Kids...can you allow some and not others?

I think if you list the names on the Addressed To part, it should be loud and clear. I'm doing something similar. If they add extra numbers or names on the RSVPs just call and say that you're sorry, but it is only for the people the invite is addressed to.

Having a "no kids allowed " event. My niece (flower girl) and my FH little sister are attending. You do you girl and be assertive about it!! You will unfortunately have to break some hearts, but remember that this is YOUR wedding!!

It's fine to invite kids in the wedding, nursing babies and no other kids. The problem you will have is inviting some family kids (the cousins), but not all of the kids in the family. Parents will be irked to see some kids there who aren't in the wedding while they had to make arrangements for child care in order to attend. I'd invite all or none.

I'm doing this as well and my venue practically comes with a wedding planner to help witheverything, so I asked for her advice and she said just clarify per invite. My envelopes specifically addressed each guest invited and on the RSVP cards, there was a spot saying "seats reserved" where I filled in and then "regretfully decline" for them to fill out how many are not coming. I also have been casually mentioning to people with kids that are not invited that it's no kids beyond the wedding party when asked about wedding details

We drew the line at the wedding party. Only children of the wedding party were invited. And most of them opted for babysitters anyway! In total there will be 5 under 10, and 5 teenagers. No one else even asked us to bring their kids. We clearly stated specifically on the invite who was invited and luckily had no write ins.

I have one person under 16 who is invited and he is my first cousin and I'm super close with my aunt (his mom). Other than that it is a no kid event and if I hurt anyone's feelings then they can leave. You do you girl. it's your wedding and if they care enough about you and your day they will just be glad to be sharing your day with you

At my wedding, the only kid allowed was the groom's 12-year old nephew who also was a junior groomsman in the wedding. I think it's reasonable to only allow kids who fall under special circumstances, like being close family members. Your niece, nephew, and God child fall in that special category. Not sure about the little cousins though. Unless you're very close to them, that sounds like adding a lot of extra children who aren't in your immediate family. I think the key is to make defined rules on why certain kids are allowed over others. Do you have a case for allowing the cousins on your side, but not on your in-laws side?

What ive learned is putting a number on the invitations, of the the amount of people they can bring so if its a family of 4 then put Rsvp for 4 people only so that way they cant add more people to the rsvp

If you invite kids are not in the wedding party, you really need to invite other kids as well or you WILL run the risk of people asking, in a legit way: "How come those non bridal party kids are here but mine were not invited?"

You would be surprised at people who you think will make a fuss about bringing their kids then end up not bringing them at all!

I agree with everyone else regarding listing numbers on the invites so that it’s clear. Maybe you can add something politely on the invite that states that it’s a strict guest list/count and to please respect that, or something like that. Honestly, it’s your wedding day and you don’t have to justify to anyone why you’re inviting some kids and not others.

Honestly, just straight tell people no kids. I am planning on including a little card that says no kids but politly with my invites. And if people get butt hurt oh well. Are they getting married? No. Are they paying for the wedding and reception? No. Therefore my wedding my rules, and if you love me youll obey my wishes for my special day.

We r putting on our rsvp insert and our website that only people on the rsvp list will be allowed admittance to our wedding events.

The only kids invited to our wedding are those in our wedding party (soon to be niece and nephew plus my cousins three kids). To "kindly" tell people their children are not invited we added a line that says we reserved ___ seats in your honor to our RSVP cards and will fill them in before mailing them out. We are also being sure to address the invites directly Mr & Mrs ____ and not to the family.

OP - be VERY prepared for some people to not come if they can't bring their kids. Why, I am not sure, but some might feel that way. Like PP said be prepared for people to respond with "4 coming" when only Mom and Dad were invited." People like to do what THEY want with RSVP's lol!

I would be honest and tell them no kids. That's what we r doing. We are having very small wedding. Only kids we want is our children. We are telling his parents they can not bring their grand daughter (shes 5 and lived with them) we arent having our siblings there or my niece either. His niece is wild and his parents dont correct her so I dont need her trying to make my son (almost 4) go an run off during our wedding because he and my daughter will be apart of it.

We just said adults only and only had one 11 year old that is my cousin. hope that's ok... if we invited all kids, it would literally be a zoo at my wedding

You really have to be blunt and on top of this one. If you want only said children there then that is your option as the host of the event. People will bring all their kids if you do not say anything, so many people feel their kids are entitled to an invite. You have to be really assertive with this one. Just those invited can attend. On our RSVP cards we did, "X" number of spaces reserved in your honor. No option to change it and if they mark it out and put something else, they will get a call.

You can invite children in circles:

1) Children/stepchildren of the couple

2) Nieces/nephews :: wedding party*

3) children of friends, children of cousins, etc.

*Obviously children in the wedding party will be in the ceremony and should be invited to the reception, if their parents feel up to it. This being said, this can get dicey if this leaves out a flower girl/ring bearer's siblings. (You can't really separate kids unless you're putting an age limit in place.)

We're having children at our wedding, but I've designated a table for them with activities. And I will personally put them in timeout if they are acting up. Mostly speaking of FH's sister's kids, and maybe her too. He actually asked if her husband and kids could come without her. So, there's that.

Ugh. I’m having the same issue. We wanted to invite just our nieces and nephews (they’re all between 5-10 years old) with the exception of my future brother in law’s one year old. We honestly thought he’d have the decency to find a sitter but he insists on bringing him. On top of that he asked me what the baby’s meal option will be!! I just find it very rude and I’m honestly stressing out that he’ll be crying during the ceremony.