People Are Sharing Their Opinions On “No Children” Policy At Weddings, Heated Debate Ensues
Recently, a quarrel on Twitter emerged after a woman named Alice tweeted a bold statement: “Probably going to get slated for this, but people are perfectly entitled to request no children at their weddings.”
As you may suspect, this didn’t pass unnoticed. 12.3K retweets and 3,866 quote tweets later, it seems like everyone had their own argument laid out on the table. While some people agreed with the tweet’s author, others were far from impressed.
Below we wrapped up some of the most interesting, illuminating and thought-provoking responses shared in the thread. After scrolling down, let us know what you think of no children policies at weddings in the comment section!
Recently, a woman shared this tweet that didn’t go unnoticed and sparked one hell of a sizzling debate on Twitter
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Many people agreed with the author’s statement
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Others, however, were far from impressed with the idea of no children policies at weddings
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Meanwhile, other people thought that weddings without any guests are the best option
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People can invite whoever they want at *their own* party! If I ever get married. I will invite children because I want to make it a more fun gathering. But that's just me :)
Exactly. I prefer weddings without children, I just don't think everywhere is suited for/needs to be suited for them, and I hated them as a kid myself. But you're paying for and organising a day to celebrate, it's up to you who you want there.
Load More Replies..."children make the wedding day" - well no they don't unless they're yours on your wedding day. As for the argument in any other setting you would be slated for saying no elderly, no gays etc. isn't true either. Plenty of places have age restrictions, even cinemas, restaurants, clubs, shops, there is places that cater for religious people, gay people and no you absolutely do not get to join these facilities if you don't meet the criteria. Same as amusement parks, children activity parks where some children won't be able to participate due to health and safety. But wedding is about two people getting married, that serves alcohol, and most of us wouldn't be comfortable with children running around while adults drink and smoke. Weddings should have age restrictions just purely because children don't care, and parents literally are just quests. And most won't get upset if you miss one wedding because you chose your own family needs. I would leave my own wedding if family brings kids.
All of this and also elderly, gays, fat people etc are all adults so they really can't say it's the same as no kids!
Load More Replies...People are so touchy these days. Child free weddings sound good to me. Most weddings I have attended have had the ceremony drowned out by wailing or kids whose parents ignore their kids and rely on everyone else to watch their kids, same goes for the receptions. It makes it harder to enjoy for everyone else if they have to keep your kids safe and prevent them from tearing stuff up.
Holy s**t....all these entitled idiots who have no concept of "Our wedding, our rules" !! Did you pay for this wedding ? No, so STFU then.
None of their arguments had any merit. Their points were simply based on "Me! Me! Me!"
Load More Replies...Personally, I am shocked how childless weddings have become such a huge shock to some people. Let people do what they want and the friends I have who have had child free weddings did not do it because they did not like children; they financially could not afford it and their friends with children understood. If you have a child and you can't understand where your bride or groom friend is coming from, especially since they are the ones paying for the whole thing AND you know that they care about your child, you are not being understanding or a good friend.
If it isn't your wedding, shut up. It isn't your day. It's the marrying couple's day, and if they don't want kids there, that's their right. I'm so sick of parents foisting their spawn on everybody else.
As a kid, I hated weddings. To me, it was a bunch of people talking for hours then having to sit down for hours for reception eating foods I may or may not like while seeing adults become very stupid as they got more drinks. For guy who would block the wedding couple over no kids allowed request, I think either they are full of c**p or just saved the couple a lot of grief. The couple make a simple prerequisite, you're free to agree to the terms or not. I'll understand some will disagree and not come but disagree and block all communication? I think I dodged a bullet then.
I've got 2 kids and wouldn't be offended at all if they were asked not to attend. I'm planning on a child free ceremony and the kids can come to the party later. Weddings are boring for adults never mind little kids
Couples who bring children to a wedding even though they shouldn't are the same couples who have children even though they shouldn't
I am hosting an event. Here are the parameters of the event. Come if you want, don't if you don't. End of story.
