Inviting Babies To Weddings: Addressing Invitations To New Parents

Deciding whether to include babies and children on your wedding invitation is a tricky issue that divides opinion. On the one hand, children can add a certain magic to the atmosphere of your wedding, but on the other hand, they can be a distraction and are unpredictable. It's important to consider the impact of children on your budget, and whether you will need to provide dedicated childcare services. If you do decide to invite children, it's a good idea to provide entertainment and a separate menu for them. However, if you choose to have an adults-only wedding, it's crucial to communicate this clearly and directly to your guests, and be prepared to explain your decision to any parents who may be offended.

Addressing the invitation

When it comes to addressing the invitation, it's important to be clear and explicit about who is and isn't invited. This is especially important if you're inviting families with children. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Use both inner and outer envelopes: On the outer envelope, write the parents' names, such as "Mr. and Mrs. Smith". On the inner envelope, list the names of those invited, including the children. This is the traditional way to indicate that children are invited.
• Include children's names: If a child is invited, their name should be included on the invitation. If using only an outer envelope, be sure to list the child's name along with the parents' names.
• Send separate invitations for adults and children: If the child is over 18, they should receive their own invitation, even if they still live at home.
• Avoid vague wording: While it might be tempting to write "Mr. and Mrs. Smith and Family", this wording is generally not considered to be in good taste as it can be vague. Instead, be specific and list the names of those invited.
• Be consistent: If you're inviting some children but not others, try to stick to a clear rule, such as only inviting immediate family or children over a certain age. This will help avoid any confusion or hurt feelings.
• Specify age restrictions: If you're only inviting children over a certain age, be sure to specify this on the invitation so that guests are clear about who is invited.
• Include an RSVP for children: If you do invite children, be sure to include an RSVP on the invitations that covers the number of children and their ages. This will help with planning activities and catering for the younger guests.

Remember, it's important to be considerate and thoughtful when addressing your wedding invitations. By being clear and explicit, you can avoid any confusion and ensure that your guests are well-informed about who is invited to your special day.

Communicating your decision

Be Clear and Direct

It is important to be clear and direct when communicating your decision to your guests. This means addressing your wedding invitations properly and including specific wording that indicates whether or not children are invited. For example, if you are having an adults-only wedding, address the invitation only to those invited, without mentioning their children. You can also include a separate card within the invitation that specifically notes an "adults-only reception" or "our wedding is adult-only, thank you". Being clear and direct leaves no room for confusion and gives guests enough time to make necessary arrangements.

Provide Additional Information on Your Wedding Website

Consider including a brief mention of your decision on your wedding website. This allows guests to be informed in advance and gives them time to coordinate childcare if needed. You can also provide additional details about your decision, such as any age restrictions or exceptions for certain children. This is a good way to ensure that all guests are on the same page and avoids any last-minute surprises.

Make a Call to Guests with Children

After sending out your invitations, it is a good idea to follow up with a phone call to your friends and family who have children. This gives you an opportunity to explain your decision and address any concerns or questions they may have. It also allows you to inform them about any childcare services you may be providing, so they know their children will be well taken care of during the wedding. This personal touch can go a long way in avoiding any misunderstandings or hurt feelings.

Stick to Your Decision

Once you have made your decision, it is important to stick to it and not make exceptions. This may be difficult, especially when dealing with close family members or friends. However, making exceptions for some children and not others can cause hurt feelings and make it seem like you are playing favourites. Be consistent in your approach and communicate the same message to all your guests to avoid any confusion or hard feelings.

Be Understanding and Empathic

Remember that for parents, it may be difficult to leave their children behind, especially if they are young. Try to be understanding and empathetic towards their concerns. Explain your decision in a kind and considerate manner, highlighting any challenges or budget constraints that influenced your choice. Let them know that you value their presence at your wedding and provide reassurance that their children will be well cared for if you are providing childcare services.

Consider the Style of Your Wedding

The style and atmosphere of your wedding can also be a factor in your decision. If you are having a formal or elegant wedding, it may be more appropriate to have an adults-only event to preserve the ambiance and formality. On the other hand, if you are having a casual or relaxed wedding, inviting children can add a fun and playful element to the celebrations. Think about the overall vibe you want to create for your big day and let that guide your decision-making process.

Remember, the most important thing is to communicate your decision clearly and respectfully. By following these guidelines, you can effectively convey your wishes and ensure that your guests understand and respect your choices.

Inviting some children but not others

Deciding whether to invite children to your wedding is a tricky area of wedding etiquette. While some people think kids add a certain magic to the atmosphere, others feel that kids can be distracting and rowdy since they can't fully appreciate the special meaning behind the big day.

If you want to invite some children but not others, it's important to make a rule and stick to it. For example, you could invite only immediate family members' children or only children in the wedding party. This means that if you invite the children of one cousin, you should invite the children of all cousins. It's generally considered rude to invite some cousins' children and not others.

