Often times we hear couples that opt not to have children at their semi-formal or formal weddings. Family and friends travel from out of town with their children to attend your wedding. In this case, what are you to do?Let's answer this point by point.
First of all, it's against the rules of etiquette to word an invitation to exclude children, but etiquette has provided us with a logical and non-offensive solution to the problem. If you don't want to invite children, you don't include their names when addressing your invitations. People receiving invitations that exclude their children's names should take the hint that the children are not invited.
Second, you must spread the word through the grapevine that children are off limits. For those friends and family who live out of town, who have no choice but to bring their children, the solution is simple. Supply a baby-sitting service (or a couple of babysitters) at the home of families and/or friends. Tell your guests that they can drop the children off before the ceremony starts and pick them up after the reception ends. Get lots of fun games and movies for the children, order pizza, and let them have as good a time at their party as your guests are having at your reception.
The fact is that children become easily tired and bored at weddings. Children at weddings can't always be counted on to behave. Babies cry during the wedding ceremony and young children fidget and ask questions. Think of how the bride and groom might feel as they're reciting their vows while a baby is crying in the background. Ever wonder why they cry so much? Is it because they're busting at the seams with happiness? No, it's because they're miserable. And the same applies to children at receptions. In many cases parents can control their children, but what about those who can't or won't?
Whether or not children belong at a wedding ultimately depends on the Happy Couple. As a guest it is up to you to respect their wishes. Understand that if your children are not invited it is in no way an offense to you and your children. Instead try and see the bride and groom’s perspective.
1 comment:
I do agree, guest need to take into consideration that weddings are expensive, now factor in the fact that kids usually don't eat all their food. If the bride and groom are on a tight budget they should opt to omit children unless they're in the wedding. Weddings are expensive, think about it $20 per person X 120 guest= that $2400.00 not including gratuity, taxes, and any other hidden fees that would go along with the caterer (set up and breakdown, drinks, decor, etc.).
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