photo by_ Audrey Stephens Photography.jpg

Photo Credits- https://www.andreaspidellphoto.com/, https://www.kelseyyoungphoto.com/, https://www.audreystephensphotography.com/, Ashley overby photography, https://www.ashleybenhamphotography.com/

Child-care is not for the weak, and planning an event that integrates people of all ages may seem ambitious if not completely daunting. Perhaps you feel like your wedding day is ideally child-free, or maybe you can’t imagine your day being complete without a few special kiddos. Either way, we are here to help! Even if the only children you plan to have at your wedding are the exalted flower girl and ring bearer, it’s still important that you keep them in mind while planning your big day. But fret not! There’s a plethora of ways to keep your kids civil and satisfied at a wedding. Whether you are a couple planning a wedding or a parent anxious about how you’re going to ensure your kids are happy, here are some ways that we’ve found successful in keeping younger guests entertained and eager for your special day!

Keep it kid friendly

This may go without saying, but if you plan your wedding to be open to all ages, then you should expect to compromise some things to make the environment more kid friendly. For example, kids love to dance, so give them space to do it! Having a larger dance floor can allow them to occupy more space and can decrease the likelihood of anyone getting hurt. Keeping your playlist clean is also important when kids are around. We are not implying that you shuffle any Kidz Bop albums, but an experienced DJ’ can help you find clean versions to any song you please. Many guests also decide to give out goodie bags to thank their guests for attending, and having bags separately arranged for your younger guests can mean the world to them. If you want to use this as an opportunity to gift craft supplies, mini yard games, fidget toys, or even treats, this opens up a host of ways to make your kids feel special and included at the wedding.

Take advantage of our Nursery

Some venues have kid-friendly spaces designed especially for the smaller wedding guests. Ramble Creek is one of those places! Down near the groom's quarters, we designed and built a nursery room dedicated to giving your children a little spot all to themselves if needed. Whether they need a moment away from the crowd, a place to get all of their energy out or to take a quick rest before returning to the party, this space is here for whatever you and your child need! Full to the brim with toys and games, we try to keep a variety of options for entertaining our younger guests. Complete with a rocking chair for nursing and a crib, this facility is organized to suit you and your family to find some respite in what can be a fun but often exhausting day for all. Find more information regarding our nursery facility here.

Hire someone to look after them

Having an on-site sitter can take a significant amount of stress off of the responsible parties. Our clients are welcome to hire trusted, third party individuals to monitor the youngins. If you want someone just to play with your kids in our designated nursery, or to sit alongside them throughout the festivities, having someone to actively monitor your children can take some weight off you and your guests’ shoulders, allowing you to take time and enjoy the ceremony for yourself!

Take a trip outside!

Your kids deserve to have access to a space that spans just as far as their imagination. What better place to let your kid indulge in and exercise their creative impulses besides the great outdoors? We’re privileged to be based in, as many have called it, our own little wonderland. At the foot of the hill where Ramble Creek is nestled, you’ll find an abundance of natural amenities. Not only is there plenty of open field space for kids to run and dance as they please, but our water features and trail are also ideal for entertaining guests of all ages. Countless people have connected with the natural beauty of our property, as something about the outdoors brings out the kid in everyone. Whether your kid prefers to partake in organized lawn games, such as cornhole, or simply wants to ramble around the vineyard for a moment, our wonderland is just as much yours as ours and is a classic scene to keep them occupied.

Set up an arts and crafts table

Yet another way to entertain your child’s imagination: Give them a chance to express and entertain themselves by providing some creative resources! Many past guests have decided to set up a dedicated kids’ table, and with this comes the opportunity to cater explicitly to your younger audience. Whether it be laying down some good old-fashioned butcher paper on the table itself and giving your kids free rein to decorate that, or providing craft supplies on demand, having access to various artistic mediums can enrich your kid’s experience at Ramble Creek.

Sweets and Snacks galore!

We could be wrong in assuming that all children have a sweet tooth, but we will say that we have yet to meet a kid without one. While most couples opt to take advantage of our in-house bakery by planning to offer some form of confection to guests, letting your kids have continuous access to sweets and snacks can keep them satiated and satisfied. Make sure to have dining options suitable for their palates as well. Our kitchen staff and chef are happy to help you curate a kid friendly menu! In addition, if you plan to utilize our bartending services, offering non-alcoholic sweet drinks is another great way to make kids feel a part of the party. Cocktails don’t have to lose their fun with the absence of alcohol, and offering mocktail versions of our unique and classic mixes is a fantastic way to include your younger guests.

Lights, (disposable) camera, action

In the age of mobile cell phone documentation, the appeal of a vintage lens has become even more in demand. Disposable cameras can be used for more than aesthetic purposes at your wedding, but can also be great fun for you and your kids! Not only does providing disposable cameras to your children give them a unique way to entertain themselves, but it allows you to experience your special day in a unique lens. This is a simple way to keep kids preoccupied while contributing a distinct documentation through their perspective.

We welcome children at any event, though we also understand there’s more to keep in mind when it comes to appealing to all audiences. Our staff is here to help in any way that we can, and while we don’t provide babysitting services explicitly, this isn’t our first rodeo in catering to various ages. Here at Ramble Creek, we understand this. We aim to create a suitable and enjoyable atmosphere for everyone at our venue. With these tips and our eager staff by your side, we hope to alleviate any additional anxiety you may have regarding planning your perfect day.