Seating for kids and RSVP wording

dms61486

I came across the idea to say "we have reserved X seats in your honor" so people understand not to invite extra guests but how do kids work with that?  At what age do they need a seat and place setting at the table?  I don't want people to misunderstand and think I'm not including all of their kids if I don't specify that there's an actual seat for that baby...

Avion22

The simple answer is to name each person specifically on the invitation.  If an RSVP comes back for more people than were invited, you call back and explain the situation.  

As for kids, I think you should plan a chair and place setting even for really small babies.  If the baby is in a carrier, then the carrier can be placed on the seat (instead of the ground) and the parents will be glad for a little bit of extra space at the table for all of the stuff that parents need to bring when they have little ones (like diaper bags, etc).    If the kid can sit in a high-chair, then the chair can be removed and high-chair put in place.   If you're not sure if the kid needs a high chair, then just call people with small kids and ask:-) 

ElisabethJoanne

More or less what Avion said.

I'll likely have a family invited to my wedding with the mater familias due between sending invitations and the wedding. If my RSVP cards use the "X seats reserved" language, the invitations will go to
Mr. and Mrs. John Smith
Masters Peter and James Smith
Miss Mary Smith

[not sure I have the correct way of addressing the children, but my point is to name 3 born children]

Then the RSVP card would say, "6 seats reserved..." 2 for the parents, 3 for the older siblings, 1 for the tiny newborn.

I might include a note explaining, or even invite Baby Smith on the envelopes. There's no consensus on how to invite someone who is not born when invitations are mailed but expected by wedding time, though. I'm thinking making it clear you've reserved a seat for the newborn might be a good way.

I use an unborn baby to get to the hardest example fast. Obviously, if Mary Smith is just tiny, I'd do exactly as Avion indicated.

nikid506

ditto