Having kids at your wedding
FI and I have decided that we don’t want to have kids at our wedding. I just feel that a wedding is not a place for small children as they either run around on a sugar rush or get bored and ruin the evening for everyone.
Im not sure how to ask our guests not to bring kids to the wedding because a lot of them have kids, and due to me not really wanting to have a “children’s party” and the fact that we’ll have to cater for extra guests, Im not sure how to word it. I know, even though most invites say “NO CHILDREN”, somehow people who have kids just dont see that.
Ive heard about hiring baby sitters, but it’s just an added expense that we dont need, and to be blatantly honest, just can’t afford at this stage.
What should I do?
5 Responses to “Having kids at your wedding”
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It’s a toughie! Luckily we don’t have any friends with children, except a one-year-old who may or may not come from England with my cousin. I think the best you can do is put “No children” or “Adults only reception” on your invitation, and also make it very clear exactly who is being invited. If you’re doing RSVP cards, fill out the number of guests invited for them, so that they can’t add their children on!
My hubby and I didn’t invite kids to our wedding as I have 14 cousins under the age of 12 and there was no way I was going to let my day be ruined by some kids that don’t know how to behave. I’m really happy we made that decision and you should stick by yours if that’s what you want, because at the end of the day it’s YOUR day and you will remember it for what it was. Just be prepared for some comments from family who might say that it’s a family affair so why aren’t kids invited. Just stick to your guns and explain in a polite but firm manner what your reasons are. Some of my family didn’t attend (parents of said cousins) which is a pity but you can’t please everyone. Just go ahead and have a great day! :)
Hey Mizz M
I agree, if you dont want kids, dont get forced into having them. I also didnt want kids at our wedding, accept for my flower girl and my two nephews. We didnt write no kids on the invitation, but we said “John and Doe Miller” so that they would know only they were invited.
4 babies rocked up and I was very stressed about having screaming babies at the wedding, but it wasnt so bad. The moms all looked after them and they didnt behave badly at all. Only one baby cried during the ceremony.
The sitter is a good idea, but dont feel obligated to pay for it. Looking after kids is not your responsibility. Get your friends to club in and pay for the sitter – thats only fair.
We were lucky enough not to have any kids out our weddding. We wanted a party and I think our guests felt the same way :)
We don’t have that many guests with children, so when sending saving the dates I made a little note for those with children. I told them that I just love them and their beautiful children, but unfortunately the venue is not “child-friendly”.
They understood and had enough time to hire a babysitter for the evening. I found that my friends we’re more understanding because I wrote a little note especially for them.
Good luck!