How to Politely Say No Kids at a Wedding
Planning a wedding involves countless decisions, and one of the more sensitive topics is whether to include children on your guest list. While some couples adore the idea of little ones running around during their celebration, others may prefer an adults-only affair. If you've decided on a child-free wedding, here are some polite and tactful ways to communicate your wishes without causing offense.
Navigating the "No Kids" Decision: Politely Communicating Your Wedding Guest List Preferences
Deciding on a child-free wedding is a personal choice. Whether it's due to venue limitations, a desire for an intimate celebration, or a preference for a more relaxed atmosphere, it's important to communicate this decision to your guests with grace and clarity. Here are some examples of how to politely say "no kids" on your wedding invitations.
Direct Approach (with a Touch of Kindness):
"Due to the intimate nature of our venue, we kindly request that this wedding be an adults-only affair."
"We are so excited to celebrate our special day with you! To ensure an intimate and relaxed atmosphere, we kindly request that this wedding be an adults-only occasion."
Subtle Suggestion:
"We are looking forward to celebrating our wedding with our closest friends and family. We kindly request that this be an adults-only event."
"Join us as we celebrate our love with an intimate gathering of friends and family."
Emphasizing the Celebration:
"We are thrilled to celebrate our wedding with you! To allow our guests to fully enjoy the festivities, we kindly request that this be an adults-only occasion."
"We are so excited to share our special day with you. To ensure a relaxed and enjoyable evening for all, we kindly request that this be an adults-only celebration."
Providing an Explanation (Optional):
"While we cherish all our loved ones, we have chosen to have an adults-only wedding to create a more intimate and relaxed atmosphere for our celebration."
One of the biggest pitfalls of going kid-free for your wedding is making exceptions for certain guests. If you decide on a child-free wedding, stick to your decision to avoid misunderstandings or hurt feelings.
Considerations for an Adult-Only Wedding
Some of your wedding guests may express disappointment or frustration. Approach these situations with empathy but stand firm in your decision. Here’s an example response: "We understand it can be tricky to arrange childcare, and we’re so sorry if this causes inconvenience. We’d love to celebrate with you and hope it’s possible for you to join us." Try to reframe the conversation to emphasize the benefits of an adults-only event. Highlight the opportunity for parents to enjoy a night off or to let loose and celebrate without distractions.
Ask your family and members of the wedding party to help spread the message. This is helpful for guests who may not read the fine print on invitations or websites. To show consideration for guests with children, you can provide solutions to make their attendance easier: recommend trusted local babysitters or childcare, arrange for an on-site childcare option nearby, or try to schedule the wedding at a time that makes it easier for parents to plan childcare (e.g., an evening event).
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to have children at your wedding is yours. Communicate your wishes clearly and respectfully, and prioritize creating a celebration that reflects your vision and allows you to fully enjoy your special day.
Historic Acres of Hershey is a beautiful place for a wedding with multiple indoor spaces to choose from and lovely outdoor spaces, too. Our rustic property is lovely all year round. Give us a call at 717-298-6340 to learn more or contact us.