Hed Mayner, Jacquemus
Photos by Cecile Bortoletti, Oliver Hadlee Pearch
The perfect guest list takes time, patience and so much consideration! For sure, you'd want to invite everyone dear to you, but sometimes that’s just not possible, especially when it comes to guests with young kids. Some couples, after much thought, choose to have an adults-only wedding due to venue limitations, budget concerns, or simply personal preferences. A “no kids” policy can be a touchy subject, so here we guide you through how to inform your guests in a way that won't hurt anyone's feelings.
Dina Greher, Sebastian Paynter
Inform Your Guests Early
Don’t wait until the last minute! The sooner you let your guests know about your adult-only wedding, the more time they'll have to make all the necessary arrangements and plan accordingly without stressing out. This might mean finding a babysitter or figuring out another solution for their kids on the day of your celebration. There are two great ways to convey your no-kids policy: either include a simple line at the bottom of your wedding invitation or RSVP, or through a dedicated FAQ section of your wedding website. Either way, ensure it is noticeable so such an important detail doesn't get overlooked.
Communicate Clearly
To avoid any ambiguity or confusion, it’s best to clearly specify the age-limit for your wedding. Would you only exclude toddlers but allow teens? Or will you not allow anyone under 16 or 18 at all? You decide! But be sure your guests are well aware of which age groups can't attend. Some nice examples are: "We respectfully request no children under 16 at our wedding" or "Our celebration will be for adults only, so we kindly ask that guests under 18 not attend."
Be Polite & Courteous
Keep your request as general as possible, without calling out specific children due to behavorial issues. No one would appreciate seeing their child’s name mentioned in a negative light. This can feel personal and hurtful, potentially damaging your relationships with certain friends and families. Remember, your wedding is a time for you and your guests to enjoy and have fun, not to get caught up in unnecessary drama! Here's how you can phrase your request: "To create the atmosphere we’ve envisioned, we have decided to keep our celebration adults-only. We appreciate your understanding." Another way is "We hope you understand our decision to have an adult-only celebration to ensure everyone can relax and enjoy the evening."
Bonpoint
Photos by Denis Boulze
Don’t Make Exceptions
You might get some guests asking for exceptions, but it’s important to stay firm on your decision. Being understanding is a great trait, but making one exception can lead to more requests and complicate things. If you’ve decided on a children-free wedding, stick to it for everyone. It keeps things fair and avoids any awkwardness!
Expect Mixed Reactions
Not everyone will have the same reaction to a "no kids" wedding, so be ready for a mix of responses. While many guests will be happy to celebrate with you, some might find it difficult to attend without their children and decline your invitation for that reason. It's best to have an in-person or over the phone conversation with any guests who might have reacted negatively to ensure they understand it's not personal and there are no hard feelings.
Dos Más En La Mesa, Georgia Fowler
Provide Sitter Recommendations
To help out guests who may be unfamiliar with the area of your wedding, or stressed about what to do with their children, you might want to offer suggestions for local babysitting or childcare services. You may also want to connect them with other parents in the same boat, so the children can be together with familar faces to enjoy their time with while away from their parents.
Lean on Your Wedding Planner
Most wedding planners are well versed in navigating this area. If you are still uncertain from the get-go, or get a lot of push back from guests, ask your wedding planner for assistance on the best course of action and next steps to ensure you end up with the wedding of your dreams.
