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Wedding Etiquette Forum
Adult Reception
My fiancee are getting married this summer and throughout the entire planning process knew that our recpetion was going to be adult only. The only children attending are in the bridal party and they are our nieces and nephews who are all school age children and teenagers.
After sending out my invites I received an email from my cousin asking if the "adult recption" that is on every invitation only applies to non family members. I have to admit I didn't even knowhow to respond. I thought that was pretty clear. My cousin has a toddler and so ddo many friends and family that are invited but because of the venue and limited guests listed we could not invite whole families. My sisters feel like I should make an acception but what about the other guests family and friends who are not allowed to bring their kids? Are we being insensitive because we are not having babies at the wedding?
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Re: Adult Reception
This right here is why it is rude to put "Adults Only" on the invitations.
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You are well within your rights to say, "No, cousin. The invitation was just for you and your H".
Anxiously awaiting baby #1! Baby BOY Due: May 30, 2013!
That being said....you really should not have even put the "adult reception" on the invite. That was a bit tacky, IMO.
You should have just put Mr and Mrs. So-and-so on the invite. IF they RSVP with their children, you call them and explain that the kiddos were not invited.
[QUOTE]My fiancee are getting married this summer and throughout the entire planning process knew that our recpetion was<strong> going to be adult only. The only children attending are in the bridal party and they are our nieces and nephews who are all school age children and teenagers.</strong> [/QUOTE]
Then it's not really an adults only reception, is it?
[QUOTE] My sisters feel like I should make an <strong>acception</strong> but what about the other guests family and friends who are not allowed to bring their kids? Are we being insensitive because we are not having babies at the wedding?
Posted by kmarienyc[/QUOTE]
Exception, not acception. Changes the meaning just a wee bit there. No you aren't being insensitive by not inviting babies, but, as PPs have said, you WERE rude to put "adult reception" on the invitations.
We are having an adult reception and didn't put anything about "adults only" on the invitation, but but it on the website and are using word of mouth. Of course, if the ship has sailed to not put "adult" reception, oh well, that ship has sailed and you shouldn't stress about it now.
However, I think that if it is an adult reception, then it should just be adults. Ours is adult as well, and I almost made exceptions to be able to have flower girls, etc, but I decided its just not worth it. I think you really need to choose to let everyone bring kids or no one.
It is improper and rude to put "adults only" on an invitation because it points out who is not invited. It is, however, perfectly fine to have a kid-free wedding (ceremony and reception). Those invited to the ceremony, though, should be invited to the reception. Whether or not one's shoes match one's outfit has nothing to do with this as it only reflects on that person's appearance and is not rude or offensive to other people. Also, when posting on the internet, you cannot control how people respond. Another thing to remember is that these boards help people who may have a similar question but are a thread started by someone else. So, the advice posted by people can help not only the OP but lurkers as well.