I think people don't want kids there are not wanting kids that will be a distraction or interrupt the wedding in anyway so I dont know how this can be considered rude or selfish. I didnt want little kids at my wedding for this reason I had school aged well behaved kids there and it went fine. If you cant find a sitter or cant come then the bride and groom will understand this I'm sure and you should respect their wishes on their wedding day.
Whether you believe that weddings should or should not include children, you don't get to impose your belief on others. The bride and groom are paying for the party, and it's THEIR party, therefore they get to make the rules. Personally, I wouldn't want to have such an important celebration without the children in my family, but I don't think my opinion should be wedding law, ffs.
The elderly, homos ect can sit down and be quiet, so whomever made that comment didn't understand why kids were not invited.
If I send an invitation for a wedding it's addressed to Mr & Mrs or Ms not their children. Why would I invite children to an adult event? The people saying weddings are a family reunion are just wrong. A family reunion is a family reunion a wedding is a wedding. A wedding is put on for two specific people and what and who they want. Not who their guests want there. Going by this logic kids should also come to my adult birthday party?? I understand babysitters are hard to find but are you telling me you actually go no where without your kids? You've never been out for an evening? If you really have never been out for an evening EVER then a wedding would be a great place to start instead of just being like, "no kids, no me".
Unless your baby is exclusively breastfed, why would you want to bring your kids along if it's child free event? I'm a parent and I'm baffled
Yeah, i mean half the fun for people at weddings is getting drunk. But children cant drink, and im sure as a parent you know, any outing with a child is constant vigilance and work. So kids are bored and parents cant relax, on top of whatever disruptions the couple dont want.
Load More Replies...So many thoughts. 1. Yes, you are entitled to celebrate without kids. 2. Parents are entitled to decline if this is inconvenient for them. 3. Yes, weddings are family reunions. Or how do you call it when you invite your families and friends to celebrate with you? 4. So many people say that children hate weddings anyway. That's so not true! There is singing, dancing, great food, cake, lots of fun activities to do, especially if there are many children, so they can play together. 5. Someone said that it's not safe for children because of intoxicated and also potentially drugged adults? Man, you're inviting the wrong people, I guess. 6. Children disrupt the ceremony? Parents should be able to judge if a child will be disruptive. And if a baby starts crying, it should go without saying that they leave the venue until they settle down.
All I remember of the weddings I got dragged to as a kid was endless waiting. And most of the day being told to stand here, go there, smile for that camera and very eventually there was cake. I hated it.
Load More Replies...Invite whoever you want to your wedding! Also graciously accept that some of your invitees may need to deline. Weddings with kids can be great, the whole extended family can be there celebrating together. Kids add moments of adorable cuteness. Weddings without kids can be great. Adults get to relax in a way they couldn't if they were looking after kids. Elegant, formal wedding with fancy food no kid would eat. Or wild party dancing the night away. Not all parents are going to be able to attend child free weddings though, and they shouldn't get hate you that. Getting a babysitter isn't always easy. They people closest to you that your would feel most comfortable leaving the kids with may also be invited to the wedding. If you have to travel you are now faced with leaving kids home without their parents for days at a time, or leaving them with a total stranger near the destination. Prioritizing their kids well being over your party does not make them bad people.
"Children make a family"...no. No they don't. Anyone can be a family, you don't need children to do that. Those angry at child-free weddings sound absolutely bonkers. I'm gonna bring my dog as my child to their wedding. Because my dog is family and according to them excluding any family is selfish.
I've missed weddings because I couldn't find reliable or trustworthy child care. I have zero bad feelings towards the couples. Their day, kids create chaos, I get it. Why do people take things so personally?!
I can't stand the thought of a child bawling while I make my vows it ruins it completely and if I'm spending a lot of money to pay for melas and drinks for everyone coming I can't afford the extra cost of tens on tens of kids too. No thanks. It's not hard to just get a sitter when told in advance. Entitled as always
People are entitled to invite who they want to their wedding. People are also entitled to decline. I do not have kids, I don't want kids, but when I do get married they will be invited. If that changes, and I decide not to, I won't throw a hissy fit if people decide not to come because of it
We had one child at our wedding, my nephew, we told everyone else there was to be no kids. Most people were happy with it, a chance to enjoy a child free night, only one cousin didn't come because of it. We stood by the rule, and it didn't cause any family rifts.
