Adults-Only Weddings: How To Convey This Message Gracefully On Your Wedding Website

Planning a wedding can be stressful, especially when it comes to deciding on a guest list. If you're looking to have an adults-only wedding, it's important to communicate this to your guests clearly and respectfully. One way to do this is by including a dedicated section on your wedding website. Here's an introductory paragraph you could use:

We are thrilled to celebrate our special day with you, our beloved family and friends. We kindly request that our wedding be an adults-only occasion. While we love your children, we want you to be able to relax and enjoy the celebration without having to worry about little eyes and ears. We hope you understand our decision and take this opportunity to celebrate in style!

This introductory paragraph sets the tone for your adults-only wedding and expresses your wishes in a polite and considerate manner.

Addressing envelopes

When it comes to addressing envelopes for your wedding, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that your guests understand that your wedding is adults-only. Here are some tips and guidelines to help you with this task:

Outer Envelope vs Inner Envelope

The outer envelope is the one that is stamped and addressed, while the inner envelope contains the names of the invitees and the invitation itself. The outer envelope is more formal, and you should write the recipient's full name, including their personal title. The inner envelope is more informal, giving you the option to leave out certain elements of the formal name format. For example, you can use personal titles and last names or opt for a more casual approach with just first names.

Addressing Married Couples

If you are inviting a married couple with the same last name, the traditional way to address the envelope is to use "Mr. and Mrs." followed by the man's full name. For example, "Mr. and Mrs. Jackson Clarke." However, you can also choose to include both first names for a less traditional approach, such as "Mr. Jackson Clarke and Mrs. Mary Clarke." The same format applies to same-sex couples, using the appropriate prefixes.

Addressing Married Couples with Different Last Names

When addressing married couples with different last names, simply write out their full names with "Mr." or "Mrs." For example, "Mrs. Gwyneth Brookes and Mr. Cyan Matthews." For same-sex couples, follow the same format and use the appropriate prefixes.

Addressing Single People

For single persons, use the proper prefix according to their gender or preference. For male guests, use "Mr." followed by their full name. For female guests, use "Ms." followed by their full name. For non-binary guests, use the abbreviation "Mx." followed by their full name. If you are unsure about the guest's preference, it is best to forgo the title altogether.

Addressing Families

If you are inviting a family, the outer envelope should be addressed only to the parents or guardians. You can then list each child's name on the inner envelope. If you do not include the children's names, it implies that they are not invited. However, some guests may still assume their children are welcome, so it is essential to be clear in your communication.

Addressing Adults-Only Weddings

When addressing envelopes for an adults-only wedding, there are a few ways to indicate that children are not invited. One way is to simply address the outer envelope to the parents or guardians, implying that only the named individuals are invited. Another way is to include a specific number of RSVPs and limit plus ones. You can also add a note on the invitation or RSVP card, such as "Please note that this occasion is adults-only."

Be Clear and Consistent

When communicating that your wedding is adults-only, it is crucial to be clear and consistent. Decide on the parameters, such as the age limit, and stick to them. This will help avoid any confusion or misunderstandings.

In conclusion, addressing envelopes for an adults-only wedding requires careful consideration and attention to detail. By following the guidelines and tips provided above, you can effectively communicate your guest list and ensure that your special day goes according to your vision.

Wording on the wedding website

The wording on your wedding website should be concise, specific, celebratory, and courteous. It is a good idea to include an FAQ page where you can address the question of whether children are invited. Here are some examples of how to politely communicate that your wedding will be adults-only:

"We want the guests to enjoy their time with us, so we chose to have an adults-only event. Thank you for being so cooperative."

"Only guests named on the wedding invitations are welcome. We are having a child-free wedding."

"Like the kids, we also want your attention at our adults-only wedding. So leave the children at home."

"Been a while since you took time out? Then hire a sitter for the kids and come dance with us till you drop."

"While kids' laughter excites us, we want to hear you laugh with abandon. So come without your babies."

If you want to be subtle, you can also indicate that it is an adults-only wedding by limiting the number of RSVPs and plus ones. For example, if a family of five consisting of two parents and three children receives an invitation for two people, it will be clear that only the adults are invited.

Another option is to include a personalised note with your invitation:

"We'd love to have Lexie and Max there but unfortunately, we're limited by budget/space constraints. We hope you can still make it."

If you are including children from the bride and groom's immediate families, you can say:

"Children of immediate family only please."

"Respectfully, an adult occasion (18+). Infants under 12 months welcome."

"Due to limited numbers, we hope you appreciate that children are only invited if named."

If you are happy to have children at the ceremony but not the reception, you could say:

"Children are welcome to the ceremony, but our 8 pm reception is for adults only."

"Just because we want you to loosen up, have fun, and unwind at the reception, it's adults only. Children are, however, welcome to the ceremony."

If you want to be extra clear, you could also add a custom card to your wedding invitation suite:

"Grab this break opportunity from the kids and come unwind with us at the reception. Children are invited to the ceremony only."

"Kindly leave the kids at home and come celebrate with us."

"Does a date night sound enticing? Enjoy a date night with us without the kids."

"To our loved ones, we've chosen to celebrate our special day with just the adults. We hope you respect our decision and can't wait to see you."

Be considerate to out-of-town guests

If you're having an adults-only wedding, it's important to be considerate of out-of-town guests who have children. Here are some ways to ensure they feel welcomed and accommodated:

Offer Childcare Solutions

If possible, offer a trusted caregiver to watch over the children of your immediate family members and wedding party. You could also suggest a local babysitting agency or childcare provider on your wedding website or in your invitations. This will make it easier for parents to attend your wedding and enjoy themselves knowing their children are in good hands.

