Open Air Business February 2018

FUNCTION VENUES
GETTY IMAGES
GETTY IMAGES
TODAY’S WEDDING MORE than
ever is likely to be a true family
affair and by that we’re talking
a greater likelihood that the
bridal couples themselves, or
certainly some of their closest
friends, siblings and bridal party
will have young children. Bearing
in mind that the average age of
couples marrying is now 30.8, and
increases slightly annually, and
the fact that the largest proportion
of couples have been an item for
more than five years, many more
wedding celebrations are now
focused on relaxed, family friendly
fun.
As an ambitious wedding
hosting venue looking to get ahead
and beat the competition you
need to look at how you provide
for children so that you’ve got a
solution before you’re asked, and
right from your early marketing.
Bear in mind that your couples
with their own young children are
likely to have very busy schedules
and a lot of demands so the more
you can help them with preconsidered
ideas the better. This
applies equally to those couples
who don't have their own children
but know they need to make
plans for their young guests and
can often feel overwhelmed and
inexperienced in not knowing
what the options are.
Today’s feature is brought to
you in partnership with Stephanie
Wallis, childcare expert and owner/
founder of Safe & Sound Events,
who is the go-to provider for many
an independent wedding planner
(myself included) seeking the most
professional, varied, creative and
safe childcare solution for their
clients’ weddings.
THE VENUE “STANDARD”
Lack of facilities and activities
involving a few crayons and paper
alongside some games bought
from the local store just don’t
cut it for the modern wedding,
but it’s sadly what’s on offer still
at many events. If this sounds
familiar then I’m afraid you (and/
or your couples) are likely to find
the little ones running amok
causing mayhem and ultimately
spoiling the event for everyone,
staff included, through no fault
of their own. A higher standard of
provision is a must!
It’s worth your venue looking
at your terms and conditions also
as literally ‘left holding the baby’
is something you are not insured
for, neither is an entertainer
solely in charge of the children
or the obligatory bouncy castle
sufficient. Bear in mind too that
an entertainer/bouncy castle
might provide up to two hours'
entertainment, which is great for
a typical kid's birthday party but
nowhere near long enough for a 10
hour wedding day!
TO GET IT RIGHT
HERE ARE OUR TOP
TIPS FOR VENUES:
1 SPACE
So often enough space
for children to play is just
not considered. With crèche
supervision, children often move
areas during a wedding to utilise
the best spaces for the numbers as
the wedding progresses through
the schedule. This gives great
variety for the kids, gets them out
and about in the fresh air (always
good for sleeping later on!) and
enjoying the venue and all its
spaces under safe supervision
while being sensitive to the goingson
and schedule of the main
wedding celebration. Make sure
to think about key spaces that are
child friendly.
2 HIGHCHAIRS
AND SEATING
Highchairs are often provided by
venues but are not necessarily
the best style and may be missing
straps. This is a real health and
safety issue. Style is often chosen
for the look rather than for the
practicality, and many highchairs
are only suitable for children
who can sit upright. There are
styles of booster seats to consider
which offer a better alternative
for varying ages of babies and
toddlers. Just as you consider the
style of the chair for your adult
guests, the same consideration
should happen for their children.
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