Kid Exclusion From Weddings Stirs Up Heated Discussion After Influencer Shares Her Thoughts
For some, a wedding is a family affair, and by that, I mean the entire family, the young and the old included. But for others, some people are better left outside the guestlist, and that often means not inviting children.
A TV personality, content creator, and model, Olivia Jade Attwood Dack, revealed she was a firm believer of the “no children at weddings” policy when she came on Jamie Laing’s Private Parts Podcast. A snippet from their conversation went viral and caused quite a buzz among netizens, who shared varying opinions on the matter.
Some people believe that children should not be invited to weddings
Image credits: kapitilka/Envato elements (not the actual photo)
Former Love Island star Olivia Attwood split the internet into camps over whether or not kids should attend weddings
Image credits: oliviajade_attwood
She shared her views on a podcast, a snippet of which went viral, sparking a discussion
Image credits: jamielaing
Olivia: Kids at wedding thing for me is absolutely unacceptable.
Jamie: I agree.
Olivia: Unacceptable. Even if I had my own children, I wouldn’t invite them. I haven’t got a baby yet. So I don’t know that love that they talk about. But when I see, like the bride with this little thing hanging off her dress, its little grubby hands, like, I’m like, what the [hell]? You know, Vera Wang silk dress… You put your little grubby chicken finger hands all over it. No way. And if you imagine when you’re doing the vows, and you hear… aaaaa…. Jurassic Park. I’m like shut the [hell] up.
The excerpt from the conversation was viewed more than 2.7 million times on TikTok
@jamielaing What Olivia Attwood thinks of Kids at Weddings . Episode of @Private Parts Podcast out tomorrow 🤣 #jamielaing #oliviaattwood ♬ original sound – jamie
Having a child-free wedding can lead to certain guests declining the invitation
Image credits: Mikhail Nilov/Pexels (not the actual photo)
The star of Season 3 of the British dating game show Love Island, Attwood, expressed her opinions for a podcast hosted by a fellow TV reality personality, Jamie Laing, who, back in 2011, was part of a different British show, Made in Chelsea.
Married to a professional soccer player, Bradley Dack, Olivia shared that she doesn’t have children herself. However, she believes that having a kid clinging on the bride’s dress or making noise during the vows is not ideal, to put it mildly.
The former Love Island star is seemingly not the only one in favor of—or at least not opposed to—a child-free wedding. According to a YouGov survey, roughly four-in-ten wedding invitees would approve of the happy couple asking them not to bring their little ones to the wedding; nearly as many, though, say they would disapprove of such a request.
While the reasons for not inviting children—be it their “chicken finger hands”, the Jurassic Park-like sounds, or something else completely—differ from couple to couple, it’s important to remember that it’s their celebration, meaning that they call the shots; and that includes whether or not children should be present during their big day. Even if that might lead to some people not attending the wedding, which is something they have to take into consideration.
“If someone elects not to come because their children aren’t included, just remember they made a choice that was best for their family just as you did when you decided adults-only was the way to go,” Kate Turner, founder and creative director of Kate & Company, told The Knot magazine.
Many things have to be taken into consideration when the little ones are expected to attend the wedding
Image credits: Jeremy Wong/Pexels (not the actual photo)
The Know pointed out that there are quite a few things to take into consideration when it comes to a wedding with(out) children. First and foremost, that, as said before, it’s completely acceptable for the soon-to-be-wed to invite whoever they want, young or old, especially considering that they’re footing the bill. And it’s no secret that the bill for a wedding can be a rather impressive one.
A 2023 study found that the average wedding cost in the US was $35,000 dollars, which marked an increase of $5,000 from the year before. Bearing in mind that inviting children might expand the guest list quite significantly, the financial aspect of it all alone can be enough for people to decide to have a child-free wedding.
Then there are also the headaches of how to keep them busy, well-behaved, and well-fed, as we all know that the little ones tend to get bored rather quickly, are known to run around at the worst possible times, and often refuse all food except chicken nuggets when it’s dinnertime. While all of this can be solved with the help of pre-arranged activities, a babysitter, and a kids’ menu, these might not be the hoops that the happy couple is willing to jump through.
Whether or not the soon-to-be-wed are willing to face said hoops depends on each particular couple, as there is no one right answer to the question when it comes to inviting children to weddings. That’s why netizens in the comments seemed to be split into camps regarding the matter, too.
Some people sided with Olivia
Other netizens disagreed with her opinion
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If the couple to marry wants kids there, kids at weddings are fine. If not, not. How is this a difficult concept?
This self appointed "influencer" disagrees with you. She says you are "wrong" to want children at your wedding. She knows.
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I can't imagine a more asinine attitude. So- no grandparents either, then. Let's just chop out the 60% of humanity that is inconvenient. Or- since we are celebrating LIFE with this wedding- welcome - ALL. We're all in it. No, you do not get to choose who is included in LIFE.
