Adult Only Wedding Wording

You’ve decided your wedding is an Adult only affair, whether it’s down to your budget, restrictive venue numbers or you simply want your wedding a child-free zone.

Whatever your reason it can be nerve-racking deciding the best way to inform your guests you don’t want their little ones there.

The number one rule is to make it clear. Simply naming your guests on your envelopes or invitations is a good start, but unless you clearly state on your invitations ‘No Children’ some guests will assume bringing Children is ok. Trust me your guests will surprise you.

Your wording can be included on your invite, information card, website or even included on a separate card for your guests with children.

Whatever your preference, here are some tactful ways to communicate a "No Children" on your adults only wedding invitation to preserve the harmony of your big day.

Keep it Simple

1. ”We kindly request that our wedding be an adults-only affair."
2. “We are very sorry, but we are keeping our wedding day an adult-only occasion”
3. ”While we love your little ones, we have chosen to have an adults-only day. We hope you understand.

Budget or Venue Restrictions

1. “Due to guest number restrictions, we are only able to extend the invite adults-only”
2. “As much as we would like for the children to attend, our budget only accommodates adult guests”
3. "We will not be able to invite children to our wedding, we hope that you will still be able to attend."

Make it fun

1. "We love your little ones but thought you might like a night off. So we’ve decided to keep it grown ups only."
2. "We love your children, but thought you might want an evening off. So book a sitter and dust off those dancing shoes."

Close Family Only

1. “We are only able to accommodate children of close family, who are named on the invitation. Thank you for your understanding.”
2. “Due to venue restrictions, we unfortunately are only able to accommodate the children in the wedding party."
3. "We truly wish we could invite all our guests’ children to our wedding however we are only able to invite the children of our immediate families"

If you are worried about guest attendance or if you have close friends or family whose usual babysitters are also attending the wedding, an alternative could be providing a creche service at the wedding. Perhaps arrange spaces and provide costs to your guests on a first come first serve basis.

Ultimately it’s important to remember that it’s your wedding day, it is a celebration of you and your partner, and it is absolutely ok to have a wedding without children.

Your day should reflect your vision and priorities as a couple, and your loved ones will appreciate your honesty and understanding. We hope these tips help.