Your wedding day is one of the most memorable milestones of your life. It has to be close to perfection and most likely everything you’ve ever dreamed of – correct? However, as much as you may want to share this moment with everyone close to your heart, the question is how do you respectfully say to your guests that “You are cordially invited to my wedding……but your kids are not”!
The first thing you want to keep in mind is, overall it is your special day and it should be all that you desire it to be. In saying that, if you desire to have an adult only reception and ceremony – so be it!
On the other hand, the responsibility of telling a family member or close friend that their children cannot attend your wedding can be quite uncomfortable not only for the couple, but to the invited parent(s) as well.
Being that the wedding invitation and save the date will be one the first forms of correspondence between you and your guests – you must be sure to use proper wedding stationery etiquette. The one thing that you do not want to do is blatantly indicate on your save the date or invitation that “NO CHILDREN ARE ALLOWED”! So, here are a few subtle and polite ways to indicate that your wedding is an “Adult Only” affair.
1) Save the Date – If you plan on sending out save the dates, you can include “Formal Invitation to Follow – Adult Ceremony and Reception”. Because your save the dates are scheduled to go out 6-12 months before the wedding, your guests should surely have enough time to make the necessary childcare accommodations by the time the official invitation arrives.
2) Wedding Invitation – So, your save the dates were sent almost a year ago and perhaps your guests may have forgotten that your wedding is in fact an “Adult Only” affair. Simply indicate on the invitation itself “Adult Reception to Follow” or “An Adult Only Ceremony and Reception”. Take it a step further and indicate on the response card “Number of Adult Guests Attending ___”.
3) Wedding Website – Many couples are taking their wedding planning journey online by creating custom wedding websites where details pertaining to the “big day” can be posted and updated frequently. You can also use this platform to friendly remind your guests as well.
In the event, that you come across a guest that insists on bringing their “well-mannered” children, you can politely say, “I understand you wanting to experience this joyous celebration with your child(ren); however, we (the couple) feel that the wedding would be a great time for you to unwind and have some adult fun.”
This may give them second thoughts as we all could appreciate a little adult fun from time to time.
Would love to learn more about your wedding plans! Are you planning on having an adult only ceremony and reception?
Please stay tuned for more wedding stationery tips, information and inspiration!
Photo Credits : SY Photography, Petronella Photography
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Kisha Kingston – Royale Amethyst
My name is Kisha Kingston and I am the Creative Director of Royale Amethyst Invitations, a bespoke stationery and design company based in New York City. Having the opportunity to service brides on a local, national and international level, I am truly excited to have the opportunity to connect with you as the newest blogger at Munaluchi Bride. My mission is to …
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