This, I have lots of fond memories of kids running around and giggling at weddings and them dancing? Oh my heart, so damn cute. In my own childhood I loved weddings, dance halls, parties it was a huge part of the family fun times. Treating kids like they are not good enough to be a part of special events drives me nuts, it's selfish, callous and does not make me think well of the hosts.
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For ours, kids were welcome. A baby cried during the ceremony. Other kids fidgeted. One talked too loud. We did not care. At the reception, the kids ran around like lunatics, in an area away from the tables. They popped the balloons. They were, in general, kids. We were fine with it all. Our wedding was family friendly, laid back, fun. Others want a more formal event where kids wouldn't be happy, so shouldn't be there. Just have the wedding you want, invite who you want.
That's cool and amazing having kid's attending wedding ceremony is cool.
Load More Replies... Once upon a time weddings were a family celebration full of joy for the future marriage. Now it seems that they have to be perfect, follow scripts, nothing out of script allowed, artistic photos, and if it's not perfect the bride gets tantrum.
Yeah having kid's attend wedding ceremony is fun and not about perfection but the fun and getting together of loved ones and the kid's as well.
Load More Replies...
The last wedding I attended was one where the couple wanted it to be both casual and child-friendly. The wedding was in a public park (which had really nice scenery for wedding photos). The bride and groom wore nice clothes that they already owned and had spent a couple hundred dollars on rings. Instead of bringing gifts, the guests brought food for a pitch-in lunch. After the ceremony and lunch, we all played fun games. It was the only wedding I really enjoyed attending and the only one where children were obviously having a good time.
By the way, this was a couple who could have afforded the usual expensive formal uncomfortable wedding. But they are cool people who wanted to do something different.
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People need to stop stating their opinions as if they are facts. Children don't belong at weddings ever and you must allow children at your wedding are both wrong. The only people that get to decide whether or not they want kids are the couple getting married. It will be different for each wedding for a variety of reasons. And everyone should be respectful about it either way
Couldn't focus on what she was saying, her lips took up the whole screen and i couldn't stop thinking I cannot take you seriously Lippy McLipsface
Influencers are a waste of space. As for kids at weddings, that's the marrying couple's decision. If they say "no kids", then it's no kids. You're invited, not entitled.
That last comment "children only do what they are allowed to do." HAAAAAAAAAAAA HAHAHAHAHAHAAAHAHAAAAA!
Right? My 11yo is pretty good about listening and following rules. My 5yo? Not so much.
Load More Replies... Not sure about banning kids but I'm on board for banning self absorbed influencers with lip injections...
I read "infections" first for some reason. But I guess the difference isn't even that big.
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My family was planning on going to a wedding when I was 11. We didn't go bc *I* wasn't invited
I think a lot of people have forgotten that weddings are about the start of a lifetime's journey in having a family (and some would say joining together two families). They are not about a single day's party. And especially not about the whims of one half of the couple getting married.
I guess kid's gracing wedding is cool, don't see reason for kid's not attending wedding reception.
If you don't want children at your wedding, awesome. It's your wedding, you can invite (or not invite) who you like. The same goes if you want children at your wedding. If you don't want to attend a wedding with children, then decline the invite. If you have kids and are invited to a childfree wedding but don't have childcare, decline the invitation. It's really not that complicated.
We had kids at our weddings, and one was crying throughout the ceremony. But guess what? I really didn't care nor noticed very much (I was too busy keeping it together at the altar due to stage fright). The parent took them out into the hall and that was that. Not a big deal. I think this is one of those personal choices for the people getting married, not a blanket answer for everyone out there. Some of the cutest wedding videos can be the children seeing their parent all dressed up or the parent seeing their flower girl or ring bearer in their outfit.
If the couple getting married is okay with kids present, then they should say so on the invites. If they aren't, then they should say so on the invites. (Personally, I find drunk adults to be much more disruptive, noisy, and inappropriate than kids). It's all about what the couple wants, and it's their job to communicate their expectations.
I'm totally with you on the drunk adults. Kids (especially young kids) are still learning how to behave in public. Are some parents so entitled they don't care if their children's behavior is inappropriate? Yes. Is that the norm? No.
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BP, have some respect for yourselves and your readership. This sort of thing celebrity and tiktok posts is trash. No good for anyone.
If you don't want kids at your wedding, don't have them. If you do, do.
I think a good starting point is family kids get invited, other guests' kids don't. Most couples are grateful for a day without the sprogs and family can opt out of bringing their kids if they want to. Imagine saying you won't invite your own kids to your wedding! Awful. Also sorry brides, your dress is going to get dirty. My wife's had mud, ketchup and about a half a bottle of beer on it by midnight. Who cares. You had a great time. A dress is just a thing and you can get it dry cleaned the next day anyway.