During my oldest daughter's sweet 16, my youngest daughter was well-behaved ... my son, who is on the spectrum, was well-behaved ... their cousin (younger than my son and oldest daughter and older than my youngest daughter) and their younger brother, not so much (e.g. running through the venue and crawling under tables while chasing each other ... when discipline is necessary, then NO, it's not the same as all the other groups that just happen to be disciplined adults ...
I have children and have been to weddings where children were welcome, they were brilliant both before and after I had kids. I’ve never been to one where kids were unwelcome since I’ve had kids. Not because I didn’t want to go but because the person who babysits my kids was also invited and went herself. And I have no other babysitter, I know no one else I could ask. So i missed out on the wedding due to lack of a babysitter. But oh well, that was their choice and I accepted it with no hard feelings. And I saved myself the price of the hotel room and present, so there’s that…
I have 2 kids under 10 and I fully support child free weddings. I think little ones should only be there if it's a close relative getting hitched. Plus kids get so bored at weddings. Leave them at home with a babysitter and treats and their parents have a fun day out. Everyone wins!
I mean it depends on the wedding. Sometimes you know you can organize it in such a way that it goes smoothly, but sometimes no matter what you do, you know it will involve misery for all. Kids get very bored at weddings, which is fine, if youre ok with either providing some way of managing them or dont care about chaos and interruptions because youre a chill person. But i also know some people spend tons of money to make their wedding perfect, stage photos, do rehearsals. I dont GET it, but people have different priorities and needs. In that case yeah, maybe best to not invite the little gremlins, rather that use them as some prop for the ceremony/photos and then just expect them to be quiet for the remainder of an evening that to them will probably be excruciatingly dull. Kids come with mess and yelling and if youre not fine with that at a wedding, it may be best to just exclude them, but i also think there should be no judgement whatsoever if people decide not to come then.
Personally I think it's okay to invite whoever you want I mean it's your day after all but please if you invite kids aged 6 yo or less please seat them with their parents (unless you know they're mature enough) not with teens or other guests to babysit them. Me and my cousin were once seated at the same table as two 5 yo twins and we were both like 14 at the time. They were putting their hands in the jug full of orange juice trying to get out the ice cubes. Not only did they overturn the jug spilling the whole drink on the table and our dresses but they also broke one of the jugs. Their mother (what I learned later from the wedding videos) was on the table next to ours and while she did see what happened she ignored the whole situation. The next few hours were similarly so the first chance we got after the toasts, dinner and stuff we changed seats
I think maybe the point is no kids at the ceremony. I wouldn’t like a child screaming and crying throughout the ceremony. Yes children need to learn how to behave at such events, but that is more for kids old enough to understand enough to learn. 2 year olds are not. Maybe a request to the parents that if their child starts to cry/scream, please take them outside. Yes, one of them may miss the ceremony, but the ceremony is the whole point for the couple. The ceremony their moment. Kids at the reception, it’s a celebration. Why not? It’s a very different part of the wedding day from the ceremony. Although, when my parents got married, due to my dad going overseas with the military in a very short period of time, they had a very small wedding. Mom’s nephews came. Very well behaved. My mom’s family name was Doreen. One of her nephews, in an almost empty church yelled out “Whatcha doing Auntie Doedoe?” He never lived that one down, even as an adult.
Even most 2 year olds can be taught te be quiet at certain moments like weddings or going to church or restaurants. It helps when you can distract/ entertain them with a little book or something like that when they get fidgety. They still need help being quilt and it won't allways go smoothly, but it's not impossible. As a parent i like weddings with and without my child. Most weddings i've attented had the ceremony and reception with children during the day and a childfree party in the evening.
