Children at the Reception

agridley1225

I probably already missed this post somewhere else, but what do you do about having an adult only reception?

My fiance and I don't have children and the wedding is at 7:30 pm.  We wanted the guests to be able to have a lot of fun and PARTY without having to look after their kids.

My 4 and 6 year old niece and nephew are in the wedding, but we are arranging to have them dropped off with a babysitter until the wedding is over.

Is that rude?

Would you not attend a wedding if the invitation says, "Adult Only Reception"?

millkn2

You do not need to write Adults Only, just address the envelopes to adults only. As far as the children in the wedding, they should be invited to the reception, they can get a babysitter if they wish (the parents), but that is not up to you.

hlq2011

Ditto PP.  Don't put any mention of "Adult only" on your invitation; just address the invitations to those who are invited, and be prepared to call people when they misinterpret (intentionally or otherwise).

And kids in the wedding party should be invited to the reception as well.  If you don't want them there, don't have them in the wedding.

peanutty2

I'd attend, and have attended if the invite says this, but it's not proper etiquette.  As PPs said, just address the invite to those you ARE inviting (the adults) and if anyone responds with added children you'll have to address them directly.  As for having them in the ceremony and not the reception, I'd talk to the parents about this.  They might be thrilled to have them in the ceremony and then a sitter arranged, or they may want them to stay at the reception.  And if they're in the ceremony they should be invited to stay at the reception.

NOLAbridealmost

FWIW, I was a flower girl in several weddings when I was younger and my parents always would voluntarily take us home early in the reception because they wanted to be able to cut loose later in the evening...but they were never asked to do that by the bride. 

amy7177

its not rude and yes i would attend because i was invited and would want to share in the special day. i have never seen a child dancing and drinking along with their parents at a bar so therefore they dont need to bring them to my reception where the same actibvity will be going on. I also am not having children at our reception. Just make sure you address to the names of the ivited guests only and add in a seperate  card staing adult reception to follow at....