No children allowed

The only way to do that is not to add children's names on envelopes. Many people say to write 'adult reception' but that is considered rude.

I would just address the invitation to "Mr. & Mrs. Smith" instead of "The Smith Family", and/or write, "We have reserved 2 seats in your honor" or something along those lines. If anyone still RSVPs for their kids, you can reach out to them at that time to say it's adults only.

Don’t invite children.

People not invited should not be listed on the invitation envelopes.

You don’t say it. You just only invite the parents. You can also let your closest friends/family spread “adults only” by word of mouth.

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I disgaree. Some may find it rude but I know ladies here who did not specify but did write just the couples name on the envelope and people assumed kids were still invited. I personally say be transparent because some people do not get it. You do not have to but maybe on the RSVP card a little line that the ceremony and reception is adults only.

Agree with PPs, you simply just invite the parents.

All our invitations are being addressed to 'Mr John Doe and Mrs Jane Doe' or 'The Doe Family' (where everyone is invited). Another way or extra 'FYI' is on the RSVP cards noting 'we have reserved X seats for you'.

Thank you ladies, I just didn't know how to go about this. With the save the dates, I addressed it to Mr & Mrs. and people still reached out asking if this included the children, so I wasn't sure if there was a protocol I was supposed to use for the invitations.

You wouldn't include it on the invitations. You would include on the envelope the names of who you are inviting and then on the RSVP card you would put x number of seats have been reserved in your honor. This would make it clear how many and who are invited. Our our wedding website we also included a FAQ page and one of the questions was could we bring our child/children and we said while we love everyone's children the wedding will be an adults only wedding.

View Quoted Comment The information about no kids should be spread via word of mouth or on the website which does not have etiquette rules attached. Many people incorrectly assume alot of things because etiquette is no longer taught except by aging relatives, despite the fact that navigating social situations and keeping guests will occur forever. Therefore it's not outdated nor ever will be.


Another solution: in addition to adult only guests'names on the inner and outer envelopes, make your own reply cards that specify who exactly is invited. It also clears up the issue many say they have that guests don't list their names. It might take a little time on your part but clears up a ton of confusion. Or hire out the service to a friend/relative wanting to help.

View Quoted Comment Https://emilypost.com/book/emily-posts-wedding-etiquette/ can also be purchased on Amazon or the local Barnes and Noble

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I think you make valid points and in no way did I say etiquette was outdated. I am stating what brides here have posted. I will say this not once have I ever gone on a wedding website so I do not feel that is the best platform. I can agree with word of mouth but that is assuming everyone can reach everyone invited. I have been invited to weddings where I knew no one except the bride so the whole word of mouth thing would not work with me. It is not that I do not believe in etiquette I was stating and going by what some brides here have complained of because they were not up front but hey at the end of the day she should try the advice given. Not bad advice but that is why I disagreed. Did not mean to come off rude or anything.

View Quoted Comment No offense taken. I have seen many posts across the forums saying that etiquette is indeed outdated and zero reason to follow it. Do what works best for you.

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I think it is all case by case because I know things I am doing or have done may be offensive to some but in my circle it would not be. The thoughts on alcohol at a wedding completely varies but I do not see how providing alcohol has to do with etiquette. I think to some it is outdate but I think things change. I am not against not mentioning it but until I saw brides that followed that then vented about people thinking their kids were automatically invited (bad etiquette on their part) and it caused uncomfortable conversations but hey like you said to each their own.

I’ve told everyone that our wedding is a “no children” ceremony & reception. Our envelopes are addressed to the adults only & the RSVP’s have “Adult Ceremony/Reception” printed on them. Even on our website I posted that it’s “even though we love your children, please hire a sitter & come help us celebrate! Perfect date night!”

I put “this will be an adult only celebration” on our first round of save the dates. Im not putting it on the second round (postponed), Im sure they get the picture

Know your crowd I put it on my site, word of mouth and in a group email to my guest. But I know all of my guest and they know me, I wasn’t so formal with my approach.
Like others said address the invite to the invited guest and state you have X amount of seats RSVP’d for them.

We Only Invited Those Who Were Invited, And Put "Adults Only" On Our Wedding Website And Still Had People Asking To Bring Their Children. Some People May Think its Rude, Other Wont Care. Dont Worry About What They Think.

We didn't put it on the invites. We addressed the invites only to the adults (not to the family). We also put a note about it on the wedding site's RSVP page, and in the event details on the site. And then we made sure to mention it to anyone we invited who has kids so they could make alternate arrangements.

So far, no issues with that.