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Estrella
Dedicated October 2021

Not a Kid friendly event.

Estrella, on February 15, 2021 at 8:41 PM Posted in Etiquette and Advice 0 28

Hi all!

My Fiance and I are planning an intimate celebration on October 10th, 2021!! Smiley heart Smiley ring

How do I politely let my guests know that children are not allowed?Smiley atonished

I want my guests, that are parents, to really enjoy themselves and have a good time without worry. Also, my reception will be a restaurant setting and not the ideal place for kids, I think they will be bored. The only "child" in attendance will be my 15 yr old niece.

Thanks in advance for the suggestions/advice!

28 Comments

Latest activity by Pauline, on February 18, 2021 at 7:47 PM
  • D
    June 2021
    Dj Tanner ·
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    Blame it on Covid! That’s what everyone else is doing!
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  • Rebelle Fleur
    Master July 2021
    Rebelle Fleur ·
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    You can add on the insert/rsvp that it is an adult only affair.
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  • Sam
    Devoted October 2021
    Sam ·
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    My fiancée and I are also excluding children. We are going to kindly put on the invites “adult only reception”
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  • Estrella
    Dedicated October 2021
    Estrella ·
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    View Quoted Comment

    Very true! LOL

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  • Michelle
    Champion December 2022
    Michelle ·
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    Do not address to the family, only the adults. That really is the only way beyond word of mouth.

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  • Estrella
    Dedicated October 2021
    Estrella ·
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    So something like, "Adult reception to follow after the cermony"

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  • Estrella
    Dedicated October 2021
    Estrella ·
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    I guest we can include this detail in our wedding website too.

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  • Michelle
    Master April 2021
    Michelle ·
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    When asked about our wedding, we tell everyone that it’s a no children thing, that the only kids that will be there are in the wedding. It even says on our RSVP “Adult Ceremony and Reception.”
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  • Th
    Dedicated September 2021
    Th ·
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    We just let our guests know ahead of time it was an adult reception. Everyone understood and as far as I know no one seemed upset. We also let people know ahead of time bc our wedding venue is pretty far for local family (definitely and overnighter but driveable). I’ve heard of some people sending the invites with adult reception to follow on them to as a way of letting guests know
    • Reply
  • Lisa
    Legend July 2022
    Lisa ·
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    I would list that info on your wedding website. Also, on your invitations, address them to "Mr & Mrs Smith" instead of "The Smith Family". Add a line on the RSVP cards that says, "We have reserved __ seats in your honor". If anyone tries to add their child onto the RSVP card, you can call them to let them know that you're unfortunately unable to invite children.
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  • Estrella
    Dedicated October 2021
    Estrella ·
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    YEs! That is definitely a great idea!

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  • Estrella
    Dedicated October 2021
    Estrella ·
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    "Adult Ceremony and reception", I like this detail because it includes both events.

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  • Hanna
    VIP June 2019
    Hanna ·
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    We had an adult-only wedding and we simply addressed our invitations to those invited by name

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  • Liz
    Devoted June 2022
    Liz ·
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    I agree with the above, I also had a family member with kids reach out to see if her kids were invited and she was actually really excited to have a night out with just her husband. I’ll also be including a line like this on our wedding website: “ While we love your little ones, our wedding is going to be an adults-only event so that everyone can relax and enjoy the evening. We appreciate you making arrangements ahead of time and leaving the kids at home so you can celebrate with us.”
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  • Michelle
    Champion December 2022
    Michelle ·
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    Be aware that while many will enjoy a night out with no kids, they will be offended (though never tell the couple) that they had to arrange childcare while someone else is allowed to bring their kids. So be consistent with no kids at all under 18. Otherwise you may have well behaved 10 yr old at home with manic 17 yr old sibling in attendance which no one wants.

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  • Estrella
    Dedicated October 2021
    Estrella ·
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    Ty for this suggestion! This is a very clear and transparent explanation to include on the wedding website.

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  • M
    VIP January 2019
    Maggie ·
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    It's completely fine to want to have a kid-free wedding. And previous posters have given you good suggestions for how to make this happen.

    I just wanted to say that I would avoid giving this as your reason ("I want my guests, that are parents, to really enjoy themselves and have a good time without worry."). Parents/adults don't really like to be told how to enjoy themselves and have a good time. The fact that you don't want kids there is reason enough. The less you try to explain/justify/convince people, the better.

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  • Estrella
    Dedicated October 2021
    Estrella ·
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    In regards to my 15 year old niece attending. I understand that the rule should be for everyone, no exceptions etc. , but my niece is the only exception, she has a special part in our ceremony. 💕 and I'm sure my guest will understand.
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  • Estrella
    Dedicated October 2021
    Estrella ·
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    Maggie, I agree less is more!
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  • M
    Expert April 2021
    Melody ·
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    Our ceremony will be kid-friendly, but they are not welcome at the reception and we have arranged childcare at the venue. This is what we have in the FAQ section of our wedding website:

    8. Are kids welcome?

    We welcome your kids to attend our ceremony; we have arranged childcare for our reception. To give all our guests the opportunity to celebrate without having to worry about little eyes and ears, we politely request no children at the reception. We hope you see this as an opportunity to let your hair down and celebrate with us!

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