No children allowed wedding, how do you tackle this?

[NY_BX 397]

So, we're not inviting, let alone allowing, anyone under 21 years old to come to our reception. My friends completely understand the "no children" policy given that alcohol will be served in copious amounts which will trigger interesting behavior from my reggae band members and other guests. To that, add the beach; the last thing I need is a child under little supervision jump into the water! The truth is, this is an adult's event. We want a lounge-like event where we can smoke "Habana cigars," drink our piña coladas and hide from the stupid reporters trying to get a piece of news from some of my guests (that's another story).

Is it far-fetched to define a minimum age requirement for the reception? If it isn't, how do I tackle this without being...... unorthodox?

Thank you

[EAbbas 213]

Not so sure.. but i know some ppl did provide nursery/child care for anyone under age 10.... but idk what to do for those between 10 and 21..

maybe word the invitations to ONLY the ppl invited.. like Jane and Tom Smith not the SMith family?

Edited January 6, 2012 by EAbbas

[jojolicious 38]

Word of mouth and maybe put "Adult Reception" on the invitation. I've seen that before

[Hank_ 9,174]

I like the idea personally!!

How to handle it? Be blunt as a post!! Spell it out so there are no doubts or confusion - "If you have childern - get a babysitter!! No one under 21 years of age welcome!!" big bold print across the bottom of the invite.

Would I do that? Yup, you dang skippy I would!!

Edited January 6, 2012 by Hank_Amy

[NY_BX 397]

I like the idea personally!!

How to handle it? Be blunt as a post!! Spell it out so there are no doubts or confusion - "If you have childern - get a babysitter!! No one under 21 years of age welcome!!" big bold print across the bottom of the invite.

Would I do that? Yup, you dang skippy I would!!

Thank you all.

I think being bold is not a bad idea, but my fiancee is a little bit shyer, so he wants to be polite....

[HeatDeath 430]

You may find this helpful:

http://www.weddingbeepro.com/2009/06/17/the-no-children-wedding-tips-for-enforcing-the-no-kids-allowed-rule-for-a-small-wedding/

[Hank_ 9,174]

I understand the "need/feeling" about being polite.

So add "Respectfully" or "With Apologies" before being blunt as a post.

Pu$$y footing around always leads to someone ignoring you and bending the "rules" then you are stuck with some kid at your reception that you didn't want some kid at.

Edited January 6, 2012 by Hank_Amy

[NY_BX 397]

I understand the "need/feeling" about being polite.

So add "Respectfully" or "With Apologies" before being blunt as a post.

Pu$$y footing around always leads to someone ignoring you and bending the "rules" then you are stuckwith some kid at your reception that you didn't want some kid at.

I agree, but there again, I have no problems kicking people out along with their children.

[kytwell 179]

My first wife and I did the same thing. When we sent invitations to family members with children we didn't include their(minor's) names on the invite. We also had our Mother's make a phone call to reiterate our stance that we wanted no children there. And to be honest most parent's are happy to get a night out without the kids.

[VanessaTony 3,567]

You wouldn't be the first person to have an "adults only" event. As long as people have enough time to organise baby-sitters I doubt they would really mind.

The problem may arise that you get one or two people asking for exceptions. "You know my son/daughter, s/he's very mature".

Personally most invites I've seen in Aus are actually addressed to people (so you'd list all the kids as well) so you just wouldn't invite people under 21. Here though I've noticed people either write "& Family" or they just assume by inviting the parents they're inviting the kids.

I don't know where you're getting your invites done but they might have standard wording for it. If you're doing your own then I suppose it's up to you. Most sites recommend "Adults only reception to follow" or "Adults only reception at ##pm at Location". You could probably put (21+) in brackets after the Adults Only part.

[amyandjorge 76]

Sounds great! I wouldn't want to bring my kids anyways (then again I don't have any)

[NY_BX 397]

You wouldn't be the first person to have an "adults only" event. As long as people have enough time to organise baby-sitters I doubt they would really mind.

The problem may arise that you get one or two people asking for exceptions. "You know my son/daughter, s/he's very mature".

Personally most invites I've seen in Aus are actually addressed to people (so you'd list all the kids as well) so you just wouldn't invite people under 21. Here though I've noticed people either write "& Family" or they just assume by inviting the parents they're inviting the kids.

I don't know where you're getting your invites done but they might have standard wording for it. If you're doing your own then I suppose it's up to you. Most sites recommend "Adults only reception to follow" or "Adults only reception at ##pm at Location". You could probably put (21+) in brackets after the Adults Only part.

good idea, like a club flyer in small letters....

[Darnell 8,479]

you could go 'all out' and contract with a child-care facility nearby, to 'sit' the children for your guests.

Check around, get some quotes, offer the service to your guests.

With pre-arranged child-care, your guests shouldn't feel so much 'off-putting' from your invitation.

[NY_BX 397]

you could go 'all out' and contract with a child-care facility nearby, to 'sit' the children for your guests.

Check around, get some quotes, offer the service to your guests.

With pre-arranged child-care, your guests shouldn't feel so much 'off-putting' from your invitation.

Wow! somewhat controversial, but great idea.

[Darnell 8,479]

controversial? not really - as a child care facility already has the insurance in place that MOST private child-minders/sitters do not.

Having child care in place should really make your guests feel more at ease , overcoming that '21 +' restriction that you wish to impose.