How to Make a Rehearsal Dinner More Kid-Friendly
By Meghan Ely, OFD Consulting
Wedding rehearsal dinners are all about bringing together your nearest and dearest before the big day. But what about the littlest guests on your list? If you’re inviting children to your celebration, some extra thought can go a long way in making the evening enjoyable for everyone (parents included). After all, happy kids mean relaxed adults!
These days, including children in your rehearsal dinner doesn’t have to be stressful. In fact, with a few thoughtful touches, it can add even more joy and warmth to your celebration. Here's how to make your pre-wedding festivities a hit for guests of all ages.
Photo credit: Siobhan Stanton Photography
Don't get stressed - get Let's Get Rehearsed’s FREE rehearsal dinner guide packed full of everything you need to plan a welcome party, from saving money to celebrating the night before the big day!
Have Special Food Options
Kids can be picky eaters, so it’s always a good idea to offer a few menu items just for them. These options not only keep the kids happy but also prevent food waste (because let’s be real, they’re probably not touching the filet mignon).
Michael Thomas, Owner of John Michael Catering and Weddings, recommends, “Have special kids' food and dessert stations. The adult food is typically not kid-friendly. Be warned that the adults like to be kids, so limit the stations to the kids or add more to accommodate the adults who want to be kids.”
And don’t forget about dessert! A small treat table or a decorate-your-own cupcake station can go a long way in making kids feel excited. Bonus: it’ll keep them occupied while the adults enjoy their wine pairings and speeches.
Let’s Get Rehearsed Editor’s Note: To make the kids’ table even more fun, check out this printable rehearsal dinner kids placemat and game set, or this printable placemat for a rehearsal dinner pizza party.
Adjust Your Start Time
Unfortunately, late-night dinners don’t always mix well with early bedtimes. A 5:00 or 5:30 p.m. start can help you avoid cranky kiddos as the night goes on.
“If you have a big group of families with kids coming to your rehearsal dinner, it's probably smart to take into account bedtimes and plan your event a little earlier,” notes McKenzi Taylor, Founder/Owner of Gather After. “Frank Sinatra might have opted for 'dinner at 8,' but kids and families with dinner, bath and bedtime routines that have them under the covers before the sun sets would appreciate an earlier dinner time. You can always split the event into two with an early dinner and a more adult party after the kids and families have headed to the hotel room for the night.”
An earlier start also means more flexibility with your timeline. Kids can eat, play, and enjoy the evening before winding down, and adults can continue socializing once the littles head out. Everyone wins when the schedule works for the youngest guests!
Let’s Get Rehearsed Editor’s Note: For more help with the schedule, be sure to check this out on how the best timeline and schedule for a rehearsal dinner and advice on how long your rehearsal dinner should last.
Photo credit: Jenny DeMarco Photography
Don't get stressed - get Let's Get Rehearsed’s FREE rehearsal dinner guide packed full of everything you need to plan a welcome party, from saving money to celebrating the night before the big day!
Give Them A Role
Kids love to feel important, so why not give them a little job to do during the rehearsal dinner? Having a role can make them feel included and special. It also gives them something to focus on, which is always a plus.
Craig Peterman, Photographer & Videographer at Craig Peterman Photography & Videography, shares, “One thing that works really well is giving the kids a small role during the evening, like doing a toast, even if it’s just 'cheers' with a juice box. It’s simple, but it makes them feel like they belong there.”
You can even get creative and give them titles like “Junior Host” or “Rehearsal Dinner Assistant.” It’s a sweet way to involve them in the celebration and helps build up their excitement for the big day.
Let’s Get Rehearsed Editor’s Note: Your rehearsal dinner is a great time to give a special gift to your flower girl and ring bearer. Check out our list of personalized gifts for flower girls and ring bearers.
Set Up A Scavenger Hunt
Looking for a fun, low-maintenance way to keep kids entertained? A rehearsal dinner scavenger hunt is a win. It’s engaging, screen-free, and encourages them to explore the event space in a safe way.
“Give your young guests Polaroid or disposable cameras and a list of photos to capture,’ suggests Mary Angelini, Founder of Key Moment Films. “Examples: someone hugging, a plate of dessert, or a funny face. This activity can turn them into the unofficial event photographers. This activity encourages them to engage with all guests in the room as opposed to disconnecting from a screen.”
To make it even more fun, provide small prizes for completing the hunt. You’ll keep them busy, they’ll feel like part of the party, and their parents will thank you for the thoughtful touch.
Let’s Get Rehearsed Editor’s Note: For more inspiration on entertainment for kids, check out our list of best activities for kids at your wedding rehearsal dinner and shop our printable kids activity bundle.
Photo credit: Mandee Johnson Photography
Don't get stressed - get Let's Get Rehearsed’s FREE rehearsal dinner guide packed full of everything you need to plan a welcome party, from saving money to celebrating the night before the big day!
Hire A Sitter
Even the most well-behaved kids need a break from the grown-up stuff. Hiring a professional sitter is a game-changer if you're hoping to give parents a chance to relax and enjoy the evening.
Kelley Nudo, Client Relations and Operations Director at Momental Designs, adds, “Hire a babysitter, someone to corral the kids together to do some fun games and activities before and/or after dinner. The soon-to-be newlyweds and rehearsal dinner hosts will be busy mingling with guests, so having a person designated to supervise the children and keep them from running amok would be a wise idea.”
Having a sitter on hand means parents won’t have to step away every few minutes, and the little ones can play safely while staying close. It’s one of those behind-the-scenes decisions that can make the night smoother for everyone involved.
Whether it’s games, snacks, or someone to lend a hand, these small details make a big difference. And when the kids are happy and entertained, the adults can truly relax and enjoy the evening—just the way it should be!
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Meghan Ely is the founder of OFD Consulting, a public relations agency specializing in publicity, speaking engagements, and thought leadership for wedding and event professionals. Through her work, Meghan Ely has helped clients earn placements in top-tier media outlets including The New York Times, Brides, Martha Stewart Weddings, and People, and she also leads the OFD Collective, a PR membership community for industry pros.