Kids are adorable. They bring a rush of energy everywhere they go, they love to giggle and play, and in our experience, they're incredibly photogenic. Here's the catch - they also need constant stimulation to keep from getting bored. This brings up the age-old question that can trouble a bride and groom: host a kid-friendly wedding, or suggest they stay home with the sitter?

For those of you hoping to include young ones on your big day, here are some tips:

Make Dress-Up Fun

Lots of kids would rather jump in the mud than put on formalwear, so if you approach dressing up as an engaging activity in itself, they're more likely to warm up to the idea.

Keep Them Busy

Many kids love to play grownup, so if they are given tasks that make them feel important, they're less likely to get bored. Whether it's ring bearer, flower girl or usher, a child that's preoccupied with a Big Kid role has less time to be idle and get into mischief.

Let Them Play

The reception is the perfect place for everyone - including the kids - to have fun. Play fun music and let the kids dance away all that energy. Set up a kiddie corner with coloring books or other games and activities. Provide fun snacks to munch on and bubbles to blow in celebration. There are plenty of ways to create a kid-friendly wedding reception.

Whatever your wedding style, all it takes is a little planning beforehand that considers how kids will fit in or not. If you choose to have a kid-friendly wedding, we hope this insight will help your wedding day go off as smoothly as possible. If you'd like help planning the photography portion of your wedding, call us at 888.556.7590.