How do I tell guests - adult-only wedding and reception

Deidra123

Ladies,What is the most polite way to let family and friends know that our wedding and reception will be adult-only?  Especially, when we will have three children in the wedding?  The difficulty is also that there are at least three guests who will have babies under the age of 1 on the date of the wedding.  If I say adult-only on the invitations, will they understand that that means no babies?  How is this best and most gingerly handled?  How can I do this best?

sdstephens2010

I have seen reception cards and programs that stated that the reception was "adult only", but not for weddings. I think a polite way to do it is to place a small note on the RVSP card to state that the wedding and reception are adult only. It'll probably offend a few, but that's what babysitters are for, so they'll know in advance. It's all about you guys that day...remember that!

adgenya

We're doing an adult-only reception (except for our ring bearer and flower girl). We are just addressing the invitations to the adults only and the inner envelopes have the invited guest names on them as well. Also, we have it listed on our wedding website (which they have to go on to RSVP- it only allows invited guests to RSVP). In your case, I'd just address them to those invited and spread that it's adults-only through word of mouth. If anyone RSVPs for their kids, you can just call and tell them that you cannot accommodate their children as it is an adult only reception.

Lovie 129

We are putting on our reception cards adult reception. I also think the lateness of our wedding (starting at 6:30p) will indicate to people the formality of the wedding. Also only put the couples name on the inner envelope of the invitation. Most people will respect your wishes and if they add other people or call you, just say the wedding and reception is adult only. We are having 3-4 kids in the wedding, they are eating but during the dance portion we are going to hire a sitter to watch them.

kimmy.kori

I started out doing this but changed my mind at the last instant...only because I have a cousin who has 4 children & no one to babysit. I was just not going to invite her or even tell her altogether. I'm not a very good liar and I started to feel bad.My FAIL-LOL (future aunt in law) said that when her son got married, they also had an adult only reception and just as well had children in the wedding. They hired a babysitter and had pizza and stuff for the kids to do in a hotel room while the adults were partying downstairs at the reception.  They later had the children join everyone towards the end of the reception. I thought that was a good idea but isn't in my budget.

clross01

I put adults only on my rsvp card.. I did get a phone call from my friend's little girl today asking me why I put "adults only" when I knew she wanted to come to the reception.. And, she was serious... LOL!!!

Ms. fairytale wedding

I am doing the same thing as kimmy.kori. We have 5 children that will be in the wedding. We will arrange for the babysitter to take the kids to a designated spot and they will have a kiddie party. But trust and believe I have caught H*LL for this idea. I dont believe children should party with adults. Especially when there is liquor around.

Tameca33

We will have a 2 year old and a 5 month old of our own the day of our wedding and I am planning to hire a babysitter and do a kids party as well. I think its a great idea to put Adults only on the RSVP cards and if anyone ask you about it, (especially with small kids) gently remind them of how great it would feel to have a few hours of adult entertainment with just family and friends. If they are anything like me it would be a well welcomed evening.

pretteone

We're planning on having an adult only reception as well! The only little people invited will be those that are in the wedding.  Both my FI and I come from large families, and there's absolutely NO WAY we could accomodate everyone, even if we wanted too!  I'm sure some people will be turned off by this, but oh well!  They'll get over it!  And if they decide not to attend because of it, that will just be one less plate I have to pay for!!!  People just have to understand! Good Luck!

Deidra123

Thanks Ladies!! You guys are great.  I really appreciate the comments.  I think I'm taking your advice and just putting it on the invitation. To heck with Miss Manners or whoever else says that's rude.