When we were slogging it out over the invite list, one of the harder choices was whether to include our friends' and family's children. Since we knew we wanted our reception to be a rocking late-night party, in the end we decided to make it be adults-only. Fortunately, we didn't hear any protests - in fact several people thanked us for forcing them to leave the kids with a babysitter so that they could really let their hair down.
But I know from the emails you send me that not all of you are so lucky -- your friends who are parents think an adults-only invite is rude and inconsiderate, especially for out-of-towners. And many brides and grooms specifically want the children to be there. In our forum poll about children and weddings, 44% said, "No, a formal wedding is no place for children," while 25% replied, "Yes, children are adorable and I can't imagine my wedding without them." The remaining 31% were somewhere in the middle. What do you think? Will you invite the kiddos?
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Comments
Hi,
I had kids at my wedding and it was an easy decision for me. I have young nieces and nephews plus young cousins who I am close to so I am definitely one who couldn’t imagine not having kids at my wedding. We organised movies and activities to keep them occupied later in the evening. I can certainly understand why people may not want them at their wedding and would never be offended if my daughter wasn’t invited.
Wedding Bomboniere
I think that it is rude to put on your invitation ADULTS ONLY. My cousins both had children at their weddings and i think it is cute to watch the little kids dance at the receptions and watching the cute children walk down the isle caring the rings and throwing flower petals. My cousin has a little girl that is 2 years old and I think it was just adorable walking down the isle throwing petals, and then dancing at the reception. Loved the wedding but then i can see why people just don’t want to have children, because we had to have someone come get her daughter because we were out really late at the reception!
I’m 19 and the only wedding reception I’ve attended was when I was 7 (I was the flower girl).
I think if you decide no children, or to even leave of age cousins off the list for the reception that’s fine. Just don’t change your mind.
At almost all the wedding ceremonies I’ve attended (because I want to have a look and wish my cousin well) I’ve been asked last minute to the reception, when I’ve already made plans on my own that night. And usually its not from the actual bride or groom but someone’s mother. Doesn’t make me feel much like a valued guest.
well im not married but i think there is no harm in having kids at ur wedding. come on they r fun and even it makes it more beautifiu to see them running around . i will say it again there is nothing wrong with having kids at ur wedding. (in my opinion)
Fine for the wedding…leave them home for the reception
I’ve said that least 1805759 times. The problem this like that is they are just too compilcated for the average bird, if you know what I mean