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We're most likely doing this too.
The weddings I've been to that have had on site baby sitting, usually the kids are in a separate room and they have their own food (chicken fingers, pizza, etc). They usually don't come to the main reception - the parents usually go visit the kids in the kids room.
We did this but our reception location didn't have a separate room. I had the smaller kids eat with their parents and I had 1 kid's table, adjacent to their parents' table, for the older kids. After dinner they all moved to some long banquet tables that were set up in the back for them. This worked for us because we had A LOT of kids. We hired local babysitters to be on hand to keep them busy so their parents could relax. We did end up with a lot of kids on the dance floor although I didn't mind. We had all different ages but by keeping them busy there was absolutely no drama.
One funny thing that happened- I had given our DJ a "do not play" list that included the cha cha slide, which I hate. My 6 year old niece and flowergirl asked me if I could have the DJ play it. I relented since I can't resist her and I have to say, it was one of my favorite parts of the night (I watched from the sidelines) the kids all hit the dance floor and were SO into it- very cute!
We're planning on doing this too. We have a separate room for the kids that the kids will go into after dinner. I've already bought a lot of crayons, books, etc for them. But then our coordinator at the reception site said something about playing a movie, so we'll be bringing in a labtop or tv, since I think that's a genious idea.
@ grace8367 - Where did you get the local babysitters?? I don't want to hire someone from an actual childcare service due to budget constraints. But where do you find your people??
I think it's a GREAT alternative. Then the parents can let loose and have a good time, but don't have to worry about someone taking them for the weekend (if they're out of towners). Exactly like what other people said, different room, different food, etc. Give the babysitter a break and try to have a tv in the room! 5 hours of entertaining how many kids?? let disney do the work for 2 of those...haha
We did this. The whole reception was outside, but the babysitter set up in a seperate grassy area. I bought all kinds of arts and crafts and dress up stuff for the kids. We allowed the kids to be with their parents if they wanted or with the babysitter, but nearly all the kids elected to be with the babysitter until the dancing started. Then they wanted to be with us!
It was a great time and the kids had a blast. Some of the moms told me that it was the first time they had a quiet adult dinner in a long time!
jbsgirl- we got married in a small town about 7 hours away so I asked everyone I knew locally for recommendations. In the end one of the local high school teachers gave me the names of 3 16-year old girls who had babysitting experience. It worked out really well. We paid them $15/hr which was high for the area but considerably lower than the pro services. Since they were in the same room their professional experience wasn't a huge concern but they turned out to be great. Good luck with your planning!
We did this. There was a room off of the main room where kids could hang out. They sat and ate with their parents, but were free to roam into the room with the babysitter, movie, and toys or they could join us in the main reception area. I love kids, so I just did it so they could have something to do if they got bored. Luckily, none of them got bored and most of them had a blast dancing with everyone else.
We're likely doing this, but we haven't figured out the details yet. Our venue offers babysitters for $10 per hour per family. We might go for this option, or we might just hire some recommended local sitters to do the babysitting instead. I think we're going to try to guage the level of interest from our guests before we decide on anything. it depends on how many families will actually want babysitters.
Hmm, I do have some some people I could ask about high school/college age sitters.... Perfect! Thanks so much!
We are hiring a professional babysitting service that tailors to babysitting for weddings. Since the wedding ceremony and reception are at a hotel, we have reserved a suite for the kids. We have decided to cover the cost of the children for the bridal party, and offer the other guests the option to pay directly to the service for their own children. Our wedding is on New Year's even and will be late (ending at 2am) so the majority of the children will be sleeping anyway.
It's just a really inappropriate time of the evening for children to even be up, so we were glad to offer this as an alternative.
I can speak as a parent, and a wedding guest, in which my kids were in a kids' room.
Well my kids were allowed in the reception room, they hung out for a bit. But they mor fun in the babysitting room, and stayed there. I think the kids have more fun, being a kid, and not having to "behave' so to speak. And the parents get to take a breather.
it's just I don't want to see one go wild......The caterer has told me that they are able to serve the kids in the kids room but what if the parents want to watch them to make sure they eat. Or what if the parent want them to eat with them and have the food served when they get served. You're sweet for being so thoughtful. But honestly, I think there's no need to worry this much. I know parents want to make sure their kids eat. But I think for one night they'll be able to let the kids be. And if a parent is that concerned, I suppose they can just go check. I mean you're really being nice for having a babysitter. How much can they expcet? As for the "wild" kid fear, is there a particular kid you're worried about? I'm just wondering. Sure kids can misbehave a bi. And at an adult like event, it becomes a little more obvious than at say... the zoo. But unless you're concerned about a specific family, I find most parents get mortified quickly enough to take an unruly child out of the situation.
So allowing the parents the flexbility of having the kids with them is great. Maybe if a child is not behaving properly and no one sems to be taking the bull by the horns, you can have a family member, or someone close to the parents gently suggest he/she would have a better time with the sitter. Or perhaps have one of the sitters come down and entice the child (ick that sounded weird) with whatever movie or activity is going on. (Just make sure when little Johnny jumps on board, that his parents know where he's going.)
Ahhh!
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Ok, I'm thinking about having onsite babysitting.
Who has done this??
Were the kids allowed to go into the room where the reception was?
I'm having a hard time, trying to figure out if I want to have a seat for the kids in the main room or not to.
I don't want to be that bride who doesn't want to see a kid whatsoever. I don't mind kids, it's just I don't want to see one go wild. That's what I'm afraid of. Also, I don't want my friends who are bringing their kids to think that they can only see their kids in the kids room and not let them come out of the room.
Also, where do they eat? The caterer has told me that they are able to serve the kids in the kids room but what if the parents want to watch them to make sure they eat. Or what if the parent want them to eat with them and have the food served when they get served.
Ahhh!