Why You Won't Regret Inviting Kids to Your Wedding

Even if you've always envisioned an adults-only wedding (which is totally okay), why not at least toss around the idea of including kids before making the final decision? While you're mulling it over, here are some of sweetest benefits of inviting little ones to your wedding—just to get you started.

Make It a Family Reunion

Extending the invite to kids is a wonderful way to let your wedding double as a family get-together. Visit with far-flung nieces and nephews and let them bond with children of friends. (Consider hiring a vetted nanny service to oversee them and provide crafts and games in a separate space at the reception.) Think of it this way too: Your cousin who recently had a baby and your friend with four kids might be less inclined to make it if they have to separate from their brood and hunt for a sitter (especially if your wedding is far away).

Flower Children and Ring Bearers

Whether you consider yourself a traditionalist or not, including little ones in your ceremony as flower children, ring bearers or junior bridesmaids and groomsmen is such a special element of a wedding. It gives the kids a chance to shine while offering you and your guests a touching and irreplaceable "aww" moment.

Cuties in Formalwear

We're obsessed with seeing kids all dressed up. We can picture it now: a dozen munchkins in mini dresses and suits running around the lawn outside at cocktail hour—such a happy sight! It's a fun opportunity for them to be treated like grown-ups (sort of), and a rare chance to see them looking squeaky clean and adorable.

One-of-a-Kind Photos

Not only will kids look oh-so-sweet in their party attire, they'll also provide fun, affectionate and quirky photo ops. This is your chance to capture those exceptionally special moments in your wedding album. Think: you holding hands with your nieces and nephews while they ogle over your wedding dress, or you and your new spouse twirling your best friend's daughter on the dance floor. And if you're renting a photo booth, forget about it—kids are straight-up naturals when it comes to silly faces and poses.

Unexpected, Funny Moments

With kids in the mix, your day is guaranteed to go off with some priceless laugh-out-loud moments. And this brings up another important point: If disaster does strike—a little one knocks over the cake, spills soda on your bridesmaids or starts crying during the vows—try to roll with it and laugh. Mishaps like these seem like a frustrating nuisance after all that wedding planning, but if you remember to relax and let it go, they'll become nothing more than hilarious memories you won't ever want to replace.

A Touch of Magic

Nothing compares to a child's sense of wonder—why not welcome their bright-eyed optimism and authentic playfulness into your special day? Let their infectious giggles and irresistible smiles bring even more joy to the party and remind you what your day is all about: pure love and happiness.