Adult-only Weddings

Adults-only Weddings

You’ve decided to have an adults-only wedding but you’re not sure how to communicate this rule to guests. Below we’ve compiled a list of tips and tricks to help you navigate this aspect of wedding planning.

Things to definitely do:

• Address your invitation envelope to the individual or couple only
• Make a note on an enclosure card (see what not to do below)
• Help eliminate confusion on the RSVP card by using the term “adults” instead of “guests.” For example:
  _____ Adults accepting
  _____ Adults declining
• Have those closest to you help spread word that children are not invited
• Be sure to post this information to your wedding website and if you allow RSVPs online, make sure the writing is clear that no children are allowed.
• Have some fun in how you communicate – write a clever poem or funny sentence to communicate this rule that can sometimes be difficult to share.
• Consider providing childcare for your guests. This is a huge gesture that will give parents peace-of-mind and a night off to enjoy this special occasion with you.

Things to never do:

• Most agree that it isn't polite to have “No Children” printed on your wedding invitation. More positive alternatives include “Adults Only” or “Adults Only Reception” in the wording.
• Don’t be blunt in your writing. This can be a sensitive topic, so find a more gentle way to say “no kids.”
• Don’t be offended if some guests don’t show up. Life can be a bit unpredictable with kids. Even the best-intentioned guests might have something come up last minute that prevents them from attending your wedding.

Adults-only Event

• 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.
• Although we love your little ones, this is an adult only affair.
• 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.

Limited Budget or Space

• [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 and 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 personalized 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.”

Kick Curfews to the Curb

• 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.

Including some Children

• 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.