How to Say No to Kids at Your Wedding (Without the Guilt)
How to Say No to Kids at Your Wedding (Without the Guilt)
Planning a wedding is full of big decisions, but one of the trickiest (and most Googled!) is this: how do you say no to kids at your wedding? Whether it’s for budget reasons, space limitations, or simply because you want an adults-only celebration, it’s totally valid to have a child-free wedding.
But communicating that choice? Well, that can feel awkward. So let's make it easier.
Why Couples Choose a Child-Free Wedding
There are many reasons why couples choose not to invite children to their big day, including
- Venue restrictions—Some venues don’t allow children for safety or licencing reasons.
- Budget and guest list limits—Fewer guests means lower costs.
- Wanting a relaxed atmosphere—Some couples simply want an elegant, adults-only vibe.
- Timings—If your wedding is in the evening or runs late, it may not be suitable for young children.
- Previous experiences—Let’s face it, weddings can be long, and kids get bored, tired, or overstimulated.
No matter the reason, the key is to communicate your wishes clearly, kindly, and early.
Where to Mention "No Kids Allowed"
If you're opting for a child-free wedding, consistency is key. Here’s where to clearly share that decision:
- On your wedding invitations (or a separate details card)
- On your wedding website
- When sending Save the Dates
- Via word of mouth with close family or friends who can help explain
- In any pre-wedding communication (e.g., RSVP reminders or FAQs)
12 Thoughtful Ways to Say "No Kids at Our Wedding"
Need help with wording that sounds polite but firm? Here are 12 ways to say it — some formal, some light-hearted. Choose the tone that fits your wedding style:
- "We respectfully request no children at our wedding."
- "Due to limited numbers, we are unable to accommodate children—we hope you understand."
- "We love your little ones, but our wedding will be an adults-only celebration."
- "While we adore your children, our wedding will be a grown-up affair. We hope you enjoy a night off!"
- "We kindly request that our special day be an adult-only occasion."
- "To allow all our guests to relax and enjoy themselves, we have chosen to make our wedding child-free."
- "We hope you can join us for a child-free evening of celebration."
- "Although we love your kids, we regretfully cannot include them in our wedding day plans."
- "With respect to all our guests and to keep things simple, children will not be included in our wedding guest list."
- "Our wedding is a special day for grown-up fun. Thank you for arranging childcare in advance."
- "This will be an adults-only event. We can’t wait to let our hair down with you!"
- "We hope you understand that our wedding day will be just for the big kids."
FAQs: Saying No to Kids at Your Wedding
Can I make exceptions for family or wedding party children? Yes, it's your wedding—just be prepared for potential pushback from others who aren't offered the same exception. If you choose to include only certain children (e.g., nieces/nephews, flower girls/page boys), be clear and consistent in your explanation.
How early should I tell people? As early as possible. Letting people know when you send out your save-the-dates or invites gives them time to make childcare arrangements.
What if guests RSVP for their kids anyway? Be prepared to follow up with a polite but firm message, such as
"Thanks so much for your RSVP! Just a reminder, we’re having an adults-only celebration, so unfortunately we can’t accommodate little ones. We hope you’ll still be able to join us!"
Final Thoughts: Your Day, Your Way
Choosing to have a child-free wedding doesn’t make you a bad person or a bridezilla. It’s your day, and your decisions are valid. As long as you communicate clearly and compassionately, most guests will understand.
And remember—you're not alone. Searches for "how to say no to kids at wedding" and "wording for adult-only wedding invite" are increasingly common. So trust your gut, plan your dream day, and enjoy every grown-up minute of it.
If this helped take one more thing off your wedding to-do list, feel free to share it with a friend who's planning too. 💌
And if you’re stuck on wording, invites, or timelines, we’d love to help. Book a design consult here, and let’s bring your vision to life.
Your wedding planning bestie,
Lala & Kellie
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