Crafting Wedding Invites For Single Moms: Etiquette Guide

When it comes to wedding invites, it's important to be clear about who is and isn't invited. The best way to do this is to only include the names of those invited on the envelope. For example, addressing an invite to Mr. and Mrs. Luis Chavez implies that their children are not invited. However, if you want to be extra clear, you can specify the number of guests invited on the RSVP card. If you're inviting a single female with kids, you would address the outer envelope to the mother, using her preferred title and full name, and list the children's names on the inner envelope.

Addressing the envelope

When addressing the envelopes for wedding invitations, it's important to be clear about who is invited to avoid any confusion. Here are some tips for addressing the envelopes when inviting a single female with kids:

• Outer Envelope: The outer envelope should be formal and include the full name of the recipient. In this case, you would write "Ms." followed by the woman's full name, for example, "Ms. Emma Watson". If you prefer a more modern approach, you can simply use her first and last name without any titles.
• Inner Envelope: The inner envelope is more informal, and you have the option to be more casual. You can use her preferred title, such as "Ms.", or just her first name. List the names of her children on the inner envelope as well. For girls under 18, you can use "Miss" followed by their first name if you wish. Boys don't need a title until they are 16, and then you can address them as "Mr.". For example, the inner envelope could say: "Ms. Watson, Miss Hermione, Mr. Harry".
• Age of Children: If any of the children are 18 or older, they should receive their own invitations. On the outer envelope, write their full name, such as "Mr. Harry Potter". On the inner envelope, you can use their first name only, e.g., "Harry".
• Clarity on Guest List: To ensure there is no confusion about who is invited, only list the names of those invited on the envelopes. If you want to invite the single female and her children, avoid addressing the envelope to "The Watson Family", as this might imply that extended family members are also included.
• Number of Guests: If you are inviting a single female with children and want to specify the number of guests, you can include this information on the RSVP card. For example, "We have reserved ___ seats in your honour". This will help clarify the number of guests you are expecting from each family.
• Inner Envelope Only: If you are using single envelopes (without an inner envelope), list all invited guests on the front, including children. You can use "and Family" if you are inviting the entire family or write out each child's name if only specific children are invited.

Remember, it's essential to be consistent with your wording and formatting to avoid any misunderstandings.

Including adults-only on the invite

When it comes to wedding invites, there are many ways to politely and subtly indicate that the event is adults-only. Here are some suggestions for wording and formatting your invitations to convey this message:

Invitation Wording:

• "This is an adult-only occasion."
• "While we love all the children in our lives, we have decided to keep our wedding and reception an adults-only event."
• "We respectfully request no children under 18 at the reception."
• "Join us for an adult reception at five o'clock."
• "The bride and groom request that this be an adults-only reception."
• "Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate children – thank you for your understanding."
• "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."
• "Due to limited venue space, adults only please."
• "To allow all wedding guests, including parents, a night of relaxation and uninhibited revelry, we respectfully ask that no children attend the reception."

Envelope Formatting:

The outer envelope should be formal and include the recipient's full name(s) and title(s). For a single female with kids, the outer envelope could be addressed as "Ms. Ali Johnson". If you wish to include a plus-one, the outer envelope could be addressed as "Mx. Sam Li".

The inner envelope is more informal. For the single female with kids, you could simply write "Ms. Johnson" on the inner envelope. If a plus-one is included, the inner envelope could say "Sam Li and Guest".

It is important to note that only listing the parents' names on the outer envelope implies that children are not invited. By listing each child's name on the inner envelope, you can indicate that they are, in fact, invited.

Additional Tips:

• Be clear and consistent about the parameters. Decide on an age limit and stick to it, perhaps allowing an exception for infants.
• Avoid making exceptions for certain children to avoid ruffling feathers with parents whose kids weren't invited.
• If you're worried about guests not getting the hint, include "adults only" on the wedding invitations or RSVP cards. You can also add a count on the RSVP cards, such as "___ out of ___ guests will be attending," to avoid confusion.
• Include an FAQ page on your wedding website, addressing the question, "Can we bring kids?"
• Spread the word through your bridal party, family, and close friends so they can answer questions from other guests.
• Be prepared to have a difficult conversation if guests RSVP for their entire family. Let them know the invitation is only for the parents, citing budget constraints or the adult-centric nature of the event.

