We recently reached out to our members on Instagram to send us cute photos of kids at weddings and we might have guessed their work would be super sweet and downright funny. So many of the shots they sent show how kids bring magic (and chaos) to weddings and how photographing them can be a bit like herding cats.Today we’re happy to showcase 20 extraordinary photos of kids at weddings and to give you lots of helpful advice on how to help them stay comfortable (and hopefully on track) when your big day comes. Scroll down to see our collection, starting with photos taken during the first hours of the wedding day and moving on through moments of magic and mayhem.

Then, go to the bottom of this post to learn all you need to know about to include kids at your wedding with ease.

How to Keep Kids Comfortable at Weddings:

To minimize the moments where kids go astray, it is important to put yourself in their little shoes. When you do, you’ll make things easier on all your guests, especially their parents. Here are some tips to keep kids having fun from arrival to your reception.

Designated a kid friendly area. With age appropriate games, playground equipment, or art supplies, you can keep kids occupied for hours.

Give them a friend to take down the aisle. When it comes to being a ring-bearer or flower girl, little ones are often overwhelmed when all eyes are upon them; find a buddy they can hold onto on their way to the altar.

Offer kid friendly food: It seems like almost all kids love chicken tenders, macaroni and cheese, and mini-pizzas, along with fruits and vegetables (preferably with funny faces). Expecting kids to make it all the way through a multiple course meal is simply unrealistic, so give them a menu to be happy about. Supply plenty of water and stay away from providing candy that can make them feel hyper.

Have your DJ play a few kid friendly songs: There are some wonderful tracks that kids and adults both like to dance to like “Can’t Stop the Feeling” by Justin Timberlake, “Happy” by Pharrell, and “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper. Get these on your playlist early in the evening and watch little ones light up!

Be flexible and understanding:  Kids will be kids and you never know how they will react to excitement. Be ready for anything and keep a sense of humor. 

Create a quiet space for sleepy heads: Having a place nearby for nursing moms and kids who need naps can offer a much needed respite for your guests. 

Don’t forget to kid-proof your reception: Prevent serious mishaps by covering electrical outlets, securing sharp objects, and removing any potential hazards. Keep alcohol way out of reach of little hands.

Pro tip - Hire a babysitter or two: This one expense can make all the difference when it comes to having kids at weddings without problems. Plus babysitters provide parents time to enjoy the day without constant interruptions. Get multiple references and do a background check. Then, sit back and relax while your guests thank you for a wonderful celebration.

Need another dose of cuteness? Check out all of our posts on kids at weddings and a few posts about cute puppies too!