Load More Replies...I wanted only to invite my real love ones, not the whole extended bunch who I don't even swap Christmas cards with. Because of that, my dad's budget for the day allowed us to seriously upgrade the event. I did ask that people not bring boyfriends and girlfriends, significant others only (one or two slipped in because sometimes that's hard to judge). Most guests were traveling far and we were going to make a few days of it. Most chose to leave children with other family. At first I was sad at the lack of kids, only 4 came. Nice thing was though, those 4 were able to get completely spoilt. Personally I like kids at a wedding, but my cousin's largely opted to let their hair down and take a break while their kids got spoilt with family.
Yep. We had no kids at our wedding. Apart from anything else, kids HATE weddings. It's just a load of adults talking and you have to wear uncomfortable clothes and you're not allowed to make a noise. But because I'm a genius, I also booked a comedian so I could use that as a reason not to have minors.
It's of course up to the couple to decide. Especially if they are young and most of their friends are childfree, children would really be in the way. If many of the guests have children however they will either not be able to come or have to leave early. In this case investing in a full time child minder and an appropriate place for the kids to play during the wedding would be a good idea.
As a childless person who got married, I think the people deciding some kids are ok and other kids are not are disgusting. Weddings are about bringing families together, there were kids at my wedding that I've never met before. There were kid friendly beverages like bottles of water and yohoo at my wedding. Sure some kids had to be told not to climb rocks, but I didn't have any major issues. Kept the ceremony short, because even adults have a hard time sitting through long ceremonies. Another wedding I went to had coloring pages for kids. Kids had fun dancing to the DJ & blowing bubbles. These no kid weddings actually make me kind of sad. If I want the wedding just about me, then I would have eloped.
In my wedding, 1991, just 3 children were invited: 2 were extremely well-behaved cousins and one was the child I was tutoring at the time. Also well behaved. 250 guests. No one brought their children, BECAUSE CHILDREN WERE NOT INVITED. That was my mother's rule, not mine, BTW.
I’ve seen hybrids where children are invited to the ceremony and meal but after dessert, they are all carted away to babysitters or sober-living family members so that the grownups can drink and party. Your wedding. Your rules.
And if you didn’t trust who was going to be watching the kids, then it was on you to make other arrangements.
Load More Replies...I´ve never ever heard about this issue en Latam, maybe because weddings are different here (and not so expensive as in America), however I agree with no bring kids to the party, unless close family and if it´s impossible to leave the children (parents probably would be very anxiuos and not enjoy the event).
I totally agree with troufaki13, it’s that couples day, if they do not want children that’s their choice.
The couple has a right to request that no children attend their wedding/ reception. I've been invited to family bbq's that have requested no children because there would be drinking. Either find a babysitter or don't go.
Problem is, if you allow one child, you have to allow all children. So it's all or nothing. It's for one day, you're not asking the parents to give up their kids for adoption. And most parents I know love a child free day where they can get bladdered and not worry about it.
It’s everyone’s own choice, it’s really whatever they need to have the day they’ve dreamed of. Not necessary to have so much drama over it!
I wanted a child free wedding but I was railroaded into having his youngest niece and nephew in it. Stand your ground people
I actually love it when they don't want children there. Gives me a wonderful reason to not attend your 3rd? 6th? Marriage. It's not like anyone stays married. But you do have to keep your kids.
So I can totally see both sides of this. I propose an idea of maybe a compromise, especially for guests that have to travel and then still have to find babysitting... let's try this. How about an event/ area near or on site for them during the events. Depending on kid age.. maybe a movie. Or a craft set up. 🤔 I dunno... just a thought
So the couple getting married, that is paying for a venue and food and drinks etc for adult guests, is now also required to plan and pay for an additional "fun" zone for the kids of guests? How entitled do you have to be to think that would be an appropriate ask? If you can't come because of childcare issues or what have you, then don't come. I can't imagine being upset at a declined invite because of that, or really at a declined invite for any reason really. People have lives and responsibilities and I'm aware that I'm not the center of the universe. However, I'd be livid if someone came to my child free wedding with their kid and I'd be reassessing my relationships with anyone asking me to provide entertainment for kids. Those are the kind of "I'm the center of the universe" people I wouldn't want in my life anyway.
