Planning a wedding is not just planning an event, it is creating an experience. It is an experience geared toward pleasing your honored guests. However, most of those guests will be of the mature variety and the kids that accompany them often find themselves bored and anxious to get back home out of their "Sunday Best". If you have decided to invite families with children, we have some great ideas on how to create a kid-friendly vibe that will be sure to keep the littles entertained and more than happy to hang out while their parents enjoy the evening. 

The first detail to consider is hiring a babysitter or two...or three during the dinner and/or the reception. Especially if you have several children attending, be sure to provide the appropriate amount of supervision that will help you and parents feel comfortable. Also provide attendants with first aid kits, cleansing wipes and plenty of caffeine! 

Provide entertainment. Like we said, kids are all about having fun. Many venues can accommodate an extra space for kids. You can set up a coloring stations, have games or puzzles on hand and even put on a kid-friendly movie. If you plan ahead, each child can have an activity bag ready for them complete with their name, so they feel a part of the fun too. If your venue cannot provide a separate space, set up a kids' table. This is actually a fun opportunity to add a little more whimsy and creativity geared more toward the littlest and cutest guests. Have the attendants you hired be prepared to help with activities and food. 

Kids get hungry easily....which can quickly escalate into "hangry" behavior. Before you know it, a previously happy child can morph into an unrecognizable creature with lots to say about how they really feel about being at your wedding! Don't take it personally, just be prepared. Make small snack bags that parents can hang on to if and when their child needs a little pick me up. 

Let them eat cake and let them dance! Desserts and dancing are the best part of the wedding for kids. Once they've been filled with sugar, let those cute kiddos dance off that sugar rush so they can crash for mom and dad as soon as they get back home. 

If you are considering sharing your special day with kids, be prepared and everything will go smoothly...

Easter morning is one of those few occasions when children can hardly sleep the night before in anticipation! Waking up to colorfully full Easter baskets, new Easter dresses, egg hunts and candy....oh all the candy! Here at Leslie Dawn Events we believe the adults deserve some Easter magic too. Today we have a classic Easter candy inspired cocktail recipe that will work well with your Easter brunch and transition well into spring weddings. This recipe is also easily translated as a mocktail for those looking for a non-alcoholic version. 

​The Ingredients:

7 cups sliced Strawberries

3 cups Orange Juice

4 cups Champagne, chilled

Optional Garnishes: Fresh strawberries, Orange slices or pink Jelly beans

Directions:

1. Combine half of the strawberries and orange juice into blender; cover and blend until smooth. Press through a fine strainer. Repeat with the remaining strawberries and orange juice. Top with 1/3 cup champagne. Top with your favorite garnish.

2. Pour about 2/3 cup strawberry and orange juice mixture into each champagne flute or wine glass. 

Nutrition:

1 cup: 112 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein.

Mocktail ( non-alcoholic ) version: 

To add a virgin twist on this yummy drink, follow the above recipe but substitute sprite or ginger ale for the champagne.

**Disclaimer: Photos are of our own work and we love for our work to be shared. Please properly credit us if you use these images. Photo by Sodabee Photography.