How to say no children at your wedding, but politely, on your wedding invitation? It’s a tricky one isn’t it? Depending on your guest list, the message can simply be put out by word of mouth. If you want to include something a little more formal, then you should include some sort of wording to say no children on a wedding invite.
So how do you say no children on a wedding invite?
You want the message to be clear, but at the same time you don’t want to offend or upset anyone. In my years of designing wedding invitations have helped countless couples find just the right wording for no children at their wedding. Here are some of the phrases and wording we have used.
1. No children on a wedding invite, unless they are named
Regrettably we are unable to accommodate children unless they are named on the invitation.
Traditional etiquette says that parents should not assume their children are invited if they are not named on the invitation. You can use this wording within your invitation to reinforce this and make everything super clear.
2. If your ‘no children’ decision is down to numbers
We regret that due to the large number of children within our family and friends, we have decided to make our wedding day an adult only occasion.
If it’s down to sheer numbers, let your guests know. I’m sure they will appreciate that if inviting all the kids could double the guest list, then it’s not really a practical (or affordable) option.
3. No children means a day off for parents
We regret that we are unable to invite children to the wedding. We hope that you can join us and enjoy a ‘day off’ in our company.
As a parent myself, seeing these words on a wedding invite would fill me with joy (I do love my kids, honest!). It’s not often the opportunity arises to leave the little ones at home, get glammed up, and indeed enjoy a day off in adult company.
4. A short way to say no children on a wedding invite
Respectfully an adult occasion.
Short, sweet, and straight to the point. If space is limited on your wedding invitation then this is a great option. I am also a firm believer that on YOUR wedding day there is no need to apologise for or even explain your decisions. If you feel the same then this a great way to say no children on your wedding invite.
5. No children, other than the wedding party
We regret that we are unable to accommodate children, other than those in the wedding party. No children are invited to the evening reception….it’s time to have fun!!
Maybe you will have a couple of flower girls and a page boy or two at your ceremony and the wedding breakfast. If you want to make this clear to your guests then you can use something like this.
6. Adult only wedding, but in a light hearted way
While we love to see children laugh and play, our wedding will be an adult only kind of day.
One of my personal favourites, this option is clear and to the point but with a light hearted twist. How could anyone possibly be offended by this!?
These are some examples of text that I have used over the years as different ways to say no children on a wedding invite. Of course, there are no hard and fast rules. You know your guests better than anyone. Choose wording that will resonate with them and that you feel comfortable with. All of these examples can be customised and adapted to suit your personal situation and wedding invitations. Do remember, though, that it’s your wedding and you should not feel the need to apologise or make an explanation.
Finally, where do you include the wording for no children on a wedding invite?
In my experience, it’s best to include it somewhere in your additional details, or your guest information card. You want the message to be clear and unmissable, but you don’t need to take centre stage on the main part of the invitation.
Click here to read what other details should you include in your wedding invitation?
Penning the perfect wording for no children in a wedding invite is something I will personally help all my couples with (if they need it). That, along with how to word the main invitations, what other details to include in their wedding invites and other important things like when to send wedding invitations and how long you should give guests to reply. It’s all part of the service. When you book in with me to have your wedding invitations and stationery designed you will get access to an exclusive client area of my website where there are loads more guides, checklists and templates to help you get everything perfect.
If you’d like to book a quick chat to see how I can help you with your wedding invites and stationery, click here
Want to bookmark this page so you can find it again later? Save this image below to your wedding planning boards on Pinterest. Why not come over and say Hi there too!? You can find By Jo Wedding Stationery on Pinterest here.
