How do I tell my wedding guests, "no children" please?

Jun 6

Deciding whether to invite children to your wedding is one of the most difficult guest list decision.

No one wants to offend their family and friends by not inviting their children, but there are legitimate reasons to have a kid-free wedding. If your guest count is climbing beyond your budget or your style of event just isn’t fit for little ones, it’s time to tackle this tricky conversation.

Here’s a comprehensive list of ways to say,

“Sorry, no kids.”

When you want to keep it short and sweet

“Although we love your little ones, this is an adult only affair.”
“Please join us for an adult reception at six o’clock.”
“Please note this will be an adults-only celebration.”
“Adult (18 and older) reception to follow.”
“We respectfully request no children under 16 at the reception.”
“The bride and groom request that this be an adults-only reception.”
“Please celebrate with us at an adults-only reception immediately following the ceremony.”
“Unfortunately we cannot accommodate children – thank you for your understanding.”

When budget or space is limited

“[X] seats have been reserved in your honor. Please let us know if you will be joining us!”
“Due to limited venue space, adults only please.”
“Due to budget/space limitations, we are unable to extend the invitation to children.”
“Although we love your children, we regretfully cannot accommodate them at the venue due to restricted numbers.”
“Although we adore your children, due to budget/space constraints we ask that only adults attend.”
“Regrettably our chosen venue is unable to accommodate children. Professional babysitting will be provided at the hotel.”
Or include a personalised note with your invitation: “We’d love to have Lexie and Max there but unfortunately we’re limited by budget/space constraints. We hope you can still make it.”

When you want a more sophisticated or late night event

“To allow all wedding guests, including parents, a night of relaxation and uninhibited revelry, we respectfully ask that no children attend the reception.”
“We love your kids but thought you might like a night off. Adults only please!”
“To give all our guests the opportunity to celebrate without having to worry about little eyes and ears, we politely request no children.”
“We hope you will understand our decision to make the wedding children-free, and take the opportunity to let your hair down and celebrate in style!”
“To allow all guests to relax and enjoy themselves, we have chosen to make our special day adults only. We thank you for your understanding.”

When you’re including newborns, nieces and nephews

“Children of immediate family only please.”
“Respectfully, an adult occasion (18+). Infants under 12 months welcome.”
“Due to limited numbers, we hope you appreciate that children are only invited if named.”
“Unfortunately we are only able to accommodate children in the wedding party at our reception.”
“We wish we could include all children, but are unfortunately only able to invite immediate family.”
“Due to necessity rather than choice, it is children of immediate family only. We hope you understand and enjoy your night off!”
“Unfortunately due to space limitations, we are having an adults-only reception. The only children attending are those who are part of our wedding party. If anyone needs help with making arrangements for child care, please let us know and we will do our best to assist.”