Load More Replies...Omg this! I got married last December. I could only have 25 people (and kids over 2 counted) so I originally said no kids. It started a s**t storm. MIL got mad and talked about how dare I not allow nieces and nephews etc. She then said she'd pay for them, I said are you going to pay for my side of the family's kids too? She was like no. I said well you can't do for some and not for all. In the end so many people ended up canceling (not because of kids - which pissed me off because they had 10 months notice to get time off etc) and ended up having room for the kiddos and it all worked out great. But so much grief for the dumbest thing.
People can invite whoever they want at *their own* party! If I ever get married. I will invite children because I want to make it a more fun gathering. But that's just me :)
Exactly. I prefer weddings without children, I just don't think everywhere is suited for/needs to be suited for them, and I hated them as a kid myself. But you're paying for and organising a day to celebrate, it's up to you who you want there.
Load More Replies..."children make the wedding day" - well no they don't unless they're yours on your wedding day. As for the argument in any other setting you would be slated for saying no elderly, no gays etc. isn't true either. Plenty of places have age restrictions, even cinemas, restaurants, clubs, shops, there is places that cater for religious people, gay people and no you absolutely do not get to join these facilities if you don't meet the criteria. Same as amusement parks, children activity parks where some children won't be able to participate due to health and safety. But wedding is about two people getting married, that serves alcohol, and most of us wouldn't be comfortable with children running around while adults drink and smoke. Weddings should have age restrictions just purely because children don't care, and parents literally are just quests. And most won't get upset if you miss one wedding because you chose your own family needs. I would leave my own wedding if family brings kids.
All of this and also elderly, gays, fat people etc are all adults so they really can't say it's the same as no kids!
Load More Replies...People are so touchy these days. Child free weddings sound good to me. Most weddings I have attended have had the ceremony drowned out by wailing or kids whose parents ignore their kids and rely on everyone else to watch their kids, same goes for the receptions. It makes it harder to enjoy for everyone else if they have to keep your kids safe and prevent them from tearing stuff up.
Holy s**t....all these entitled idiots who have no concept of "Our wedding, our rules" !! Did you pay for this wedding ? No, so STFU then.
None of their arguments had any merit. Their points were simply based on "Me! Me! Me!"
Load More Replies...Personally, I am shocked how childless weddings have become such a huge shock to some people. Let people do what they want and the friends I have who have had child free weddings did not do it because they did not like children; they financially could not afford it and their friends with children understood. If you have a child and you can't understand where your bride or groom friend is coming from, especially since they are the ones paying for the whole thing AND you know that they care about your child, you are not being understanding or a good friend.
If it isn't your wedding, shut up. It isn't your day. It's the marrying couple's day, and if they don't want kids there, that's their right. I'm so sick of parents foisting their spawn on everybody else.
As a kid, I hated weddings. To me, it was a bunch of people talking for hours then having to sit down for hours for reception eating foods I may or may not like while seeing adults become very stupid as they got more drinks. For guy who would block the wedding couple over no kids allowed request, I think either they are full of c**p or just saved the couple a lot of grief. The couple make a simple prerequisite, you're free to agree to the terms or not. I'll understand some will disagree and not come but disagree and block all communication? I think I dodged a bullet then.
I've got 2 kids and wouldn't be offended at all if they were asked not to attend. I'm planning on a child free ceremony and the kids can come to the party later. Weddings are boring for adults never mind little kids
Couples who bring children to a wedding even though they shouldn't are the same couples who have children even though they shouldn't
I am hosting an event. Here are the parameters of the event. Come if you want, don't if you don't. End of story.
I think people don't want kids there are not wanting kids that will be a distraction or interrupt the wedding in anyway so I dont know how this can be considered rude or selfish. I didnt want little kids at my wedding for this reason I had school aged well behaved kids there and it went fine. If you cant find a sitter or cant come then the bride and groom will understand this I'm sure and you should respect their wishes on their wedding day.
Whether you believe that weddings should or should not include children, you don't get to impose your belief on others. The bride and groom are paying for the party, and it's THEIR party, therefore they get to make the rules. Personally, I wouldn't want to have such an important celebration without the children in my family, but I don't think my opinion should be wedding law, ffs.
