May 1, 2025
Planning your wedding means making a lot of decisions—venue, flowers, guest list… and sometimes, whether or not to invite children. If you and your partner have decided on a kid-free celebration, you’re not alone. Many couples opt for an adults-only wedding to create a certain vibe, manage the guest count, or simply keep things relaxed.
But how do you share this decision with your guests without hurting feelings or causing confusion?
We’ve got you covered with tips on how to communicate your “no kids” policy with kindness, clarity, and grace.
1. Be Clear in Your Invitations
The best way to avoid misunderstandings is to be straightforward from the start. When addressing your invitations, only include the names of the invited adults. Avoid using “The Smith Family” if the whole family isn’t invited.
Include a note on your details card or wedding website like:
“We love your little ones, but this will be an adults-only celebration.”
or
“To allow all guests to relax and enjoy themselves, we kindly request no children at our wedding.”
2. Use Your Wedding Website
Your website is a great place to share more about your decision in a gentle way. Here’s an example you can use:
“While we adore your children, we’ve decided to keep our wedding an adults-only event. We hope this gives everyone the chance to celebrate with us fully—and maybe even enjoy a well-deserved night off!”
This allows you to set expectations while keeping the tone friendly and thoughtful.
3. Have Personal Conversations (If Needed)
If you’re close with someone who might be surprised or disappointed by the no-kids policy, consider having a quick personal conversation. It’s much easier to explain your reasoning one-on-one than through a formal note.
Be honest and kind, for example:
“We totally understand it might be tricky, and we love your kids—but we really want this to be a night for the grownups to let loose and enjoy. We hope you can still come and celebrate with us!”
4. Offer Helpful Alternatives
If you're having a local wedding or destination event, consider providing helpful suggestions for nearby babysitters, hotels with childcare services, or family-friendly accommodations.
Even if you’re not arranging childcare yourself, pointing guests in the right direction shows that you care and want to make it easier for them to attend.
5. Stand Firm, but Stay Kind
It’s totally okay to set boundaries for your big day. If someone pushes back, stay calm and polite. You don’t need to over-explain—just gently reinforce your decision and express how much you hope they’ll still attend.
Remember: It’s Your Day
At the end of the day, your wedding should reflect you. Whether you're planning an elegant evening soirée or a laid-back weekend celebration, your guests will understand that every detail was thoughtfully chosen—including who’s on the guest list.
By approaching the topic with kindness, clarity, and respect, you can help ensure a smooth and joyful experience for everyone.