How do you provide children's meals at a wedding?

Start by telling your venue or caterer exactly how many children will be eating. Many places count children over a certain age as full guests and those under it as free, but this varies so confirm the rule with them early. Ask for a children's menu with familiar options like pasta, chicken nuggets or a simple roast, and check for allergies before you finalise the order. Some couples order a separate kids' menu, while others arrange a kids' table with the same meal served in smaller portions. Whichever you choose, let your caterer know whether the children will eat at the same time as adults or a little later, since a delayed service can leave them bored and hungry.

If you are inviting children, think about what will keep them comfortable during the day. A quiet corner with colouring books, stickers or a small activity box can help while adults are chatting or dancing. You might also consider whether older children would enjoy joining the main dining rather than being separated. Be clear on your invitations about whether children are welcome at the ceremony, the meal, the dancing, or all of it. This avoids confusion and stops parents from having to make last-minute decisions on the day.

If the wedding is held in a religious building or abroad, the rules on seating and meals can vary, so check with the venue or your place of worship.