The elderly, homos ect can sit down and be quiet, so whomever made that comment didn't understand why kids were not invited.
If I send an invitation for a wedding it's addressed to Mr & Mrs or Ms not their children. Why would I invite children to an adult event? The people saying weddings are a family reunion are just wrong. A family reunion is a family reunion a wedding is a wedding. A wedding is put on for two specific people and what and who they want. Not who their guests want there. Going by this logic kids should also come to my adult birthday party?? I understand babysitters are hard to find but are you telling me you actually go no where without your kids? You've never been out for an evening? If you really have never been out for an evening EVER then a wedding would be a great place to start instead of just being like, "no kids, no me".
Unless your baby is exclusively breastfed, why would you want to bring your kids along if it's child free event? I'm a parent and I'm baffled
Yeah, i mean half the fun for people at weddings is getting drunk. But children cant drink, and im sure as a parent you know, any outing with a child is constant vigilance and work. So kids are bored and parents cant relax, on top of whatever disruptions the couple dont want.
Load More Replies...So many thoughts. 1. Yes, you are entitled to celebrate without kids. 2. Parents are entitled to decline if this is inconvenient for them. 3. Yes, weddings are family reunions. Or how do you call it when you invite your families and friends to celebrate with you? 4. So many people say that children hate weddings anyway. That's so not true! There is singing, dancing, great food, cake, lots of fun activities to do, especially if there are many children, so they can play together. 5. Someone said that it's not safe for children because of intoxicated and also potentially drugged adults? Man, you're inviting the wrong people, I guess. 6. Children disrupt the ceremony? Parents should be able to judge if a child will be disruptive. And if a baby starts crying, it should go without saying that they leave the venue until they settle down.
All I remember of the weddings I got dragged to as a kid was endless waiting. And most of the day being told to stand here, go there, smile for that camera and very eventually there was cake. I hated it.
Load More Replies...Invite whoever you want to your wedding! Also graciously accept that some of your invitees may need to deline. Weddings with kids can be great, the whole extended family can be there celebrating together. Kids add moments of adorable cuteness. Weddings without kids can be great. Adults get to relax in a way they couldn't if they were looking after kids. Elegant, formal wedding with fancy food no kid would eat. Or wild party dancing the night away. Not all parents are going to be able to attend child free weddings though, and they shouldn't get hate you that. Getting a babysitter isn't always easy. They people closest to you that your would feel most comfortable leaving the kids with may also be invited to the wedding. If you have to travel you are now faced with leaving kids home without their parents for days at a time, or leaving them with a total stranger near the destination. Prioritizing their kids well being over your party does not make them bad people.
"Children make a family"...no. No they don't. Anyone can be a family, you don't need children to do that. Those angry at child-free weddings sound absolutely bonkers. I'm gonna bring my dog as my child to their wedding. Because my dog is family and according to them excluding any family is selfish.
I've missed weddings because I couldn't find reliable or trustworthy child care. I have zero bad feelings towards the couples. Their day, kids create chaos, I get it. Why do people take things so personally?!
I can't stand the thought of a child bawling while I make my vows it ruins it completely and if I'm spending a lot of money to pay for melas and drinks for everyone coming I can't afford the extra cost of tens on tens of kids too. No thanks. It's not hard to just get a sitter when told in advance. Entitled as always
People are entitled to invite who they want to their wedding. People are also entitled to decline. I do not have kids, I don't want kids, but when I do get married they will be invited. If that changes, and I decide not to, I won't throw a hissy fit if people decide not to come because of it
We had one child at our wedding, my nephew, we told everyone else there was to be no kids. Most people were happy with it, a chance to enjoy a child free night, only one cousin didn't come because of it. We stood by the rule, and it didn't cause any family rifts.
During my oldest daughter's sweet 16, my youngest daughter was well-behaved ... my son, who is on the spectrum, was well-behaved ... their cousin (younger than my son and oldest daughter and older than my youngest daughter) and their younger brother, not so much (e.g. running through the venue and crawling under tables while chasing each other ... when discipline is necessary, then NO, it's not the same as all the other groups that just happen to be disciplined adults ...
