2010 Bride Mandy emailed and asked, “How can I keep people from bringing kids to my reception? I really want an adults only reception. Can I put ‘no kids’ or ‘adults only’ on the invitation? My mom and I are going back and forth on this and I’m just not sure what to do!”
Mandy,
There are a few things you can do to give guests the hint that kids aren’t allowed and avoid the “no kids” wording, or to cope if kids do end up at your reception.
- Use inner and outer envelopes on your invitations. While it’s a bit of added expense, the inner envelope can be used to write out each persons name invited, and this is a great place to let people know their children are not invited as well. For example, your outside envelope would say, MR AND MRS ROBERT FRANKLIN and your inner envelope would say BOB AND MARY, so they will know little Susie is not invited.
- Let a few key people know of your choice, such as parents, aunts and uncles and bridal party members. That way if people get their invitations and aren’t sure if their children are invited, they can ask a friend or family member.
- Lastly, prepare for the inevitable. People MAY bring a child or two to your reception, or you may be faced with the dreaded phone call of a guest calling and asking to bring little Susie…it’s going to be harder than you think to tell Mom her little one isn’t invited. Hire a few sitters and set up a children’s room at the reception (complete with snacks, coloring books or toys) or at the hotel guests are staying at.
Hope that helps Mandy! Keep the questions coming and as always, we’ll do our best to give you some tips to tackle your wedding dilemma’s!
