Wedding speeches can run anywhere from 20 minutes to well over an hour. For adults, this is an enjoyable part of the celebration. For children under 8, it's an eternity of sitting still and being quiet in a room that was just recently full of exciting dancing and socialising. Here's how to keep children engaged without disrupting the adults.
The Speech Activity Pack
The most reliable strategy is a personalised activity pack for each child, placed at their seat before speeches begin. Keep it simple:
- Colouring sheets (wedding-themed or just their favourite characters)
- A small box of crayons or coloured pencils
- A simple puzzle or maze sheet
- A "wedding bingo" card (spot the flowers, the cake, the bridal party)
- A few stickers
- A small snack — grapes, breadsticks, raisins — something quiet
Personalise with each child's name. The moment of discovery as they find their bag is itself a moment of quiet excitement that buys you the first five minutes.
Seating Strategy
Seat children with their parents at a table near an exit. If a child becomes difficult to manage — tired, overwhelmed, or simply frustrated — a parent needs to be able to leave quietly without walking past the speaker and disrupting the room.
Don't seat excited children right at the front. The temptation to wander towards the speakers is diminished with physical distance. Tables at the side or back of the room are ideal.
Build in a Short Break
If speeches are going to run for more than 30–40 minutes, build a natural break into the schedule — 5 minutes between the father of the bride and the best man, for example. Children can stretch their legs, use the toilet, and reset their attention. Adults appreciate it too.
The Children's Table (for Larger Weddings)
At larger weddings with many children, a dedicated children's table with an entertainment pack and a responsible adult carer can be extremely effective. Children enjoy being with other children; a table of similarly aged peers with activity packs keeps everyone mutually entertained without disrupting guests on adjacent tables.
Some larger weddings hire a professional children's entertainer specifically for the speeches and early evening, taking children to a separate room with games and crafts. This is the gold-standard solution if budget allows.
Silent Technology
A tablet loaded with a favourite colouring app, game, or show — with headphones — silently manages the most restless children for the duration of the longest speech. Not every parent is comfortable with this at a formal occasion, but it works. Have the decision made in advance so there's no negotiation during speeches.
Planning a family-friendly wedding in Cambridge?
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