the little ones occupied instead of wondering when the adults will be finished eating.

Dealing with children at weddings can be easy and fun. And if you have plastic cups for the little darlings, they will toast their best to your future.