No kids reception? Help!

Hi Ruth! You can absolutely have an adults only wedding, but definitely be prepared for some guests with young kids to RSVP no!

I think it's easiest to do all or nothing when it comes to kids, but immediate family of the bride and groom can definitely be an exception

You can't allow only some of your guest to bring kids, and then not others. The general rule with this, is that if the kids are in the wedding, then they (along with any other siblings) get an invite. Otherwise, there should be no kids allowed. You will get backlash if you allow family to bring their kids, but tell others they can't bring them.

I'm having a no kids reception also to eliminate paying for a plate they will mess over the only kids allowed are the wedding party kids n those who have little babies....

You can have a no kids reception but you need to be fair and apply it to all people. Also realize some people might choose not to come. I don't think you need to be concerned with how late the reception is. The parents can leave with their kids or decide not to bring them. Let them decide,

We are having no kids also. My son will be there until dinner is served...then he goes with the babysitter.

It's not rude. It's an adult event. I do think you can pick and choose kids by tiers; yours (if you had some), bridal party kids, immediate family kids.

And if they don't choose to come? Their loss.

We're only inviting kids that are in the wedding party and their siblings. Not rude. But like everyone else said, be prepared for parents to decline.

I'm having my kids in the bridal party but they're going home after dinner

I understand why some people would want a children-free wedding. I won't be offended if my FH and I were invited sans children.

No, I don't think a no kids wedding is rude; in fact, I think it's an excellent idea. I also agree with Celia when it comes to allowing some children to attend. If they are the children of the bridal party members or they are the children of the siblings of either spouse, I think that's absolutely fine for those children to invited.

What adult wedding guests are entitled to, in my opinion, is an escort -- be it a spouse, friend, significant other, aunt, adult son/daughter...whomever. Beyond that, you do not have to include everyone in the guest's family. If people can't or won't attend because of the child issue, they are free to check the "decline, with regrets" box.

Thank you ladies! I guess it all comes down to me wanting to have an adult party I already spend so much time in kid related activities. I want to party with my friends and also have them not worry about chasing after their kids and enjoy the party.

Agreed - My FH and I had quite a debate about this and we ultimately decided to go with an "18 & over" reception. Our families are totally understanding especially since we've given them close to 1 year notice.

I'm in agreement with Celia and OG A. I'm only inviting children of my immediate family because they will be coming from out of state. If my parents weren't financially contributing, I'd have zero children.

Kids should be all or nothing. IMO weddings are family events and not adult only affairs ( that is why bachelor / bachelorette parties are for) . I would say it is fine to invite all kids to the ceremony and have an adult only reception, or have a short everyone included reception and an adult only after party immediately following.

We only invited our flower girls and the BM's daughter, who was 13. She was invited because she's truly like a niece to us, even if its not by blood.

Your other option is to hire a few sitters for the kids and have them in a different room with kid entertainment. We had a few on standby, but no one took us up on the offer.

I always disagree with the "all or nothing" rule. You can invite kids in circles just as you do adults. Just because I invite my nieces and nephews (i.e kids I have an actual relationship with) doesn't mean my co-worker's daughter, whom I've never met, gets an invite.

Also how did you let everyone know it was a no kids reception?

Following this! My FH and I don't have any kids and if we invite kids that's adding 40 people to the guest list! We can't afford it and we're having an open bar! We want an adult feel to it!! I have been struggling with this.. I don't want people upset but reading this opens my mind to understand some may decline because their kids aren't able to come.

No it's not unfair. Your kids is a different situations they are apart of the celebration. I personally don't have kids and we are extending the invitation to children. We just decided to do a buffet style dinner instead of served. With 12kids under 13 I did not was to pay $65+ for there plate. I I wouldn't feel bad. If you give them enough notice they should have time to find a babysitter. When they want to go out or do other things they find one,so if this is important to them they'll make a way.

It is not rude we are not having children at our wedding. The only kids that will be there are the kids in the wedding party.