Thinking no kids at your wedding? The decision to invite kids or not to invite kids to a wedding is a hotly debated topic with no right or wrong answer. Ultimately it is a personal choice made by the bride and groom, but this brings us to the subject of the blog today – how do you indicate that there will be no kids at your wedding?
The subtle way…
Addressing the wedding invitation to adults only is the simplest way of indicating that kids are not invited. You can further cement this by including the names or number of those invited on the RSVP card.
The problem with the subtle way is just that – it’s subtle. The risk is that some guests may assume they and their kids are a package deal. This can lead to drama if parents only find out at the last minute and are unable to make alternative arrangements or if they actually bring their kids to the wedding. It may be necessary to confirm verbally with these guests that you will be having no kids at the wedding.
Via Jordy B Photo
Straight to the point…
It’s simple, direct and there will be no confusion. Somewhere on your invitation or RSVP card indicate that unfortunately, there will be no kids at the wedding. You can use any of the following ‘straight to the point’ statements:
- No kids
- Adults only
- Strictly no kids, please
- Adult wedding and reception
- Please respect our wishes for a child-free reception
- Adult only affair
- This invitation is extended to adults only
Although this method is effective, beware some sensitive guests may find it rude.
Sugarcoat it…
So you’ve got a lot of ‘pro-kids at weddings’ guests or you also love kids, but for whatever reason be it budget, space, or venue, you’ve made the decision not to invite kids. Approach the situation delicately with something cute and thoughtful:
- In order to allow all guests, including parents, an evening of relaxation, we have chosen for our wedding day to be an adult-only occasion. We hope this advance notice means you are still able to share our big day and will enjoy having the evening off!
- Kids at the ceremony, we’d love them on the scene. Reception time, however, is an adult’s only theme.
- To give all our guests the opportunity to let their hair down and have a good time without having to worry about little eyes and ears we politely request no children.
- While we love to watch the children run and play, this is an adults-only kind of day.
- Sweet dreams to children under 16
The drawback is that this will take up a lot of room on your invitation or it may come at an extra cost to print out on an extra card.
Via Pinterest
It’s someone else’s decision…
It’s not uncommon for wedding venues to specify no kids, and sometimes you just know that a venue isn’t child friendly. Include one of the following statements on your invitation if this is the case:
- Due to restrictions at our venue, we will not be having kids at the wedding.
- Management request no children under 16 (or whatever age this may be).
- By request of management no children.
- Regrettably, children are unable to attend.
This method is also great because it lays blame on someone else, protecting you from the fire of any disgruntled guests!
Kids at the ceremony, no kids at the reception…
If you’re happy for kids to attend the ceremony, but not the reception then try something like:
- Kids welcome at the ceremony only.
- Wedding ceremony followed by adult-only reception.
- Kids are very welcome to attend the ceremony but the reception is an adults-only affair.
- Kids are welcome at the ceremony, however, to allow all of our guests to enjoy an evening of relaxation, we respectfully advise that the reception is for adults only.
Via Jose Villa
If you think inviting kids might be the way to go after all, check out these helpful tips for how to handle kids at your wedding!