Accommodate Their Travel Needs

Out-of-town guests will likely need to travel a long distance to attend your wedding, so it's important to make their journey as smooth as possible. Here are some ideas:

• Provide transportation to and from the venue, such as a shuttle service or taxi/rideshare options.
• Block out rooms at one or two hotels near the wedding venue and offer discounted rates.
• Share driving directions and transportation recommendations on your wedding website or via email.
• If there are multiple flights or transportation options, provide a suggested option to make booking easier for your guests.

Keep Them Informed

Out-of-town guests will appreciate being well-informed about the wedding events and local area. Here are some ways to do this:

• Create a comprehensive wedding website with all the necessary information, including locations, dates, and times of events, dress codes, accommodation suggestions, and things to do in the area.
• Send a welcome email with travel suggestions, accommodation details, transport information, and a reminder to check the wedding website for updates.
• Include emergency contact information on your website or in your welcome email, so guests know who to contact if they encounter any issues during their travels.
• Provide a printed itinerary in welcome packets or gift bags when they arrive.

Make Them Feel Special

Out-of-town guests have made a special effort to celebrate with you, so it's important to show your appreciation. Here are some ideas:

• Invite them to a welcome event, such as a brunch or cocktail hour, to make them feel welcomed and give them a chance to meet other guests.
• Connect with each out-of-town guest personally, thank them for their efforts to attend, and ask about their trip.
• Write a thank-you note after the wedding, acknowledging their presence and the distance they travelled to be there.
• Offer welcome packets and gift bags with snacks, drinks, and other thoughtful goodies to make them feel appreciated.

What to do if guests bring children

Deciding what to do if guests bring children to your adults-only wedding can be tricky, but there are a few steps you can take to ensure your big day goes smoothly. Here are some tips to handle this situation with grace and firmness:

• Be Prepared: While it's essential to communicate your adults-only request clearly, some guests may still arrive with children. Have a plan in place for how to handle this situation before the wedding day. This will help you remain calm and confident in enforcing your wishes.
• Address the Situation Promptly: If guests show up with children, politely and privately speak to them as soon as possible. Express your surprise and kindly remind them of your adults-only policy. You can say something like, "We're so happy you're here, and we appreciate your understanding that, as mentioned on the invitation, we've chosen to keep our wedding child-free."
• Offer Solutions: Be prepared to suggest alternative options, such as recommending local babysitters or childcare services they can contact. If your budget allows, you could even offer to help cover the cost of last-minute childcare arrangements.
• Stay Firm but Compassionate: It's important to stand your ground and politely reiterate your reasons for wanting an adults-only celebration. However, also try to be empathetic towards your guests, especially if they are travelling from out of town or facing unexpected challenges.
• Involve a Trusted Friend or Family Member: If you're uncomfortable handling the situation alone, enlist the help of a close friend, family member, or member of the wedding party. They can discreetly approach the guests and gently remind them of the adults-only request while you focus on enjoying your special day.
• Consider Making Accommodations: If the guests are insistent or you feel a strong connection to them, you may choose to make an exception. However, be cautious about setting a precedent, as other guests may notice and feel resentful. Another option is to suggest that the children join for specific parts of the wedding, such as the ceremony or an early reception, and then be excused before the adult-only portion of the evening begins.
• Learn from the Experience: If guests bring children despite your request, use this as an opportunity to learn for future events. Consider what could have been communicated more clearly and how you can improve your wording and enforcement of adults-only guidelines in the future.

Remember, it's your special day, and you are well within your rights to decide who attends. By being clear, compassionate, and prepared, you can handle any unexpected situations gracefully and ensure your wedding goes according to your vision.

How to address guests with children

When it comes to addressing guests with children on your wedding invitations, there are a few different approaches you can take. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to help you navigate this sometimes tricky aspect of wedding planning:

Inviting Families with Children:

If you are inviting families with children to your wedding, it is important to be clear about who is invited. The outer envelope should include the names of the parent(s) or guardian(s). For example, "Mr. and Mrs. Michael Abraham". If the children are under 18, their names can be listed on the inner envelope, such as "Daniel, Jeffrey, Miss Brittany, and Mx. Kelly". This format makes it clear that the children are also invited and avoids any confusion.

Inviting Families with Children Over 18:

If you are inviting families with children who are 18 or older, each person should receive their own invitation. You can address them using their preferred titles, such as "Mr." for men, "Miss" for girls under 18, and "Ms." for women and girls over 18. For example, "Ms. Audrey Abraham". This ensures that everyone in the family feels included and knows they are invited.

Addressing Guests with Children on the Wedding Website:

In addition to the invitations, you may also want to address guests with children on your wedding website. It is recommended to include an FAQ page where you can answer common questions, such as "Can we bring kids?". Be clear and concise in your response, stating something like, "While we love all the children in our lives, we have decided to keep our wedding and reception an adults-only event." This way, there is no room for confusion or misinterpretation.

Being Considerate to Guests with Children:

It is important to remember that some guests may be travelling from out of town and may have limited options for childcare. In these cases, it is considerate to offer accommodations for their children. This could include offering a trusted caregiver or babysitting services for the children of your immediate family members and wedding party. By helping to arrange childcare, you can make it easier for more of your loved ones to attend your special day.

Handling RSVPs for Guests with Children:

When sending out your invitations, be clear and consistent about the parameters for guests with children. If you receive RSVPs for the entire family, reach out to the guests and let them know that the invitation is only for the parents. You can cite reasons such as budget constraints or venue limitations. Be prepared to have difficult conversations if needed, and remember to be firm but compassionate in your approach.

Frequently asked questions