ADVICE
Are You Kidding?
Why more couples are choosing to go child-free on their wedding days
When it comes to planning your wedding day, there are some things that are bound to cause controversy. And while people will always have something to say about your choice of food or colour scheme, one of the most controversial topics has to be whether or not you invite children to your wedding.
A survey of 2024 engaged couples found that 79.8 % had a preference for a child-free wedding, but the reality is that currently only about 20-30 % of weddings are actually child-free. That’ s up from 16 % though, so childfree wedding days are definitely on the rise.
Why are couples choosing child-free weddings?
Couples who have kids or close nieces and nephews often involve them in their wedding day and they’ re part of the celebrations. But, for many couples this isn’ t their reality, so having children at their wedding feels more like a favour to friends and family than a choice for themselves. Rising costs also play a big part. The average cost of a wedding in the UK for 2026 is £ 21,990 with data suggesting that weddings in London and the South East are more expensive, averaging £ 23,500. One way to keep costs down? Invite fewer people.
Another reason couples opt for a child-free approach is simplicity. Without children present there are fewer logistical considerations. No highchairs, no fencing off the lake in the grounds and no need to worry about adding nuggets and chips to the menu choices.
For some, the wedding vibe is more adult-focused. By choosing not to invite kids the party can go on later, the speeches can be more daring and the day can be more relaxed.
Your wedding, your choice
If you do decide not to include kids in your wedding day, then some guests might not understand your reasoning or may try to push back. Ultimately it’ s your wedding and your choice, so keep that in mind if you do feel you’ re being questioned on your decisions.
That said, it’ s also up to you to decide where you can be flexible. Some couples invite kids for the daytime celebrations but keep the evening party to adults-only. Some only have their own children or the children of close friends and family but don’ t extend the invitation to all children. Often couples allow guests with very young babies to bring their little one along to make life easier for the new parents.
22 • wedinkent. co. uk