Make Your Wedding Adults-Only: Invitation Wording Ideas

Deciding whether to invite children to your wedding can be a tricky question. If you've decided to have an adults-only wedding, there are a few ways to politely communicate this to your guests. It's best to be clear and consistent about the parameters you've set. This can be done by addressing your invitations to the specific guests who are invited, by name, and adding a note to your invitations, response cards or information cards. You could also include a note on your wedding website.

Short and Sweet Statements

• "Please join us for an adult reception at six o'clock."
• "Please note this will be an adults-only celebration."
• "Adult (18 and older) reception to follow."
• "We respectfully request no children under 16 at the reception."
• "Please celebrate with us at an adults-only reception immediately following the ceremony."
• "Although we love your little ones, this is an adult-only affair."
• "The bride and groom request that this be an adults-only reception."
• "Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate children – thank you for your understanding."

It is important to be clear and consistent about the parameters you set. Decide on an age rule and stick to it. You can also include a note on your wedding website to clarify your "no kids" rule.

Space is Limited

Deciding whether to invite children to your wedding is one of the most difficult guest list questions. If you're working with a small venue or are on a tight budget, you may need to limit the number of guests and keep the event adults-only. Here are some ways to politely let your guests know about this restriction:

Be clear and consistent

When creating your guest list, work with your partner to come up with an "age rule". This could be "no guests under 16" or another age limit that feels appropriate. Once you've decided on the rule, stick to it. You can also decide whether to make exceptions for children in the wedding party or infants under 12 months.

Address invitations to specific guests

Rather than writing "The Chavez Family", address the envelope to "Mr. and Mrs. Luis Chavez". This makes it clear that children are not included in the invitation.

Include a note about space limitations

If you want to provide an explanation for the adults-only event, you can include a short note on your invitations or response cards:

• "Due to limited venue space, adults only please."
• "Although we love your children, we regretfully cannot accommodate them due to restricted numbers."
• "Although we adore your children, due to space constraints, we ask that only adults attend."

Provide a personalised note

If you want to be more specific, you can add a personalised note to your invitation: "We'd love to have Lexie and Max there, but unfortunately, we're limited by space constraints. We hope you can still make it."

Offer to help with childcare arrangements

If you're able to, offer to help your guests make childcare arrangements. You could ask your networks for babysitter recommendations or even hire a babysitting service to watch the kids at your venue or hotel.

Budget is Limited

When planning a wedding, deciding whether to invite children can be challenging. If you're working with a limited budget, here are some tips and suggestions for politely requesting adults-only attendance on your wedding invitations:

Including Guest Names:

If your budget allows, consider using Name Bands. These are paper wraps digitally printed with guest names, adding colour and keeping invitation pieces together. They provide space to list each invited guest, helping to avoid any assumptions about 'plus ones' or children.

'Adults Only' Wording:

If Name Bands are beyond your budget, include a note on the invitations, response cards, or information cards. Simple wording like "Adults-only Reception" or "Children over 16 years of age only" can be inserted under guest names or at the bottom of the invitation.

Short Wording Suggestions:

For concise and direct approaches, consider these examples:

• "Please join us for an adult reception at six o'clock."
• "Please note this will be an adults-only celebration."
• "Adult (18 and older) reception to follow."
• "We respectfully request no children under 16 at the reception."
• "Please celebrate with us at an adults-only reception immediately following the ceremony."

Long Wording Suggestions:

If you prefer a softer approach, try these longer explanations, which can be included on information cards:

• "Although we love your little ones, this is an adult-only affair."
• "Due to budget/space limitations, we are unable to extend the invitation to children."
• "Although we adore your children, due to budget constraints, we ask that only adults attend."
• "To allow all wedding guests, including parents, a night of relaxation, we respectfully ask that no children attend the reception."

Space Limitations:

If your venue has limited space, you can refer to this in your wording:

• "Due to limited venue space, adults only please."
• "Although we love your children, we regretfully cannot accommodate them due to restricted numbers."
• "Unfortunately due to space limitations, we are having an adults-only reception. The only children attending are those in our wedding party."

Remember, clear communication is key to avoiding confusion and ensuring your guests understand your adults-only request.

Kick Curfews to the Curb

Curfews are never fun, and when it comes to your wedding day, you may be hoping to kick the curfew to the curb. While almost every venue will have a curfew, there are ways to get around it and keep the party going. Here are some tips to help you and your guests celebrate into the night without worrying about time constraints:

Start Early

Start everything earlier gives you more time to celebrate and make the most of the dance floor. Have a lunchtime wedding and move your ceremony, first dance, meal, and speeches forward. That way, you'll feel like you've had an epic long party by the time the curfew hits.

After-Party

If you know your guests will want to keep the party going, arrange an after-party at a local bar or hotel that will still be open. You can even provide transportation for your guests by letting them know a bus will arrive at curfew time to take everyone to the next location. Just keep in mind that not everyone may be allowed inside, especially if your guests have been drinking.

New Year's Eve Wedding

If you're getting married on New Year's Eve, some venues may be more lenient with the curfew. After all, it's hard to end the party before midnight on a night meant for celebration!

Recovery Session

Instead of worrying about extending the party, plan a recovery session for the day after the wedding. You can still enjoy your friends and family's company while consuming leftovers or having a pub lunch. This makes saying goodbye at the wedding easier, and you'll be well-rested for the next day's festivities.

Private Property

If having a curfew is a deal-breaker for you, consider asking friends or family if they know anyone with a farm or private property that can host your wedding. Just be aware that neighbours may still call the police if things get too loud or go on too late.

Embrace the Curfew

While it may not be ideal, try to focus on enjoying your entire wedding day without the worry of a curfew hanging over your head. Make the most of the time you have and then go home and consummate your marriage!

Including Newborns, Nieces and Nephews

When it comes to your wedding day, you may want to include nieces and nephews in the celebration as they play a special role in your life. However, if you are planning an adults-only wedding, there are ways to politely communicate this to your guests while still including the children who are important to you. Here are some suggestions for wording your invitations to include newborns, nieces, and nephews:

Including Newborns:

• "Respectfully, an adult occasion (18+) Infants under 12 months welcome."
• "Respectfully, an adult occasion (21+) Infants under 12 months welcome."
• "Infants under 12 months are welcome, but due to limited numbers, we kindly request that other children are not in attendance."

Including Nieces and Nephews:

• "Children of immediate family only please."
• "Due to necessity rather than choice, it is children of immediate family only. We hope you understand and enjoy your night off!"
• "Unfortunately due to space limitations, we are having an adults-only reception. The only children attending are those who are part of our wedding party, including our nieces and nephews."

Including Newborns, Nieces, and Nephews:

• "Respectfully, an adult occasion (18+) Infants under 12 months and our nieces and nephews are welcome. Due to limited numbers, we hope you appreciate that other children are not invited."
• "We wish we could include all children, but due to limited space, only our immediate family's children will be in attendance."

Remember, it is essential to consider your guests' feelings when communicating an adults-only wedding. While you may want to include specific children, it is important to be mindful of those who are not invited. Be sure to address your invitations clearly and consider including a separate reception card or map to provide additional information.

Frequently asked questions