Little ones are adorable, but sometimes it’s best to call in a babysitter for the night! Here are 6 tactful ways to say “no kids at our wedding.”
There’s no denying an impeccably-dressed flower girl or a precocious ring bearer will draw a few “awws” from your guests. But if you’re being really honest with yourself, you’d prefer to have your wedding be an “adults only” affair.
As we often say here at Brides of Long Island, it’s your day and you get to call the shots. If you’d rather not include children on your guest list, that’s your prerogative. At the same time though, you don’t want to offend your family and friends who have little ones.
So what are some tactful ways to say “no kids at our wedding”? Here are 6 of the most respectful and straightforward statements you can make — on your invites, wedding website, or any other wedding-related communications you send.
1. “Adults-only ceremony and reception.”
This is about as clear as it gets.
2. “We love your kids but due to space restrictions, we can only accommodate guests 18 and over”
If you’re feeling uncomfortable about excluding the kiddos, put the blame on your venue’s capacity. You can also adjust the age range at your discretion — feel free to list the minimum age you’d consider.
3. “Moms and dads, you need a night out! Our wedding will be adults-only. Please contact us for a list of recommended babysitters!”
Hey, those moms and dads probably DO need a night out! And if you can provide vetted babysitters to recommend, that’s a huge plus. Check out BOLI Preferred Vendor Sitter Network!
4. “We kindly request that no children attend our wedding events. We thank you in advance for your understanding.”
Another clear statement that extends gratitude.
5. “While we’d love to host your entire family, our ceremony and reception will appropriate for adults only. Thank you!”
For real, though — should a toddler be twerking with everyone else on the dance floor? 😂
6. “The couple requests that the ceremony and reception be adult-only events.”
Again — it’s your wedding day, and you get to request whatever you want!
Keep in mind that if children aren’t invited, there’s a chance the parents on your list will RSVP no. That’s okay! They have to put their children’s needs first, and if they can’t find a child care option that they find suitable, they may have to skip out on your festivities. Don’t take it personally, and instead enjoy your wedding day with those guests in spirit.