What is the best way to convey no children on an invitation without being rude?

"Leave your terrible terrible offspring at home"

But really, just address it to the parents, not the whole family.

Don't invite them. Only write the parents names on the envelope.

Lmao swin!!!

Invite the parents only, by name, and on the RSVP card. Don't put it on the invite. Be prepared to let people know, if they call or add kids to the invite, that this is not a possibility.

I second what @Swin. says. Word of mouth can be an additional element.

You're typically not supposed to put "Adult Reception" on the invitation, but I did bc I know my family won't get it otherwise, and I've seen it on invitations multiple times in our social circle so I did it too. If it's not something you commonly see on invites, just address the invite to the parents.

Address the envelope only to who is invited. On your reply cards, fill in the # of seats reserved for each party invited. And have some family members spread the word. That is what we did and had relatively no issues *knock on wood*

Maybe use the word "adult ceremony and reception" - I'm not a professional so I don't know if that's ok or not... I'm going to be asking the same question lol

I addressed it just to the parents, and also added "we have reserved # seats in your honor" on the rsvp. It worked pretty well but I did get a few people asking if kids were allowed. Some posters on WW have had guests that changed it to a higher number, but I think this route usually would work for non rude guests lol.

LOL @Swin I addressed the invites to parents only. For those who called so far, I told them could help with finding childcare if needed for the evening as only our siblings' kids (they're in the BP) will be at the ceremony but not the reception.

We've already had issues with who is invited (FH's aunt scanned the STD, and forwarded it to those who we didn't invite *facepalm* ... so many of these people have no couth.)...

I did address the STD's to who is invited but I'm not sure if they'll understand or not.

If children were to come, our guest numbers would double.

Here's our game plan:

On the wedding website: "Though we would love to have all of the people who have touched our lives be present on our wedding day, due to venue restrictions our ceremony and reception will be 18 or older only."

Word of mouth: We told as many people as we could in casual conversations about the wedding how excited we were for an adult only night.

The invites: will be addressed to each adult- Mr Joe and Mrs Jane Doe

RSVP Cards: "We have reserved 2 seats in your honor"

Children welcome at the ceremony but we ask the reception be adults only. Something like that?

Just address your envelopes as Mr. and Mrs. Smith instead of The Smith family. Follow up individually with anyone who doesn't get it.

Very simple, the invitation should read "adults only affair". Don't assume that people will know this if you do not include children on the invite. You would be surprised how rude people can be when it comes to invites, RSVPS, and requests to bring extra guests for an event they know you are paying a lot for. You will find out soon, I promise you. Make it clear and save yourself the inquiries and trouble.

I am still going to address the envelope specifically, but we are having this language on the RSVP card:

"While children are a blessing and a joy, the bride and groom request that all guests be of age 15 and over"

Every family has the one relative who loves to gossip. We put her to work sharing that it was an adults only event. Now everyone knows and it shouldn't be a surprise when the invitations are addressed just to the adults.

Please don't make any comments on your invitation or RSVP card about who is or isn't invited. If something comes up, just be honest with the guest and say you cannot accommodate children at the event. They might not attend because of it, but that's their issue, not yours.

"Much like champagne, this event is for adults only"

That's what's on our website. I've also talked with my friends who I know have young kids and they have no problem leaving them with a sitter. I think they are looking forward to a night out

We're also addressing by name.

I need help I need help with wording no children at our wedding reception I see some say just address it to the adults which I don’t see how that’ll indicate no kids I would assume my family is invited so what’s the next best way if there is to word it for people like me lol

So, we are doing the same thing. But, I have seen first hand that even if you just address it to the parents, they will still bring their spawns. So, we are going to make "premade" RSVP cards, and it is going to have the number of 1 or 2 for them to circle, if it is a couple, or 1 if it is a single person. There is no option for a plus one or children... That way, in case a spouse can't make it, they can let you know 1 of them will be there!