The Ultimate Guide to Hosting a No Kids Wedding
Planning a wedding is a whirlwind of excitement, decisions, and dreams coming to life. Among the many considerations, one that often sparks the biggest debate is whether or not to include children in the celebration. It can be hard to ask your friends and family to leave little ones at home, but there are plenty of kind ways to do it! Hosting a no kids wedding can be done with grace, style, and utmost consideration for your guests. In this guide, we’ll explore how to celebrate your big day sans kids, including creative and kind wording for invitations that conveys your wishes respectfully.
Understand Why You Want a No Kids Wedding
Over the years, I’ve seen many friends and family get overly upset when asked to leave their kids home from a loved one’s wedding. I had my fair share of friends skip out on my first wedding because we only included my ex’s niece and nephew. So hear me out when I say: it’s essential to understand and communicate your reasons for hosting a kid-free wedding. After all, there are dozens of reasons you might want to keep things adult oriented but here are three very common ones:
1) You might want to maintain a more adult ambiance, with an upscale bar menu or food items that aren’t kid friendly. It’s never a fun moment when the Father of the Bride is MIA because he went to get his granddaughter dinner at the local Mickey D’s.
2) Your budget or venue might limit the number of people, and though they are little, kids can take up a lot of space (Take it from me, I have four but they take up the space of eight). When families attend weddings, the guest list adds up really fast. Our wedding only had about 80 in attendance, but at least 40 of those were children.
3) You want your friends and family to have a fun night out without worrying where little Johnny is (why is it always Johnny getting into trouble?) or who’s watching him. By hosting an adults only affair, you know he’s safe at home with his favorite babysitter.
Whether it’s to maintain a certain ambiance, accommodate limited space or budget, or simply to ensure everyone can relax and enjoy themselves without worrying about childcare, your decision is entirely valid. Remember, it’s your day, and your guests will respect your choices when they understand the rationale behind them.
Set the Tone with Your Invitations
Crafting the wording for your invitations is a delicate yet crucial step in communicating your preference for an adults-only celebration. Here’s some creative and kind wording you can use to convey this message respectfully:
Example 1:
“We request the honor of your presence at our wedding celebration. As we embark on this joyous journey together, we kindly ask that our special day be an adults-only affair. Your understanding and support are greatly appreciated.”
Example 2:
“While we adore the pitter-patter of little feet, we’ve decided to host an adults-only wedding celebration. Join us for an evening of love, laughter, and unforgettable memories as we say ‘I do’ surrounded by our nearest and dearest.”
Example 3:
“Dear Friends and Family, as we prepare to exchange vows and begin our new chapter, we’re opting for an adults-only wedding ceremony and reception. Your presence is the greatest gift, and we can’t wait to celebrate with you!”
By choosing gentle language, you convey your request with warmth and respect, ensuring your guests feel valued and understood.
Address Potential Concerns
It’s natural for some guests to have questions or concerns about the no-kids policy, and highly likely that at least ONE guest will ask for an exception. Be prepared ahead of time to address these concerns and have a game plan about those exception requests.
For VIP guests who are still actively breastfeeding or in the early stages of Motherhood, consider a few options for those moms who might need their babies close by. If you’re getting married at a hotel, offering to host a room with a sitter would keep everyone close together and allow your VIPs to still enjoy the festivities. If this isn’t an option, live streaming your wedding day may be something to consider. This would also benefit those out of town guests who couldn’t travel to your wedding day.
When you’re proactive and transparent, your guests will feel like you’ve really put everyone’s best interests at the forefront of your decision making. Be sure to include information on local childcare services on your wedding website or in a separate enclosure with your wedding invitation. I highly recommend reaching out to those VIPs whom you’re willing to make exceptions for (if there are any) ahead of time, so as to negate the upset feelings that might pop up if they don’t realize you’re including their children.
Enjoy the Moment + Consider the Atmosphere
Create an adults-only wedding that’s anything but stuffy or formal by cultivating a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Incorporate playful touches into your decor, entertainment, and activities to ensure guests feel at ease and ready to celebrate. From signature cocktails to interactive photo booths, infuse your wedding with personalized elements that reflect your personalities and make everyone feel at home. Prioritize the safety and well-being of your guests by providing transportation options if alcohol will be served, and have a plan in place to address any potential issues discreetly. Ultimately, focus on cherishing every moment of your special day with your partner, family, and friends, embracing the joy and love that surrounds you.
No matter what others tell you, hosting a kid-free wedding can be a wonderful opportunity to create an intimate, adult-oriented celebration that reflects your vision and values as a couple. Even as a mom, everyone needs a night out without the kids. By communicating your wishes respectfully, addressing potential concerns proactively, and creating a welcoming atmosphere for all, you can ensure that your special day is a cherished memory for years to come.
