Kids at Reception? HELP!

Carson386

I need some advice PLEASE!! We are working on our guest list and our reception hall can hold 150 guests. My future husband and I agreed that immediate family could bring children (cousins children included) because we are both close with our families. That was fine with me. But not he wants 2 of his good friends to be able to bring their wives (which is fine) but in addition, their children (that's 6 extra kids). That brings our list to 169 people I don't think it should be allowed since my friends are not bringing their children (even the children I am close with). Also, my family and myself are paying for everything. I had to cut down my family guest list already. Any advice? Am I being mean?

Mandafly84

If you made a rule, (only children of immediate family) then stick to it.  You are right, if his friends are permitted to bring their children, then YOUR friends are going to wonder why they had to shell out money for a babysitter.

Carson386

I know for sure that at least 15 people will not come. They don't live in this state or even in this country. I would feel horrible cutting my cousin's kids because I lived with them for a few years when I was having issues with my family when I was a teenager. I just don't think it's right to have to tell my best friend that she can't bring her two kids but his friends can bring six kids.

AdeleDazeem

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_chit-chat_kids-at-reception-help?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:14Discussion:53a2c45e-8dba-48e8-bb2d-8e82070a8d0bPost:c694aed5-afb1-47a8-9275-2d23e0ce04b4">Kids at Reception? HELP!</a>:
[QUOTE] But not he wants 2 of his good friends to be able to bring their wives (which is fine) but in addition, their children (that's 6 extra kids).
Posted by Carson386[/QUOTE]

Are you excluding other people's wives?  You might have a bigger problem than kids here.

[Deleted User]

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_chit-chat_kids-at-reception-help?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:14Discussion:53a2c45e-8dba-48e8-bb2d-8e82070a8d0bPost:c694aed5-afb1-47a8-9275-2d23e0ce04b4">Kids at Reception? HELP!</a>:
[QUOTE]I need some advice PLEASE!! We are working on our guest list and our reception hall can hold 150 guests. My future husband and I agreed that immediate family could bring children (cousins children included) because we are both close with our families. That was fine with me. <strong>But not he wants 2 of his good friends to be able to bring their wives (</strong>which is fine) but in addition, their children (that's 6 extra kids). That brings our list to 169 people I don't think it should be allowed since my friends are not bringing their children (even the children I am close with). Also, my family and myself are paying for everything. I had to cut down my family guest list already. Any advice? Am I being mean?
Posted by Carson386[/QUOTE]

This is strange. Why wouldn't it be a given that the wives would be invited?

goobersinlove

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_chit-chat_kids-at-reception-help?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:14Discussion:53a2c45e-8dba-48e8-bb2d-8e82070a8d0bPost:4ca0f3c8-331d-4fbb-97f3-ff9cd8d20e87">Re: Kids at Reception? HELP!</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Kids at Reception? HELP! : This is strange. Why wouldn't it be a given that the wives would be invited?
Posted by cew515[/QUOTE]

This was my thought as well. You are inviting the significant others of everyone in a relationship, right OP?

Beverly8

I'm with PP's...Were you not originally inviting close friends with their wives? This seems strange and you may have bigger problems here than just children at the reception.

blgrout

I think you should stick to what you guys originally agreed to, or things will get out of hand. Especially if you can only have so many guests.  We have a limit on the amount of guests we can have, and let me tell you, more people are RSVPing yes than I ever thought would.  And I have had one couple try to talk me into letting them bring their children, and they weren't happy when we told them no kids, but we just don't have the space/food/budget for them. 

And why isn't it a given that you would invite your friends' wives/husbands/SO's? 

lyns86stc3007

I think it's rude to pick and choose who can bring their children. It should be kids or no kids regardless of relationship.

Carson386

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_chit-chat_kids-at-reception-help?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:14Discussion:53a2c45e-8dba-48e8-bb2d-8e82070a8d0bPost:14cc5c6e-25b1-4725-b7fa-a74a7da3bc29">Re: Kids at Reception? HELP!</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Kids at Reception? HELP! : This was my thought as well. You are inviting the significant others of everyone in a relationship, right OP?
Posted by goobersinlove[/QUOTE]

Yes everyone that has a spouse or significant other is bringing them. I just wanted to make sure that everyone knew it wasnt just the friend and the kids. it's a total of 4 adults and six kids.

leamide

Stick to your plan, only close family can bring kids. 6 extra heads is a lot of extra money if your paying per person, even if it is a child. Explain to your FH telling him you want to stick to the orginal plan. Also, explain to him that it would be more enjoyable to his friends if they weren't running after their kids the entire night and it's a good time for them to have a "date night" together.