Skip to main content

Post content has been hidden

To unblock this content, please click here

B
Devoted August 2022

Do babies count toward guest count?

Bride2Be, on September 1, 2021 at 2:59 PM Posted in Planning 0 10
I have quite a few friends/family members who have babies who will be 1-3 years old by the time our wedding comes around and I’m wondering if I should be counting them toward guest count? My venue said to count them only if they will require a chair, so how do I know if they will need a chair or not? I don’t necessarily want to say your kids aren’t invited because if that’s the only reason that will keep people from coming then I don’t want that to be the reason they don’t come. But I will also not include the kids name on the invite in hopes they will just not bring them. But if they bring it up to me, I’m also not really sure what to say.


How would I know then if they need a chair or not? Do moms just keep their baby in a stroller off to the side? I don’t have kids and haven’t grown up around them so I have no idea what to expect!

10 Comments

Latest activity by Heather, on September 3, 2021 at 1:31 PM
  • M
    VIP January 2019
    Maggie ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    I would follow your venue's advice on whether or not kids "count". But you will need to decide if you are inviting kids first. Then you can ask each parent with a baby or toddler if the kid needs a chair. Any kid older than an infant will probably need a meal, too, but a parent could tell you that's not necessary if they know their kid won't eat it.

    • Reply
  • Gina
    Dedicated May 2022
    Gina ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    You are lucky. My venue is making me count my nieces. They will be 1 and 1.5 at my wedding. My coordinator said if they are needing a chair or booster they are counted. My nieces love to be held and I just know they wont stay in a seat long without losing their marbles. She also stated 6-12 months, the parents should decide if they want a plate of food for them.Smiley amazing

    My coordinator said 12 months is considered a guest. I whole heartedly disagree. But I hope this gives some insight.

    • Reply
  • B
    Devoted August 2022
    Bride2Be ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content
    View Quoted Comment
    Thank you for that insight! We are doing a buffet meal so I guess I’ll need to reach out to my caterer to see how they count the kids for that. And I didn’t even think about booster seats! I guess I should ask my venue if they have those! I’m just trying to finalize our guest list and without the kids we are just under our max but with kids it puts us over so I’m hoping it won’t be an issue if we have enough declines.
    • Reply
  • Jasmine S.
    VIP May 2022
    Jasmine S. ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content
    Your caterer may not "count" them because their meals are free, but as far as capacity limits and fire codes go, they are a body in the room, so they count. Even if they don't need a regular chair, they will still need a space at the table for a stroller or high chair or something. Maybe call the parents and ask what type of seating they would prefer for their kid?
    • Reply
  • Gina
    Dedicated May 2022
    Gina ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content
    View Quoted Comment

    Oh I totally get it. I am having a small 52 person wedding and having to county the two kiddos has unfortunately lost me one couple. I feel awful about.

    I hope you have better luck with it then I did!

    • Reply
  • Ariel
    Devoted October 2021
    Ariel ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content
    I would follow what the airlines do. I believe they require a seat for anyone over two.


    But before you even start counting kids or not you need to determine if kids are invited or not. If they’re invited then the invites should be addressed to the kids or the family. If they’re not invited out a line in the sand and don’t allow kids.
    Kids have been a tricky and very contentious thing for my own wedding. We are doing no kids. If people don’t come because they can’t find a sitter we are okay with that. Also given COVID we rather have as few unvaccinated people in attendance as possible and kids under 12 aren’t eligible for the vaccine.
    • Reply
  • Lisa
    Super October 2021
    Lisa ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    I would contact your venue and caterer to confirm their policies. Once you know, you can contact the families you are inviting with kids about their needs for boosters, high chairs, or meal selections (if applicable).

    • Reply
  • B
    VIP July 2017
    Becky ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    The little bitties counted towards chairs, but not catering for us.

    We asked our guests with the smallest children to bring their preferred mobile high chair because the venue did not provide them, it worked out quite well.

    • Reply
  • Alyssa
    Super December 2021
    Alyssa ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content
    View Quoted Comment
    This is a big sticking point for us too, since everyone has to travel for our event too. Even my stepdaughter who is the only kid invited (8 y/o) will be masked 100% of the time aside from pictures if there is no vaccine for kids by late December.
    • Reply
  • Heather
    Savvy March 2022
    Heather ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    My venue says children 2 and under are not counted as a separate guest.

    • Reply

You voted for . Add a comment 👇

×

Related articles

WeddingWire celebrates love ...and so does everyone on our site! Learn more

Groups

WeddingWire article topics