Kids in Vegas

RachNRich

We sent out invitations just before Christmas---and did not include children on invitations, not because we are against them or them being at our wedding--but because we are getting married in Vegas, and it just does not seem to "kid friendly."

Despite not including children on the invitation, we've had three couple respond with "2.5 people attending" (the .5 being their kid). We realize that the only way they will come to the wedding is if they can bring their kid (I believe the age ranges of the 3 kids is 1, 2, and 7?). I really wish the children weren't coming--but do not think it will ruin the wedding if they are there. Rich doesn't want to offend anyone by calling to say "no kids."

So, what would you do? Would you leave well enough alone just to have your friends at the wedding?

ThePinkSuperhero

If they have to travel to come to the wedding, then kids will probably have to come.  Not everyone has someone to leave their kids with, and not everyone would even want to.  I think you just have to bite the bullet on that one.

SarahPLiz

I'd leave it alone. If you are happier about them being able to come than you are sad abut having a kid there, then let it be. They know where they are going and that it might not be the most kid-friendly environment, so its not like it will be a surprise to them.

SwedishChick2011

The only problem I can think of is that the parents who leave their kids at home might be upset that some parents got to bring their kids.  Of course, I'd think most of the parents would see it as an opportunity to get away from the kids for a weekend, so maybe they wouldn't mind anyway.

If I were in the situation, I'd probably let it slide.

nda_roxybabe

I'd let them come. When T's mom got married in Vegas her granddaughter came (obviously) but we had no problems with her being there...someone was always able to watch her.

RachNRich

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_kids-vegas?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:15eb3ed6-5449-400b-9d7c-fcd7edae196aPost:03aa83de-a6d9-4708-afee-2d860baefa1c">Re: Kids in Vegas</a>:
[QUOTE]The only problem I can think of is that the parents who leave their kids at home might be upset that some parents got to bring their kids.  Of course, I'd think most of the parents would see it as an opportunity to get away from the kids for a weekend, so maybe they wouldn't mind anyway. If I were in the situation, I'd probably let it slide.
Posted by cocoreo3[/QUOTE]

This is the only thing I feel <em>bad</em> about. The majority of people who rsvp'ed, did so without their children being added. Only 3 couples added them---I don't want it to look like we are playing favorites.

So, we let it slide....Of course, we would much rather have them there, than not have them there---kids or no kids.

AmoroAgain

Well, it's not exactly  *the* place for kids, but that's not your responsibility, it's there's. But, it's definitely weird.

sarah0725

Yeah, I think you are making the right decision.

Side note: I was in Vegas for New Year's Eve, and at about 11:30, amid all the boozing and hooker heels and tiny skirts and general insane behavior, I saw a dad dragging around a very tired and sad looking 7 year old boy. I said something to FI about it, but then I heard this big group of guys behind me talking about how this was NOT the place for kids, so I told them I agreed with them. It was kinda funny.

danieliza1127

If you really don't mind, I would leave it alone too.  Lots of people take their kids to Vegas.  There is a lot to do there besides gamble, and for a lot of years they really advertised it as a family destination.  So not everyone has that "adult" association with Vegas, weird as that may seem to some.  If they don't mind bringing their kids, I don't see why you should mind either.  It's not like you're getting married in a strip club (I hope).

RachNRich

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_kids-vegas?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:15eb3ed6-5449-400b-9d7c-fcd7edae196aPost:5e19d65b-1330-4e71-8e49-a97880c665c3">Re: Kids in Vegas</a>:
[QUOTE]<strong> It's not like you're getting married in a strip club (I hope).</strong>
Posted by danieliza1127[/QUOTE]

Welll.......haha, no, we aren't getting married in a strip club--We're getting married at Mandalay Bay. I just dislike the thought of kids having to be in/around casinos and the smoking, and don't want to feel like we are pushing people to put kids in that kind of environment. Hopefully it will all work out well, though!

danieliza1127

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_kids-vegas?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:15eb3ed6-5449-400b-9d7c-fcd7edae196aPost:bd21e02e-4fa9-4edd-915c-355a1220ac4b">Re: Kids in Vegas</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Kids in Vegas : I just dislike the thought of kids having to be in/around casinos and the smoking, and don't want to feel like we are pushing people to put kids in that kind of environment. Hopefully it will all work out well, though!
Posted by RachNRich[/QUOTE]

Well you aren't though.  The kids weren't invited and if the parents choose to bring them, they must not be worried about it.   

mandysmear

I would just let it be.  It's no secret vegas is more of an adult market, so they knw what kind of atmosphere they're exposing their kids to.  They'll probably do family things... there are some family oriented things to do there. 

We weren't going to do kids, but we realized we'd only have like 5, so we invited them as well.  It was actually really good.  The little ones (2 years old) were a hit and the other "kids" were teenagers.

RachNRich

I hope they know what kind of environment Vegas is, and are find with their children being in it. I know we are not literally pushing anyone to put their kids there, or bring them with them---I just hope it does not seem as if we are putting anyone in a weird place by having a DW (even though it's slightly unavoidable).

I highly doubt 3 kids will make that big of a difference in the long run...(fingers crossed).