It's also important to be clear about your expectations. You can include your policy for kids on your wedding invitations or wedding website. Address your envelopes properly, and consider calling your friends and family with children to explain whether your wedding is child-friendly.

Keeping babies entertained

If you're inviting babies to your wedding, it's important to keep them entertained. Here are some ideas to keep your littlest guests happy:

Outdoor Games

If your venue has an outdoor space, lawn games are a great way to keep kids entertained. Games like hopscotch, lawn bowling, Twister, outdoor Jenga, and Connect4 will keep them occupied for hours. Simple kites, skipping ropes, and hula hoops are also excellent options.

Indoor Games

For indoor entertainment, set up a dedicated area with board games, jigsaw puzzles, and retro classics like Guess Who, Monopoly, Operation, or Hungry Hippos. These games will keep kids busy and encourage mingling, especially for shy children.

Arts and Crafts

Kids love to get creative, so set up a mini arts and crafts area with crayons, stickers, pipe cleaners, and playdough. They can design wedding dresses, make cards for the happy couple, or even create DIY masks for a photo booth.

Kids' Table

If you have several children of a similar age attending, create a kids' table with a special menu and some games to keep them entertained. You can also hire a babysitter or minder to supervise and assist during mealtime.

Scavenger Hunt

Create a scavenger hunt or I-Spy list for the kids to complete during the reception. Provide them with disposable cameras or Instax cameras to record their finds. This will keep them engaged and add a fun element to your wedding photos.

Professional Entertainment

If your budget allows, consider hiring professional children's entertainers such as magicians, clowns, balloon modellers, or storytellers. They will know how to keep the young ones engaged and entertained while the adults enjoy their own activities.

Kids-Only Area

Create a dedicated quiet space for children to relax and unwind. Include a tent, canopy, or clubhouse filled with books, colouring books, cushions, and a television. This will give them a break from the crowds and noise of the main event.

Kid-Friendly Menu Options

Offer kid-friendly food options that cater to their tastes and smaller appetites. Fruit, finger foods, and lollipops are excellent choices for starters and desserts. For the main course, consider kid-friendly favourites like chicken fingers, mac 'n' cheese, or sliders.

Goodie Bags

Prepare personalised goodie bags for each child filled with age-appropriate treats, snacks, juice cartons, mini puzzles, toys, crayons, and colouring books. These will keep them occupied during the reception and send them home with a special memento of your big day.

By incorporating these ideas, you can ensure that the babies and young children at your wedding have a wonderful time and that their parents can relax and enjoy the celebration.

Seating arrangements

Number of Children

Firstly, consider the number of children attending. If there are only a few, it might be best to seat them with their parents. This can avoid the need for a separate kids' table and can keep families together. However, if there are many children attending, a separate table can be a good idea. This creates a designated space for the kids to sit together and enjoy each other's company.

Supervision

Whether the children sit with their parents or at a separate table, supervision is important. Parents can take turns supervising, or you could hire a wedding babysitter or nanny to ensure the kids are safe and entertained. This can be especially helpful if the children are seated separately, as it allows parents to relax and enjoy the reception while knowing their children are being looked after.

Location

You could also set up a separate kids' room, which offers a dedicated space for the children to play and eat away from the main reception. This can be a fun option, especially if you include activities like movies, games, and crafts to keep them entertained. Alternatively, you could set up a kids' area within the reception room, providing toys, puzzles, and other activities to keep them busy.

Age

The age of the children is another important factor. Younger children, say under eight years old, will likely want to sit with their parents. Older children, on the other hand, may prefer to sit with their peers at a separate table or in a designated kids' area. This can give them a sense of independence and allow them to enjoy age-appropriate activities.

Food

Consider the menu options for the children. A separate kids' menu with child-friendly food is often a good idea, as elegant adult meals may not appeal to younger taste buds. Finger foods, fruits, and kid-friendly mains like chicken fingers or mac 'n' cheese are usually a hit. You could also set up a make-your-own-sundae bar for dessert, providing a fun and interactive option.

Activities

To keep the children entertained during the reception, provide activities such as colouring books, puzzles, and crafts. These can be set up at their table or in a designated activity area. For older children, consider setting up a movie area or organising a child-friendly scavenger hunt to keep them engaged.

Communication

Finally, communicate your seating plans to the parents beforehand. Let them know where their children will be seated and what activities or food options will be provided. This allows parents to plan accordingly and ensures they are comfortable with the arrangements.

In conclusion, seating arrangements for children at weddings can vary depending on the number of kids, their ages, and your preferences. By providing a mix of seating options, supervision, and entertainment, you can create a kid-friendly environment that keeps the little ones happy and allows their parents to relax and enjoy the celebration.

Frequently asked questions