[Banana] Split Decision: Kids' Condundrom

I've been questioning the idea of having an adult only reception for a while now. I've asked several family members and friends what their opinions were on an adult only reception was, and the end result: split completely down the middle.

Since I can remember, I've envisioned my younger cousins being a part of my wedding day. I've asked them to be in the wedding as Junior Bridesmaids and Ring Bearer/Page. I truly feel in my heart, because I'm asking them to be in the wedding, they should also have the opportunity to attend the reception afterwards. They will likely be the only children there, as the majority of the people coming are either older and/or do not yet have children. But thankfully, they have each other. I just really want the experience to be enjoyable for their parents as well, as neither really get to have date nights or time to themselves.

Because I actually didn't attend my first wedding until I was in my 20s, I wasn't quite sure how the kiddos would feel attending an all-adult "party". I definitely don't want them to be bored. They also don't see each other that often, so they get SUPER excited when they are together, and feed off of each other's energy :) Which can make for a fun situation, but also one that can be tough to curtail midway through. So, I came up with some ideas that I thought might help.

I decided that at their table, I would have 3 buckets with their names on them. Inside the buckets there would be a few goodies to keep them entertained for a portion of the evening (I'm being realistic here--I KNOW this won't keep them entertained long, ha). These items included:

1. Stickers and Washi Tape

2. Markers/colored pencils

3. An intricate coloring book (because they are 10 and 7)

4. An [old] iPhone (yes, I know what you're thinking)

5. A photo scavenger hunt

Personal Photo

Personal Photo

Above is a photo of some of the items that I included. I found all of them at target in the Dollar Spot section. It was a pretty good deal. About $10 for everything. What I don't have shown in the photos are the iPhones that I'm planning on placing inside. They are both mine and Mr. ICS' old phones that are no longer connected to any sort of data plan, but still work extremely well for taking pictures. The kiddos ALWAYS steal their parents phones, so I thought, why not give them their own to snap photos with for the evening. And while we're at it, why not make a contest out of it?

I'm planning on using an "I Spy" sheet that I saw on Martha Stewart's website a while back. I think it will work out great, and will keep them busy for a bit :) Because I'm turning this into a contest, I really want to have 2 more contests (at least), so that each of the kiddos has a chance to win (yes, this will be rigged--I don't want anyones feelings getting hurt!) 

For the other contests, I'm deciding between: 1. Quiet as a Church mouse: who can be the best behaved in Church?, 2. Strut your stuff: Who has the best dance moves?, 3. Decor Galore: Who can decorate their bucket the best?, 4. iPhone Scavenger Hunt: Who "found" the best pictures? 

Next on the list? Picking out non-gender specific toys to give at the end of the night that the kiddos will like (and are not too expensive). Honestly, I've put more time and effort into this than I ever thought possible. I just really want them to have fun, but also want to allow their parents to have fun too :) I think this is a good start, though!

So, hive, here's where you come in! Do you have any tips or tricks up your sleeves that helped/will help you keep kiddos entertained on your big day? Any advice/recommendations? I want the day to be enjoyed by all :)