How to Say 'No Kids' at Your Wedding (Politely)

These 6 respectful ways to communicate your no-kids wedding policy set boundaries with grace and ensure a joyful celebration for all.

Wanting a child-free wedding is OK! Just be sure to make your ask polite, timely, and direct.

Planning your big day is full of exciting decisions, but one of the more sensitive topics that can arise is whether or not to invite children.

While some couples envision a family-friendly affair complete with a kids' table at the wedding and plenty of cute children's wedding activities, others may prefer a more serene, adult-centered celebration.

First, let's not sail past this key point: either is fine! It's your wedding, after all. If you're leaning toward a child-free wedding, you’re not alone—and you’re not being unreasonable. Many couples choose to host an adults-only wedding based on budget constraints or as a way to avoid any undue stress on such an important day.

RELATED: "Navigating the Decision to Include Kids at Your Wedding"

Still, it's important to approach the topic with tact and clarity. Below, we break down how to say "no kids" at your wedding without offending anyone.

How to Deliver 'No Kids' Wedding Messaging

Decided on an adults-only wedding? Here's how to communicate that to your guests gracefully:

1. Be Clear and Consistent

Simply put, you are only going to have your ideal wedding if you tell people what you want. Make sure you and your partner have communicated your wishes effectively in your Save the Dates and wedding invitations, on your website, and in conversations with your guests.

Adult-Only Wedding Wording Examples:

• "We politely request an adults-only celebration."

• "Although we love your little ones, our wedding ceremony and reception will be an adults-only affair."

• "We respectfully request no children. Parents, thank you for your understanding. We hope you can still join us to celebrate our love."

  
  

By including language like this in your wedding messages, you can let your guests know of your desires for a child-free wedding kindly but directly. See, it can be done!

2. Utilize Your RSVP Cards

One effective and polite way to communicate your no-children policy is through your wedding invitation's RSVP card. Instead of asking for the total number of guests, include a specific section or checkbox labeled "Number of adults attending." This subtle-but-clear prompt reinforces your request and can even help guests better understand your reasoning without feeling singled out.

Additionally, you can gently remind guests that children are not included by adding a brief note on the RSVP card or the invitation insert. For example: "Due to venue space and our desire for an adults-only celebration, we kindly request that only adults attend." This approach not only clarifies your expectations but also helps avoid any confusion or awkward conversations later on.

By thoughtfully designing your RSVP cards and invitation wording, you make it easier for your guests to respect your child-free wedding plans while maintaining a polite and considerate tone throughout your communications.

3. Use Your Wedding Website to Reiterate

Have a wedding website? Add a gentle note under FAQs or event details. This helps reinforce the message without coming off too aggressively, and can even serve as a well-timed reminder.

Sample Wording for Wedding Website:

"While we adore your kids, we will be unable to accommodate children as we chosen to have an adults-only wedding and reception. We hope you will be able to join us!"

This approach is soft, respectful, and sets expectations without apology.

4. Address Your Wedding Invitations Properly

How you address you wedding invitations, while a small touch, helps to subtly communicate your adults-only request.

This is an easy one. The names on your wedding invitation envelopes should reflect exactly who is invited! Address "Mr. & Mrs. Sam Presti," for example—not "The Presti Family." This avoids any assumption that kids are welcome to attend and reduces the need for awkward follow-up conversations.

5. Give Your Guests Advance Notice

It's easy to focus on how you're going to let your guests know about your adults-only ask, but really, the when is just as crucial. Whether you include this info in your Save the Date sendouts or your wedding invitations, giving your guests proper time to secure childcare is an absolute must to avoid hurt feelings.

6. Go the Extra Mile! Offer Childcare Solutions.

To further assist your wedding guests, consider including information about local childcare options or professional babysitting services near your venue on your wedding website. This added support demonstrates your understanding of the challenges parents face and can make attending your wedding more feasible for those with children.

Additionally, some couples even make on-site childcare arrangements. This gesture is far from required, but what a nice touch! Not to mention a thoughtful way to keep your wedding day kids-free while still helping out parents who might need it.

How to Say 'No Kids' at Your Wedding: An FAQ

What If People Still Ask to Bring Their Kids?

Some guests may reach out, especially if they’re traveling from out of town or have limited childcare options. Finding the right response can be difficult in moments like these, so here's one you can feel free to use:

“We absolutely understand how tricky childcare can be and in no way are we trying to cause you any stress. [X] and I truly hope you can still attend!”

Should We Make Exceptions?

That's completely up to you, of course! Some couples choose to accommodate children of immediate family, while others may include infants under a certain specified age. You can also opt for a family-friendly wedding ceremony with an adults-only reception. The key here, whatever you decide, is to clearly express what you want.

Remember, your wedding is your special day. It’s okay to create the environment that feels best for you and your partner—just be sure to communicate your wishes with grace.

At T-Rise Ranch, we understand that every couple has a unique vision for their wedding day—including who they choose to celebrate it with. Whether you're planning a kid-free event or a full family affair, we're here to support your wishes with grace and hospitality.

Let us help you create a wedding weekend that feels just right for you. Call us at 918-240-9438 or visit our tour booking page to schedule a tour today!