Food and Drink

Do Kids Cost the Same?

Do kids count against the per-person cost of the reception?


The cost of young guests varies from reception site to reception site. Sometimes it is open for negotiation and you can strike a deal with the site manager up front, so be sure to ask. Other places have specific policies regarding meals. Here’s a breakdown of what you’re likely to find out there:

• Some sites will charge you the same price for a kid’s meal as they do for an adult, regardless of the child’s age. (This is something to keep in mind if you’re on the fence about including kids at your wedding.)
• Other locations might offer you a special, reduced-price menu for kids anywhere from 12 and under—as much as 50 percent off the regular menu price. (These places often offer kid-friendly menus with dishes that will please the younger set, like macaroni and cheese, chicken fingers, mini pizzas, or burgers and fries.)
• Still other venues let tykes under a certain age eat for free. This can range anywhere from ages 6 on down.

Once you’ve finalized the half-pint head count for your wedding, make sure you know which age range they fall in. If you’re not sure, shoot their parents an e-mail to confirm. After all, it can mean the difference between a pricey dinner and a free meal.