HOW TO: The Kiddie Conundrum

Planner Jablonowski encourages all brides to follow Beth’s lead and hire a wedding sitter. That could mean a friend of the family or a professional (see page 49) — someone to keep the kids occupied during those not-so-kid-friendly moments, like tear-filled toasts and your first dance. (Psst: If those of you not inviting kids are still reading, finding a sitter who will watch kids at the hotel is a good way to accommodate out-of-towners with children.)

Another key to keeping kids happy: food. Yes, kids are notoriously picky eaters. No, you don’t need to serve the entire party chicken fingers and mozzarella sticks. Most caterers do offer those classic kid comfort foods for children under 12, but Jon Weinrott of Willow Grove’s Peachtree & Ward Catering says that many menu items can be adapted so both kids and adults feel comfortable eating them. A homemade pasta option for adults is easily dressed down with a basic marinara sauce or just butter and cheese for pint-size guests. Fries are dressed up by serving them in paper cones. Sushi does double duty as an elegant appetizer (sashimi) for adults and fun finger food (cucumber rolls) for kids. And there’s one thing you won’t have to think twice about: “Dessert is never a worry. Kids love any dessert,” Weinrott says.

Kids can have a big effect on the outcome of your Big Day. But if you take the time to figure out what type of wedding you want, the kid part should just fall into place. Besides, after the wedding is when the real kid discussion heats up. One boy and three girls … or two boys and two girls?