Is an exception wrong?

Question

My fiance and I have decided that we wanted an all adult reception. However, his cousin from out of town just had a baby and we are letting them bring her. She is not very old and we have never seen her. Is it wrong for us to make one exception? After all it is our wedding.

They are the only ones coming from out of town with a young child. Everyone esle lives in the area and already has a sitter for the event.

Answer 1

Honestly, especially since the baby is brand new, most people should understand why the exception has been made! It's not like your letting someone bring a 4 year old to the party! If someone questions the exception, just tell that you were afraid if you didn't allow them to bring the NEWBORN baby that they wouldn't be able to come, because in all honesty, most of the new mothers I know would never leave their babies for that long! And if the other people don't understand, then let them get over it, it is your wedding afterall!
I will say that if you have other new mother's, you may want to consider making the same exception for them! Anyone with older children, then the set answer is "I'm sorry, but we can't accomodate any children!"
Good luck and congrats!

Answer 2

The way it works is that if you have a "no kids" reception you need to apply that to ALL kids. Like you can't have your favorite neice and exclude your cousin because she's a brat.

However, the accpetable exception is infants and newborns especially if the mother is breastfeeding. When kids are that young a babysitter just can't do it. Basically if they can walk on their own the rule applies, if they have to be carried an exception can be made. Just make sure you have a small private area besides a bathroom for the mothers to take really young babies to lay them down, do diaper changing, or feed them if they get fussy.

Anybody who has a problem with this are probably the same people who put gift info on their invites. (little humor for the regulars on the board)

Answer 3

A lot depends on the details. Are we talking about a baby who's a few weeks old or one that's a year or two? If you're talking about an absolute infant in arms who cannot be separated from the mother who is a close family member, then you have a case even if it's going to make other parents grumble. If the child is older or is not being breastfed, then be prepared for outright mutiny on the part of the folks you told to leave their kids at home.

Answer 4

No it is not wrong and anyone who is a mother will understand because they more than likely would never leave their infant with someone else. If anyone does say anything rude then just answer that you found it incredible rude to ask a new mother to leave her infant child with someone else. You can also tell then that you have never seen the child and were very excited about it. Just try to keep it under wraps prior to the ceremony or you will have others start asking if they can bring their children. Congratulations.

Answer 5

I agree with Lydia's answer. I think its unfortunate to have a wedding and not include the children. The CHILDREN are what makes the wedding memoriable. I was invited to a wedding like that. When I got there, there were some kids there. I was told I could have brought mine, but that was after I went to the wedding without mine. I didn't stay long when I seen other kids there. It upset me that my child couldn't be part of that, because mine cried that she wanted to go when I left her at home. (She was 3yrs old, my fiance stayed home with her) You might have guests leave the wedding early for that reason. I am getting married in less than a month and I am planning alot for the children.

Answer 6

I think it is o.k., it is your wedding. I would think that they are not going to stay there late with her anyway being as young as she is. I would let them know that you made an exception for them and to keep it on the down low...if you know what I'm saying. There will be people there that will not be excited about it so be prepared...in the long run though it is your choice. You don't want any other guests, however, to suddenly have their sitters cancel mysteriously...just a thought;) Good luck to you!

Answer 7

It's not like you have to have a place set for the baby or pay for her meal.... It's not wrong to make an exeception - ESPECIALLY if the other kids are older...

But, if you can, speak to someone who's already hired a sitter and offer them a portion of the cost to keep the sitter "on call" if the new mommy and daddy desire... Sometimes new parents LOVE to be around grownups! =)

Regardless - it's your wedding, and your decision....

Answer 8

this is a TOUGH question

when my mother's sister got married, i was just born. my father was stationed in Puerto Rico and worked all the time. I believe i was 3 months at the time and my aunt addressed the invitation to my mother and father. Well, my mom took me anyway and my aunt is still pissed at my mother to this day because i stole the limelight from her. i was my mother's first child so she was not going to leave me at home, but apparently my aunt wanted NO kids at the wedding.

I know your situation is different, but people seem to get pissed easily at weddings. perhaps you could hire a babysitter for them during the wedding and you can meet the baby before the wedding (like you will have time :P)

Answer 9

Who wants to deal with kids at the wedding reception, anyways, even if it's their own children?! I mean, why should other people be pissed?? And if you always look at what others think about you, I feel pity. Don't make a big deal out of it- do whatever you think is fair.

Answer 10

it is perfectly acceptable for someone who has just had a baby to bring them to a wedding reception. most young babies exclusively breastfeed and cannot be away from the mother. one of my best friends is getting married at the end of this month and i have to miss the wedding for this reason.