Kids or no kids at my wedding?

Charlie79

If the reason for not inviting children is purely a financial one then could you explain to that to your friends and family? If one of my friends or relatives wasn't opposed to having my son there but couldn't invite him for financial reasons then I would happily pay for him. Well actually I wouldn't as I'd much rather leave him with Grandma and have a day off. But if I couldn't get a baby sitter I'd gladly cover the cost of him attending the wedding.


You could still invite children to the reception though.

suchgreatheights

I'm not a fan of small children or babies at weddings.

Ok, some kids know how to behave but others don't or are too young to know better, and I have been to several where parents are oblivious to their offspring ruining someone's perfect day. It only takes one.

I have been to a couple of weddings where kids weren't invited and the general reaction seemed to be fine - most parents thankful for a night off!

duchy

xHannahx wrote: »

We don't have any childcare options, my mum passed away so haven't that option. No other family locally.

You wouldn't lose us as a friend by not inviting the children, nor would we take offence, we would be apologetic that we couldn't attend due to having children and no childcare options. The cost of a babysitter is out of the question due to tight finances.

Its also unfair to tarnish that children all run round like you describe. We recently took our two for a meal aged 2 & 4, and they sat so impeccably behaved the proprietor of the restaurant discounted the cost of the children's meals off our final bill. The key is keeping them occupied take them something to keep them quiet during proceedings.

l.

But isn't that the point -it is so exceptional to see children behave that way that you got special treatment for it.

innit76

We had this dilemma last year for our wedding. It was a tough decision so we phoned all the invited parents on the list and actually spoke to them about why kids were not invited.

99% were fine and had no issues, and even welcomed the chance to have a break from their kids. One friend did contest it initially but after explaining she understood and had a great time on the day!

If they are your true friends they will understand.

Good luck!

aquarius02

Why would you need to ask anyone not to bring their children? Just don't invite the children! It's your wedding, therefore you are entiltled to invite/not invite whom you please

lizbec

Weddings shouid be family occasions,yet more and more I hear about children being excluded because - shock,horror - they do things like eat and cry and therefore interfere with the picture postcard perfection of the occasion which seems to be expected these days. And why is it more expensive? Unless you're planning a reception which costs stupid amount per head.
We gift married 25 years ago,at a registry office,and the reception was held at a local family friendly pub. I loved the fact that my nieces and nephews were there and,as adults,they have fond memories of that day. It's one of those occasions that cements friendships and families.
If it really doesn't fit in with your plans then how about a cheaper and more inclusive get together in the evening,to which children could come?

lizbec

Got married,not gift married !

Cimscate

Ebenezer_Screwj wrote: »

It's your wedding you can invite who you like. Personally, I wouldn't invite children to attend ANY social event, they are such a wretched nuisance, due solely to the fact that parents no longer bring up children with any sort of discipline or even basic good manners.

Ha ha, I'm sure you will get slated for this but so true. I do volunteer work at a public venue and most of the kids are so badly behaved that you find yourself complimenting a parent who actually controls their kids!


Having said that I think it is entirely up to the poster what she does at her wedding, as long as she explains the reasons are mainly financial not personal should be fine. Could you have an option that people can pay for their own kids if they really want to bring them? Good luck

aquarius02

The only part of a wedding which is a public event, is the ceremony, if it's held in a church. The wedding meal and reception are private

Mojisola

aquarius02 wrote: »

Why would you need to ask anyone not to bring their children? Just don't invite the children! It's your wedding, therefore you are entiltled to invite/not invite whom you please

Because if you don't specifically say the invite is for the adults and not the children, some people will assume the whole family is invited and turn up with the children in tow.