So you’ve chosen to have an adults-only wedding. But how do you communicate this to your family and friends without suffering the backlash that sometimes comes with saying no to ‘underage plus ones, twos and threes’?

Before I share recommendations on how to navigate this [often tricky] situation, here’s what you need to know: Adults-only weddings are becoming increasingly popular. So if you’re feeling a tinge of guilt about stating your wedding is an adults-only event, chances are many parents [myself included] will embrace a night off parenting duties.

1. On your wedding invitations.

An easy way to communicate you’re having an adults-only wedding is to state your preferences on the invitation. Here are some examples:

“This invitation admits only two adults.”

“Please join us for an adults-only reception immediately following the ceremony.”

“Due to limited venue space, we are only able to accommodate children of the immediate family at the reception.”

2. On your wedding website.

In addition to stating your preferences on the invitation, a wedding website is a great way to share details about your wedding, and reinforce your adults-only policy. If you’re inviting out of town guests with little ones, consider arranging for a baby-sitting service at the hotel so they can still attend.

3. Give your loved ones a call.

Sometimes the best way to communicate an adults-only preference is to call ahead of the invitation. Especially if you have lots of young nieces and nephews you are unable to host at the wedding. That way, your guests have lots of time to prepare, plus make arrangements for a baby sitter if required.

Whatever your reasons are for having an adults-only wedding, and whether you choose to have one or not, understand that when it comes to weddings, it is near impossible to please everyone with your choices. So as long as you and your partner are happy with the choices you make, don’t sweat it.

I hope you found this helpful. If you have other topics you would like us to cover, please let me know. 

Have a brilliant week ahead and stay topped up!

Your Event Planning BFF,

Gloria.