Im trying to help someone word their wedding invitations they dont want anyone under 8 at the wedding...?

Question

How do you word that politely? THANKS!

Answer 1

I say keep the wording simple. 'Children 8 years of age and under are not permitted to attend the wedding ceremony and the wedding reception.' Of course you will ALWAYS have someone offended by this (you cannot please everyone so why try). But you need to keep the wording simple where there will not be any possible gray areas for mis-translation. Make sure that you are prepared to deal wtih the rule breakers (cause there will be some).

Answer 2

Honestly, you don't. The invitation itself should say nothing at all about children being present, or the formality of the event (black tie only, etc) or gifts of any kind.

On the envelope, clearly address it to the adults only. On the separate reception card, you can put a statement about children. Perhaps "Adult-only reception."

However, I really question the bride's decision here. There is little to no difference in the behavior of an 8 year old and a 9 year old. Why 8? While I don't like the idea of removing children from the celebrations (it is a celebration of marriage and family, after all), she should either invite all children or no children at all.

Answer 3

You can't really put that on an invitation unless it is a really casual invitation. You could put "Adult reception" if you didn't want anyone under the age of 18.

You would have to include all of the children's names that are invited on the inner envelope and spread the word that the little ones are not invited.

Ex: Assume only 1 child is under 8 in the family (Timmy) address the invite to Mr & Mrs so and so and on the inner envelope put Robert, Mary, Jane and Joseph and leave little Timmy's name off of the envelope.

Answer 4

I think it's unfair to put an age limit on the wedding for children, what if a family has a child that is over the "limit" and one that is under it..it should be any child age or none at all. IF I were to get an invitation and I had two kids one of "age" and one not I'd probably not come because I'd have to try and find a sitter and explain to the younger child why they can't come.

Answer 5

It is perfectly acceptable to say something like the following on your invitation:

An adults only reception will immediately follow the ceremony at _______________ (place).

Also, you can certianly specify the names of the people you WANT attending on the invitation, but don't expect people to take that as gospel. Many people assume (incorrectly) that if Mom and Dad are invited to something, then little Timmy, Tommy, Jane, and Julie must be invited, too.

If you are concerned that your invitees won't follow your directions to leave the little ones at home, then a polite pre-emptive phone call to suspected offenders might be in order. You don't have to out-and-out tell them that you don't want their kids there...but you can make sure that they don't have any questions about the invitation...or surrepticiously ask if they need help finding a babysitter...

Hope this helps!!!

EDIT: I realized after reading Kit-kat's answer below that she brings up a good point. Aside from mentioning "adults only", which is perfectly okay, it's difficult to have a cut-off at a specific age. If you say, "adults only", that tells invitees that kids under 18 aren't really welcome at your event...and that's not exactly what you're trying to say.

Honestly, this may be a time when you're going to have to pick up the phone and clarify what you want to the people who might be affected by your wishes. If it comes down to it, don't be afraid to tell them that you really want them to come to the wedding, but you're operating with a budget and that the only way you can keep your costs in line is to ask folks to leave the little ones at home.

Just so you know...if you do this, be prepared for folks with kids to skip the event entirely...

Answer 6

Do not mention anything about children on the invitation. You are supposed to address the invitation to the people you wish to invite. If you want to invite only the parents you address the invite to Mr. and Mrs. Smith. If you want to invite the whole family to address the invite to Mr. and Mrs. Smith and family. If you want to invite select people you address the invite to Mr. and Mrs. Smith and Jane. Unfortunately, people seem to have forgotten how to read. They may assume the invite is for everyone. The best course of action may be to call those affected in order to clarify. Otherwise, watch your responses and if someone RSVP's for 5 and you only invited 3 or 4 you're going to have to call them. Just remember people get touchy about inviting their kids, I don't know why. When I was a child my parents went to plenty of weddings/parties without me. There was never any question about it. Some events are meant for adults and people shouldn't be offended by this. Kids are not and should not be welcome everywhere. Just remember you will have a few who don't like this and may choose not to attend the reception. Just look at the bright side. You don't have to pay for them.

Answer 7

How about something like...

"An adult reception will be held immediately after the ceremony."

Don't specify no kids at the ceremony. Lots of people don't bring them anyways... but this way if people can't find a sitter for their kids, they can at least attend the ceremony and skip the reception.

Also, you can personally call the few people with older kids that you would like to include and tell them they are welcome

I have the same concern for my wedding. I don't have a problem with kids in general, but trying to keep costs down. I have a freeloader cousin with 7 kids!

Answer 8

A sitter should be provided for children 8 years of age and younger.

Answer 9

I didn't want any children at my wedding either so I make that known on the reception card as:

Adult Reception

Answer 10

Children under 8 are not allowed ;(