question…The decision to invite children or not to invite children to  a  wedding  is  a  hotly  debated  topic with  no  right  or  wrong answer.  Ultimately  it  is  a  personal  choice  made  by  the  bride  and groom, but this  brings  us  to  the  subject  of  the  blog  today  –  how do you indicate that children are not invited to a wedding?

The subtle way… 

Addressing  the  wedding  invitation  to  adults  only  is  the  simplest way  of  indicating  that  children  are  not  invited.  You  can  further cement this by including the names or number of those  invited on the RSVP card.The problem with the subtle way is just that  –  it’s subtle. The risk is  that  some  guests  may  assume  they  and  their  kids  are  a  package  deal.  This  can  lead  to  drama  if parents  only  find  out  at  the  last  minute  and  are  unable  to  make  alternative  arrangements  or  if  they actually  bring  their  children  to  the  wedding.   It  may  be  necessary  to  confirm  verbally  with  these guests that you are not expecting children.

Straight to the point…

It’s  simple,  direct  and  there  will  be  no  confusion.  Somewhere  on  your  invitation  or  RSVP  card indicate that  children  are  not  invited  to  the  wedding.  You  can  use  any  of  the  following  ‘straight  to the  point’ statements:

•  No children
• Adults only
• Strictly no children please
• Adult wedding and reception
• Please respect our wishes for a child free reception
•  Adult only affair
•  This invitation is extended to adults only

Although this method is effective, beware some sensitive guests may find it rude.

So you’ve got a lot of ‘pro-kids at weddings’ guests or you also love kids, but  for  whatever  reason  be  it budget,  space  or  venue  you’ve  made  the decision  not  to  invite  children.  Approach  the  situation delicately  with something cute and thoughtful:

• In  order  to  allow  all  guests,  including  parents,  an  evening  of 

relaxation  we  have  chosen  for  our  wedding  day  to  be  an  adult  only 

occasion. We hope this advance notice means you are still able to share 

our big day and will enjoy having the evening off!

• Children  at  the  ceremony,  we’d  love  them  on  the scene. Reception time, however, is an adult’s only theme.
• To give all our guests the opportunity to let their hair down and have a good time without having to worry about little eyes and ears we politely request no children.
• While we love to watch the children run and play, this is an adults only kind of day.
• Sweet dreams to children under 16 The drawback is that this will take up a lot of room on your invitation or it may come at an extra cost to print out on an extra card.