I have children and have been to weddings where children were welcome, they were brilliant both before and after I had kids. I’ve never been to one where kids were unwelcome since I’ve had kids. Not because I didn’t want to go but because the person who babysits my kids was also invited and went herself. And I have no other babysitter, I know no one else I could ask. So i missed out on the wedding due to lack of a babysitter. But oh well, that was their choice and I accepted it with no hard feelings. And I saved myself the price of the hotel room and present, so there’s that…
I have 2 kids under 10 and I fully support child free weddings. I think little ones should only be there if it's a close relative getting hitched. Plus kids get so bored at weddings. Leave them at home with a babysitter and treats and their parents have a fun day out. Everyone wins!
I mean it depends on the wedding. Sometimes you know you can organize it in such a way that it goes smoothly, but sometimes no matter what you do, you know it will involve misery for all. Kids get very bored at weddings, which is fine, if youre ok with either providing some way of managing them or dont care about chaos and interruptions because youre a chill person. But i also know some people spend tons of money to make their wedding perfect, stage photos, do rehearsals. I dont GET it, but people have different priorities and needs. In that case yeah, maybe best to not invite the little gremlins, rather that use them as some prop for the ceremony/photos and then just expect them to be quiet for the remainder of an evening that to them will probably be excruciatingly dull. Kids come with mess and yelling and if youre not fine with that at a wedding, it may be best to just exclude them, but i also think there should be no judgement whatsoever if people decide not to come then.
Personally I think it's okay to invite whoever you want I mean it's your day after all but please if you invite kids aged 6 yo or less please seat them with their parents (unless you know they're mature enough) not with teens or other guests to babysit them. Me and my cousin were once seated at the same table as two 5 yo twins and we were both like 14 at the time. They were putting their hands in the jug full of orange juice trying to get out the ice cubes. Not only did they overturn the jug spilling the whole drink on the table and our dresses but they also broke one of the jugs. Their mother (what I learned later from the wedding videos) was on the table next to ours and while she did see what happened she ignored the whole situation. The next few hours were similarly so the first chance we got after the toasts, dinner and stuff we changed seats
I think maybe the point is no kids at the ceremony. I wouldn’t like a child screaming and crying throughout the ceremony. Yes children need to learn how to behave at such events, but that is more for kids old enough to understand enough to learn. 2 year olds are not. Maybe a request to the parents that if their child starts to cry/scream, please take them outside. Yes, one of them may miss the ceremony, but the ceremony is the whole point for the couple. The ceremony their moment. Kids at the reception, it’s a celebration. Why not? It’s a very different part of the wedding day from the ceremony. Although, when my parents got married, due to my dad going overseas with the military in a very short period of time, they had a very small wedding. Mom’s nephews came. Very well behaved. My mom’s family name was Doreen. One of her nephews, in an almost empty church yelled out “Whatcha doing Auntie Doedoe?” He never lived that one down, even as an adult.
Even most 2 year olds can be taught te be quiet at certain moments like weddings or going to church or restaurants. It helps when you can distract/ entertain them with a little book or something like that when they get fidgety. They still need help being quilt and it won't allways go smoothly, but it's not impossible. As a parent i like weddings with and without my child. Most weddings i've attented had the ceremony and reception with children during the day and a childfree party in the evening.
Load More Replies...I wanted only to invite my real love ones, not the whole extended bunch who I don't even swap Christmas cards with. Because of that, my dad's budget for the day allowed us to seriously upgrade the event. I did ask that people not bring boyfriends and girlfriends, significant others only (one or two slipped in because sometimes that's hard to judge). Most guests were traveling far and we were going to make a few days of it. Most chose to leave children with other family. At first I was sad at the lack of kids, only 4 came. Nice thing was though, those 4 were able to get completely spoilt. Personally I like kids at a wedding, but my cousin's largely opted to let their hair down and take a break while their kids got spoilt with family.
