Blog Post3 Tips For Having An Adults Only Wedding

wpengine September 7, 2018

If you are planning an adults-only wedding, it can be tricky to communicate that with your friends and family. Some may not understand your decision to have a “kids-free” wedding, but it is your wedding day and your choice. Continue reading for a few tips on how to word the request to your guests clearly and respectfully.

Include A Note In The Save The Dates

It is important to let guests know of your adults-only request as early as possible. You can include this information in your save the date cards. The note can be as short or detailed as you like. If you want to keep it short and sweet, include statements like “We respectfully request no children under 16 at the reception,” or “Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate children at the reception– thank you for your understanding.” If you want to provide your guests a more specific reason for your decision to avoid questions or potential confrontation a statement such as, “Although we love your children, we regretfully cannot accommodate them at the venue due to restricted numbers,” will suffice.

Provide Childcare Information

It’s customary to include local childcare information for guests that are traveling to your wedding. This allows families to decide if they want to travel to the destination with their children or find trusted overnight care for them in their hometown. You can recommend specific babysitters and provide their contact information or hire a professional service for your guests’ to utilize. It’s important to provide this information as early as possible so your guests can plan ahead.

Exceptions To The Rule

If you have any friends or family members that are new moms and are currently nursing, it is standard to make an exception for them. If other parents’ question this, all you have to say is that the mother is nursing, and bringing her child was the only way she could attend.

Other exceptions are completely up to you and your partner. If a guest’s childcare falls through the day before the wedding, you will have to decide if their children can accompany them. If you have children in the wedding party, most commonly the ring bearer or flower girl, you must decide what they will do after the ceremony. If you are upfront with your requests and give guests enough time to plan ahead, your adults-only wedding will go smoothly for everyone!

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