Yeah that's absolutely right and cool, the essence of the ceremony is the family and kid's inclusive sharing in the joy and celebration.
Load More Replies... Each to their own! Now can we just not give a c**p about "influencers and whatever c**p comes out of the egotistical mouths!
We had my stepkids IN my wedding. They came up to the front during the ceremony and we made vows to them and gave them gifts as well. They're as much a part of this union as anyone since they had to accept me as the new guy.
Well…it depends entirely on the couple, and what “type” of wedding in general. Such as an evening/plated dinner/black-tie affair? Yeah, probably not the best idea to bring your two-year old to that one. But that is common sense on the behalf of the parents. This is a pointless turd of an article(and it seems like there are ALOT of these on BP lately,) about a woman clearly just not liking children in general. Her line of “I don’t understand that love thing they talk about…” Honey, did mommy not hug you enough? Who says that?? And you’re married?? Good Lord, please don’t have kids. For their sake and yours, if that’s your attitude.
When she said "I don't have kids *yet,* and then followed with "get your grubby fingers off my Vera W.ang gown," I thought I hope like hell you never have kids!
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My cousin got married 2 years ago and it was 21 and over. My son was 20, but had a one year old son. Neither were invited. I understand young kids staying home, but 20 year olds? I think maybe the cut off should be about 12.
Some kids are actually well behaved who should be allowed at weddings. I always had lots of fun at weddings when I was a little kid and I was quiet and didn't break/dirty anything
Every person's wedding is their own. It doesn't matter to me. I couldn't not have my kids with me if I was getting married, but I also understand not wanting other people's under 13 kids at theirs. I am not going to make it an issue in anyway and I am curious why the internet does. Also, side note, I hate being mean on the internet. I'm not mean. But I struggle to take advice or opinions from someone who would mutilate their face to this extent. I am all for body modifications and gender confirming surgeries, but filling you bottom lip to the point it looks like a shelf for vanity???
If you have to start a sentence with a disclaimer such as "I'm not racist but..." or "I hate being mean...", you already know that you're being racist or mean.
Load More Replies... If the couple to marry wants kids there, kids at weddings are fine. If not, not. How is this a difficult concept?
This self appointed "influencer" disagrees with you. She says you are "wrong" to want children at your wedding. She knows.
Load More Replies... I can't imagine a more asinine attitude. So- no grandparents either, then. Let's just chop out the 60% of humanity that is inconvenient. Or- since we are celebrating LIFE with this wedding- welcome - ALL. We're all in it. No, you do not get to choose who is included in LIFE.
This, I have lots of fond memories of kids running around and giggling at weddings and them dancing? Oh my heart, so damn cute. In my own childhood I loved weddings, dance halls, parties it was a huge part of the family fun times. Treating kids like they are not good enough to be a part of special events drives me nuts, it's selfish, callous and does not make me think well of the hosts.
Load More Replies... For ours, kids were welcome. A baby cried during the ceremony. Other kids fidgeted. One talked too loud. We did not care. At the reception, the kids ran around like lunatics, in an area away from the tables. They popped the balloons. They were, in general, kids. We were fine with it all. Our wedding was family friendly, laid back, fun. Others want a more formal event where kids wouldn't be happy, so shouldn't be there. Just have the wedding you want, invite who you want.
That's cool and amazing having kid's attending wedding ceremony is cool.
Load More Replies... Once upon a time weddings were a family celebration full of joy for the future marriage. Now it seems that they have to be perfect, follow scripts, nothing out of script allowed, artistic photos, and if it's not perfect the bride gets tantrum.
Yeah having kid's attend wedding ceremony is fun and not about perfection but the fun and getting together of loved ones and the kid's as well.
Load More Replies... The last wedding I attended was one where the couple wanted it to be both casual and child-friendly. The wedding was in a public park (which had really nice scenery for wedding photos). The bride and groom wore nice clothes that they already owned and had spent a couple hundred dollars on rings. Instead of bringing gifts, the guests brought food for a pitch-in lunch. After the ceremony and lunch, we all played fun games. It was the only wedding I really enjoyed attending and the only one where children were obviously having a good time.
By the way, this was a couple who could have afforded the usual expensive formal uncomfortable wedding. But they are cool people who wanted to do something different.
Load More Replies... People need to stop stating their opinions as if they are facts. Children don't belong at weddings ever and you must allow children at your wedding are both wrong. The only people that get to decide whether or not they want kids are the couple getting married. It will be different for each wedding for a variety of reasons. And everyone should be respectful about it either way
Couldn't focus on what she was saying, her lips took up the whole screen and i couldn't stop thinking I cannot take you seriously Lippy McLipsface
Influencers are a waste of space. As for kids at weddings, that's the marrying couple's decision. If they say "no kids", then it's no kids. You're invited, not entitled.
