Kids at the wedding: They're adorable, delightful and so thrilled to twirl in their matching, knee-length dresses with floral wreaths on their heads, or walk down the aisle in mini tuxes, wearing earpieces and acting like a security detail. You've seen plenty of kids dancing, crying and throwing tantrums at weddings. And you definitely want more of the former and less of the latter.

It may seem like an impossible task to keep all the young wedding guests, flower girls and ring bearers happy and well-behaved throughout your wedding day. After all, child guests and bridal party members can include little ones just outside of infancy (starting at age 2), up to early teens, showcasing their eye-rolling and boredom with or without screens grabbing their attention. With such a varied collection of age ranges, your important task of calming the kids and preventing their boredom can never be accomplished with just one solution. Kids and preteens need an arsenal of activities to hold their attention and entertain them (i.e. keep them quiet and still), especially during the two most challenging parts of the wedding.

Elizabeth Muhmood Kane, founder of Bridal Musings, says, "The two parts of a wedding day that are the trickiest for children are: the ceremony and the speeches."

*The Ceremony

Most wedding couples become wide-eyed at this advice, as they thought of a kids activity pack complete with coloring books and crayons for the reception but didn't think of that for the ceremony. Providing kids with activity, sticker and coloring books in addition to the wedding programs -- extra points if the kids are invited to grab their own matching activity books from a basket -- helps kids and parents to prevent unwelcome tantrums. "No parent wants all eyes on them as their child kicks off during the bride and groom's sacred marriage vows!" Kane writes on the Bridal Musings website. "But a gentle reminder at the beginning of the ceremony that it's ok to leave the room if needs be, may encourage parents to escort any screaming babies/children having full on temper tantrums away from earshot." A leading note in wedding etiquette is that it's perfectly OK -- and encouraged -- to have your officiant begin the ceremony with gentle instructions for guests. Ask him or her to welcome guests with a smile, direct attendees to turn off all devices, as well as point out a garden, playroom or other nearby location where they are welcome to bring kids so they can be more comfortable.

Speaking of comfort, it's often physical discomfort that gets kids fidgeting. A little one, especially on a hot and humid day, is likely to hate a lace collar, tulle, crinoline, uncomfortable hairpins keeping that floral crown in place, as well as tuxedo jackets and ties. Tell parents that you understand kids' comfort levels with wedding outfits, so as soon as photos are done, feel free to let them take off that crown, jacket or anything else causing the kid to make "that face."

*The Speeches

Once safely at the reception, kids have been through a few wedding event phases already. From the quiet of the ceremony to the feast of the cocktail party -- and, wait, what is happening now? -- it's time for one or multiple speeches, which can push kids beyond their comfort levels. Kane suggests instructing guests to be seated for the speeches. Little ones, seated with their parents and given a fresh new activity book and crayons, can find comfort in a new gift and some distraction. Again, you won't please all kids all the time, but these easy, inexpensive presents and games can keep them occupied.

*Additional Tips for Preventing Fidgeting

-- Provide a kid-friendly array of appetizers, meal options, desserts and snacks. Kids today often have a more developed palate for sushi, kimchi and vegetables and may raise an eyebrow at finding just mini pizzas, chicken fingers and fries set out for them. Talk to your caterers about making an engaging kids food and dessert menu.

-- Provide lots of water enlivened with fruit slices on a hot day to prevent dehydration.

-- Set up a craft area or game room at the event venue, perhaps in a smaller party room at the hotel and staffed by professional child care experts and entertainers, where parents can drop in anytime and kids can go find parents anytime. All you need is a movie playing, parent-approved games and music and engaging activities to give kids their own party zone.

-- Create a quiet room where kids can nap as needed, with parental presence.

-- Shop smartly for activity books and worksheets with exercises such as scavenger hunts. You'll find plenty of coloring book packs, wedding-themed activity sheets and crayons on Amazon, and on Etsy, you can find free or inexpensive downloadable worksheets for kids to complete at the wedding.

Entertained, comfortable kids have a greater chance of being good kids at any wedding, and that's something to aim for.