Bounce House at Wedding?

Question

My wedding consultant has suggested we rent a bounce house for our wedding due to the number of young children that will be there. We currently have 35 under 10...

I would like to hear your opinions on having one, I am sort of opposed becuase I think that it takes away from the formality.. but I would like to hear what others think. Has anyone done this or been to a wedding with one?

Answer 1

I agree! I think that the whole Bounce House situation is not called for.

Answer 2

You might have to check with your location and make sure that one will be okay to begin with. The reason why I say this is because there are possibly some liability issues (I know there are with trampolines).

Other than that, I think it's a nice idea that could lead to lots of problems for you. If you want a formal wedding, like you said it could take away from that and put more emphasis on a fair/circus/funhouse theme than you probably want. You would probably want to mention it to parents because there's a good chance they won't even let them jump if they don't have an extra pair of clothes.

Really, I just don't really think that it's necessary. Maybe get a few coloring books and have a couple of your teenage relative/friend/etc. keep an eye on the younger children.  

Answer 3

That would not fly at my wedding. They are not very pleasing to the eye, they are a safety hazrad and I think children can be entertained in other ways that don't involve eating and then bouncing around and screaming. I like the coloring book and crayons idea or have a playroom for them to play in quietly. If you want your wedding to be a formal occasion I would just say no to the bounce house!

Good luck!

Answer 4

better to let them bounce than run wild ruining your wedding reception!

Answer 5

i think it's a great idea and the parents will love you for it. it will get the kids out of their hair (and yours!) and wear them out by the end of the night. this way they won't be running up and down the aisles harassing other adults!

Answer 6

As a Mom of a 5 year old and an 8 year old who both love bounce houses I'm going to vote on the opposed side.  Because if I bring my children to your wedding they are going to be dressed in better than their Sunday best clothes and shoes and the rental bounce houses are dirty inside.  Plus jumping for the girls in their dresses isn't going to be very ladylike and it will tear their tights/frilly socks up.  Boys are messy by nature but they are surely going to get nasty in the bounce house also.  If I knew ahead of time I could bring clothes to change the kids into, but then you are going to have kids running around in play clothes and possibly showing up in you pictures that way.  

I'd much rather you provided a room with a few DVD's or a table in a corner with games (card or board games), markers, crayons and paper than a bounce house.

Answer 7

I think that it would take away from the actuals

Answer 8

Oh boy ... yuck. I wouldn't one of those at my wedding for two reasons.

One, they're horribly tacky looking. Two, they're kind of a safety hazard, and the last thing you want to worry about while you're at your reception is little Timmy landing on his head funny.

If you have a lot of kids, purchase some coloring books and little individualized crayon packets (like you would get at a kid's restaurant or something) and set aside a table for them to color at all night while the grown-ups dance and socialize. You might also want to hire a responsible teenager for the night as a babysitter so that the parents can actually enjoy themselves.

Yeah yeah, that's a BIG no to the jump house thing.

Answer 9

I think that might be a little excessive.

I used coloring books and crayons for the kids. They had more fun dancing and watching others anyway. If I would have had a bounce house at my wedding, it would have been a waste of money for the most part. Plus I do think it takes away from the formality.  

Answer 10

My opinion No. I feel it does take away from the wedding. this isn't a kids party. But this really up to you. And I have never heard of this before, Can your reception accommodate a bounce house? And who will be watching the kids in the bounce house.?  I agree with the person above me too!!

Answer 11

I understand that it might take away from the formality, but under 10s dont get that! They dont like formal clothes and being quiet. I think its a great idea - get their parents to take some spare clothes and the little ones can let off some steam! They will have a great time and you will be a hit with them and their parents!! :) Good luck!

Answer 12

I own a bouncer rental company and I will tell you this is a common pratice.  It really depends on the sytle of your wedding.  If it is a tux/suit event then it is probably not a good idea.  It is a more casual affair then it may be a good idea.

Answer 13

I think it's a sweet idea.  It'll keep the kids occupied so the grown ups will be able to have their time. But just be careful, someone will have to supervise the whole time in case anyone gets hurt.  Good luck!