That last comment "children only do what they are allowed to do." HAAAAAAAAAAAA HAHAHAHAHAHAAAHAHAAAAA!
Right? My 11yo is pretty good about listening and following rules. My 5yo? Not so much.
Load More Replies... Not sure about banning kids but I'm on board for banning self absorbed influencers with lip injections...
I read "infections" first for some reason. But I guess the difference isn't even that big.
Load More Replies... My family was planning on going to a wedding when I was 11. We didn't go bc *I* wasn't invited
I think a lot of people have forgotten that weddings are about the start of a lifetime's journey in having a family (and some would say joining together two families). They are not about a single day's party. And especially not about the whims of one half of the couple getting married.
I guess kid's gracing wedding is cool, don't see reason for kid's not attending wedding reception.
If you don't want children at your wedding, awesome. It's your wedding, you can invite (or not invite) who you like. The same goes if you want children at your wedding. If you don't want to attend a wedding with children, then decline the invite. If you have kids and are invited to a childfree wedding but don't have childcare, decline the invitation. It's really not that complicated.
We had kids at our weddings, and one was crying throughout the ceremony. But guess what? I really didn't care nor noticed very much (I was too busy keeping it together at the altar due to stage fright). The parent took them out into the hall and that was that. Not a big deal. I think this is one of those personal choices for the people getting married, not a blanket answer for everyone out there. Some of the cutest wedding videos can be the children seeing their parent all dressed up or the parent seeing their flower girl or ring bearer in their outfit.
If the couple getting married is okay with kids present, then they should say so on the invites. If they aren't, then they should say so on the invites. (Personally, I find drunk adults to be much more disruptive, noisy, and inappropriate than kids). It's all about what the couple wants, and it's their job to communicate their expectations.
I'm totally with you on the drunk adults. Kids (especially young kids) are still learning how to behave in public. Are some parents so entitled they don't care if their children's behavior is inappropriate? Yes. Is that the norm? No.
Load More Replies... BP, have some respect for yourselves and your readership. This sort of thing celebrity and tiktok posts is trash. No good for anyone.
If you don't want kids at your wedding, don't have them. If you do, do.
I think a good starting point is family kids get invited, other guests' kids don't. Most couples are grateful for a day without the sprogs and family can opt out of bringing their kids if they want to. Imagine saying you won't invite your own kids to your wedding! Awful. Also sorry brides, your dress is going to get dirty. My wife's had mud, ketchup and about a half a bottle of beer on it by midnight. Who cares. You had a great time. A dress is just a thing and you can get it dry cleaned the next day anyway.
Yeah that's absolutely right and cool, the essence of the ceremony is the family and kid's inclusive sharing in the joy and celebration.
Load More Replies... Each to their own! Now can we just not give a c**p about "influencers and whatever c**p comes out of the egotistical mouths!
We had my stepkids IN my wedding. They came up to the front during the ceremony and we made vows to them and gave them gifts as well. They're as much a part of this union as anyone since they had to accept me as the new guy.
Well…it depends entirely on the couple, and what “type” of wedding in general. Such as an evening/plated dinner/black-tie affair? Yeah, probably not the best idea to bring your two-year old to that one. But that is common sense on the behalf of the parents. This is a pointless turd of an article(and it seems like there are ALOT of these on BP lately,) about a woman clearly just not liking children in general. Her line of “I don’t understand that love thing they talk about…” Honey, did mommy not hug you enough? Who says that?? And you’re married?? Good Lord, please don’t have kids. For their sake and yours, if that’s your attitude.
When she said "I don't have kids *yet,* and then followed with "get your grubby fingers off my Vera W.ang gown," I thought I hope like hell you never have kids!
Load More Replies... My cousin got married 2 years ago and it was 21 and over. My son was 20, but had a one year old son. Neither were invited. I understand young kids staying home, but 20 year olds? I think maybe the cut off should be about 12.
Some kids are actually well behaved who should be allowed at weddings. I always had lots of fun at weddings when I was a little kid and I was quiet and didn't break/dirty anything
Every person's wedding is their own. It doesn't matter to me. I couldn't not have my kids with me if I was getting married, but I also understand not wanting other people's under 13 kids at theirs. I am not going to make it an issue in anyway and I am curious why the internet does. Also, side note, I hate being mean on the internet. I'm not mean. But I struggle to take advice or opinions from someone who would mutilate their face to this extent. I am all for body modifications and gender confirming surgeries, but filling you bottom lip to the point it looks like a shelf for vanity???
If you have to start a sentence with a disclaimer such as "I'm not racist but..." or "I hate being mean...", you already know that you're being racist or mean.
Load More Replies...
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