Yep. We had no kids at our wedding. Apart from anything else, kids HATE weddings. It's just a load of adults talking and you have to wear uncomfortable clothes and you're not allowed to make a noise. But because I'm a genius, I also booked a comedian so I could use that as a reason not to have minors.
It's of course up to the couple to decide. Especially if they are young and most of their friends are childfree, children would really be in the way. If many of the guests have children however they will either not be able to come or have to leave early. In this case investing in a full time child minder and an appropriate place for the kids to play during the wedding would be a good idea.
As a childless person who got married, I think the people deciding some kids are ok and other kids are not are disgusting. Weddings are about bringing families together, there were kids at my wedding that I've never met before. There were kid friendly beverages like bottles of water and yohoo at my wedding. Sure some kids had to be told not to climb rocks, but I didn't have any major issues. Kept the ceremony short, because even adults have a hard time sitting through long ceremonies. Another wedding I went to had coloring pages for kids. Kids had fun dancing to the DJ & blowing bubbles. These no kid weddings actually make me kind of sad. If I want the wedding just about me, then I would have eloped.
In my wedding, 1991, just 3 children were invited: 2 were extremely well-behaved cousins and one was the child I was tutoring at the time. Also well behaved. 250 guests. No one brought their children, BECAUSE CHILDREN WERE NOT INVITED. That was my mother's rule, not mine, BTW.
I’ve seen hybrids where children are invited to the ceremony and meal but after dessert, they are all carted away to babysitters or sober-living family members so that the grownups can drink and party. Your wedding. Your rules.
And if you didn’t trust who was going to be watching the kids, then it was on you to make other arrangements.
Load More Replies...I´ve never ever heard about this issue en Latam, maybe because weddings are different here (and not so expensive as in America), however I agree with no bring kids to the party, unless close family and if it´s impossible to leave the children (parents probably would be very anxiuos and not enjoy the event).
I totally agree with troufaki13, it’s that couples day, if they do not want children that’s their choice.
The couple has a right to request that no children attend their wedding/ reception. I've been invited to family bbq's that have requested no children because there would be drinking. Either find a babysitter or don't go.
Problem is, if you allow one child, you have to allow all children. So it's all or nothing. It's for one day, you're not asking the parents to give up their kids for adoption. And most parents I know love a child free day where they can get bladdered and not worry about it.
It’s everyone’s own choice, it’s really whatever they need to have the day they’ve dreamed of. Not necessary to have so much drama over it!
I wanted a child free wedding but I was railroaded into having his youngest niece and nephew in it. Stand your ground people
I actually love it when they don't want children there. Gives me a wonderful reason to not attend your 3rd? 6th? Marriage. It's not like anyone stays married. But you do have to keep your kids.
So I can totally see both sides of this. I propose an idea of maybe a compromise, especially for guests that have to travel and then still have to find babysitting... let's try this. How about an event/ area near or on site for them during the events. Depending on kid age.. maybe a movie. Or a craft set up. 🤔 I dunno... just a thought
So the couple getting married, that is paying for a venue and food and drinks etc for adult guests, is now also required to plan and pay for an additional "fun" zone for the kids of guests? How entitled do you have to be to think that would be an appropriate ask? If you can't come because of childcare issues or what have you, then don't come. I can't imagine being upset at a declined invite because of that, or really at a declined invite for any reason really. People have lives and responsibilities and I'm aware that I'm not the center of the universe. However, I'd be livid if someone came to my child free wedding with their kid and I'd be reassessing my relationships with anyone asking me to provide entertainment for kids. Those are the kind of "I'm the center of the universe" people I wouldn't want in my life anyway.
Load More Replies...Omg this! I got married last December. I could only have 25 people (and kids over 2 counted) so I originally said no kids. It started a s**t storm. MIL got mad and talked about how dare I not allow nieces and nephews etc. She then said she'd pay for them, I said are you going to pay for my side of the family's kids too? She was like no. I said well you can't do for some and not for all. In the end so many people ended up canceling (not because of kids - which pissed me off because they had 10 months notice to get time off etc) and ended up having room for the kiddos and it all worked out great. But so much grief for the dumbest thing.
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