The decision to invite children or not to invite children to a wedding is a hotly debated topic with no right or wrong answer. Ultimately it is a personal choice made by the bride and groom, but this brings us to the subject of the blog today - how do you indicate that children are not invited to a wedding?

The subtle way...

Addressing the wedding invitation to adults only is the simplest way of indicating that children are not invited. You can further cement this by including the names or number of those invited on the RSVP card.

The problem with the subtle way is just that - it's subtle. The risk is that some guests may assume they and their kids are a package deal. This can lead to drama if parents only find out at the last minute and are unable to make alternative arrangements or if they actually bring their children to the wedding. It may be necessary to confirm verbally with these guests that you are not expecting children.

Straight to the point...

It's simple, direct and there will be no confusion. Somewhere on your invitation or RSVP card indicate that children are not invited to the wedding. You can use any of the following 'straight to the point' statements:

• No children
• Adults only
• Strictly no children please
• Adult wedding and reception
• Please respect our wishes for a child free reception
• Adult only affair
• This invitation is extended to adults only

Although this method is effective, beware some sensitive guests may find it rude.

Sugar coat it...

So you've got a lot of 'pro-kids at weddings' guests or you also love kids, but for whatever reason be it budget, space or venue you've made the decision not to invite children. Approach the situation delicately with something cute and thoughtful:

• In order to allow all guests, including parents, an evening of relaxation we have chosen for our wedding day to be an adult only occasion. We hope this advance notice means you are still able to share our big day and will enjoy having the evening off!
• Children at the ceremony, we'd love them on the scene. Reception time, however, is an adult's only theme.
• To give all our guests the opportunity to let their hair down and have a good time without having to worry about little eyes and ears we politely request no children.
• While we love to watch the children run and play, this is an adults only kind of day.
• Sweet dreams to children under 16

The drawback is that this will take up a lot of room on your invitation or it may come at an extra cost to print out on an extra card.

It's someone else's decision...

It's not uncommon for wedding venues to specify no children, and sometimes you just know that a venue isn't child friendly. Include one of the following statements on your invitation if this is the case:

• Due to restrictions at our venue, children are not invited.
• Management request no children under 16 (or whatever age this may be).
• By request of management no children.
• Regrettably children are unable to attend.

This method is also great because it lays blame on someone else, protecting you from the fire of any disgruntled guests!

Children at the ceremony not at the reception...

If you're happy for children to attend the ceremony, but not the reception then try something like:

• Children welcome at ceremony only.
• Wedding ceremony followed by adult only reception.
• Children are very welcome to attend the ceremony but the reception is an adults-only affair.
• Children are welcome at the ceremony, however to allow all of our guests to enjoy an evening of relaxation, we respectfully advise that the reception is for adults only.

Good luck!

MW x

P.s If you've seen something clever on a wedding invitation or you're putting something creative on your wedding invitation then please share in the comments below!

{Images: Top from Tindale Images, Bottom via weddingbycolour.com}