Remember, it's essential to be tactful and considerate when conveying adults-only restrictions to ensure your guests feel respected and valued.

Wording the RSVP card

When it comes to wedding invitations, there are many different ways to communicate that only certain children are invited to the wedding. Here are some suggestions for wording the RSVP card:

• "We have reserved [number] seats in your honour."
• "We have reserved [number] of seats for [names of invited guests].”
• "We are reserving [number] seats for you and [named guests]."
• "We have reserved [number] seats for your family."
• "We have reserved [number] of seats for you and your guest(s)."

If you want to explicitly state that the wedding is adults-only, here are some examples:

• "Please note this will be an adults-only celebration."
• "Adult (21 and older) reception to follow."
• "We respectfully request no children under 18 at the reception."
• "The bride and groom request an adults-only reception."
• "Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate children. Thank you for your understanding."
• "This is an adult-only occasion."
• "While we love all the children in our lives, we have decided to keep our wedding and reception an adults-only event."

If you are inviting children, make sure to list their names on the RSVP card or the invitation itself. This will avoid any confusion and let guests know that their children are invited.

Adding a note on the reception card

If you want to be extra clear about your wedding being adults-only, you can make a note on the reception card. Here are some examples:

• "Leave the kiddos at home. While we adore your children, our venue does not have the room for your little ones. Please make it a date night. We can't wait to celebrate with you!"
• "One small request, dearest friends and family – our wedding ceremony and reception are for adults only. We thank you for respecting this request and look forward to seeing you all soon!"
• "Please celebrate with us at an adults-only reception immediately following the ceremony. Although we love to watch the children run and play, this is going to be an adults-only kind of day."
• "Due to restrictions at our venue, children under the age of 16 are not able to attend. Children are welcome at the ceremony, but the reception is an adults-only affair."
• "Although we love your children, we regretfully cannot accommodate them at the venue due to limited seating. We hope you are able to join us anyway and enjoy a relaxed evening with friends and family!"

If you are allowing some children at the wedding, you could include a line such as:

• "Children under 12: By invitation only."
• "Due to venue restrictions, we can only accommodate children in the bridal party, babes in arms, and children over 12."
• "Due to the type of venue we have chosen, we can only safely accommodate children over 12 years of age or babes in arms."
• "Children of immediate family, those in the bridal party, and those over 12 only."
• "This is an adult-only celebration, with the exception of children specifically named on the invitation."

Spreading the word through family and friends

When it comes to spreading the word about your wedding through family and friends, it's important to have a clear and consistent message about who is invited. Here are some tips and suggestions to help you navigate this process:

Be Clear and Specific

It's crucial to be as clear as possible when addressing your wedding invitations. For families with children, the outer envelope should only include the names of the parents or guardians. List each child by name on the inner envelope to indicate that they are invited. If you don't want children at your wedding, omit their names from the invitation. This will help avoid any confusion and ensure that your guests understand who is invited.

Use Correct Titles and Full Names

When addressing wedding invitations, it's important to use the correct titles and full names of your guests. For example, use "Mr." and "Mrs." for married couples, and include their full names. For unmarried couples, list each person's name on a separate line. If you're inviting a single female with children, address her as "Ms." followed by her full name on the outer envelope. On the inner envelope, include her name along with the names of her children.

Be Consistent with Age Limits

If you decide to set an age limit for children, be consistent and stick to it. For example, you could allow only children over a certain age, such as 12 or 18. This will help avoid any confusion or hurt feelings among guests with children who fall just below the age limit.

Spread the Word through Your Network

Enlist the help of your family, wedding party, and close friends to spread the word about your wedding plans, including the adults-only restriction. They can answer any questions from other guests and let them know that the wedding will be a child-free event.

Be Prepared for Difficult Conversations

Despite your best efforts, you may still receive RSVPs from guests who assume their children are invited. In this case, be prepared to have a polite but firm conversation with them. Let them know that, due to space limitations or the adult-centric nature of the event, you are unable to accommodate their children. Offer your understanding and respect their decision if they choose not to attend.

Consider Providing Childcare Options

If you want to go the extra mile for your guests with children, consider providing childcare options. You could book a childcare provider and set aside a room for the kids, especially if your reception is at a hotel. This will show your guests that you value their attendance and want to make it easier for them to attend without their children.

Frequently asked questions