No kids at my wedding. Tips on how to tell the guests.
No Kids at the Wedding? Here's How to Tell Your Guests
So you've decided to have a child-free wedding. That's totally cool! But now you have to tell your guests, and you don't want to offend anyone. Here's a few tips on how to do it in a casual and respectful way:
- Start early. The sooner you let people know, the more time they'll have to make childcare arrangements.
- Be clear and upfront. Don't beat around the bush. Just say it: "No kids allowed."
- Be polite and respectful. Even if you're not a fan of kids, it's important to be polite to your guests. Avoid making any negative comments about children or parents.
- Offer to help. If you know that some guests will be disappointed, offer to help them find childcare. You could even offer to pay for childcare for a few hours.
- Be prepared for some people to be upset. Not everyone will be happy with your decision. Some people may even try to pressure you to change your mind. Be prepared for this and stand your ground.
Here are some examples of what you could say to your guests:
- "We're so excited to celebrate our wedding with you, but we're having a child-free event. We hope you understand."
- "We know this may be disappointing for some of you, but we're really looking forward to having an adult-only party. We'll have plenty of food, drinks, and dancing for everyone to enjoy."
- "We're providing a list of local babysitters and daycares, and we're happy to help you make arrangements."
Just remember to be polite, respectful, and understanding. And if someone does get upset, just try to stay calm and explain your reasons.
Here are some additional tips for communicating your no-kids policy to guests:
- Include your policy on your wedding website. This will make it easy for guests to find the information.
- Put it on your invitations. This is a more formal way to communicate your policy.
- Mention it in your save-the-date cards. This will give guests plenty of time to make arrangements.
- Be consistent. If you decide not to invite kids, don't make exceptions for certain guests or family members. This will only cause confusion and resentment.
By following these tips, you can help to ensure that your no-kids policy is communicated clearly and respectfully to guests. This will help to avoid any misunderstandings or hurt feelings on your wedding day.