To Invite Children Or Not That Is the Question?

For me, I originally said sure! Let the kids come. But then I started thinking about it and their ages...all of the children in our families are under the age of 4, most being in that 2 year old range. So after realizing this, we decided to not have any children because the kids in our age group get way too restless being forced to sit somewhere for more than 3 minutes and we wanted to have a peaceful ceremony with no kids screaming or whining. Granted, a 8 or 9 year old might not do that and be able to sit longer. So I think it really depends on a lot of factors. For us, the kids in our lives are just too young right now.

I really, really, want to have an adult only wedding however my MOH and one other bridesmaid both have toddlers and live out of state... if I don't include children, I really feel like they will not be able to attend. So I've landed on "allowing" children but only making it known to those two that they can bring their children. I'm almost positive that anyone in state will find child care and/or will come to me about it and we will discuss at that time. From prior experience with friends and family in town, they normally find child care when their is an event so I'm pretty confident that this won't be an issue. Only time will tell....

I would decide on the capacity of your guestlist and then decide on all the adults you want there. If you have extra spots and there are no other adults you truly want there you could decide if you want to add children. However, if you are allowing children I would advise you allow ALL the children as letting some bring their kids and telling other they can't can cause rifts. If you don't want kids there I would suggest allowing the children in the wedding party and if they have siblings inviting them too and using the excuse that they are in the wedding party so others are not offended.

Katarina - thanks for the advise. Considering the Delta variant may impact the wedding overall schedule for January we have elected not to have children outside of our child.

Tiffany: I couldn't agree more. Just the ones that MUST attend. Otherwise, it can become overwhelming unless you have an kid friendly themed wedding.

Thanks for sharing and congrats on your engagement!

Age definitely plays a huge factor in making the decision! Too many young ones can turn the reception into a daycare. Congrats on your engagement and thanks for sharing!