ADVICE
Thinking of going child-free at your wedding? Here’ s how to do it:
1. Intentional invitations
If you’ re inviting couples with kids but just the adults are invited, make sure you’ re clear from the start. You might think just putting the adults’ names on the save the date is enough, but to avoid any confusion it’ s worth adding a note to clarify.
You don’ t need to justify your decision( it is your wedding after all!) but you could explain that you want your friends to have a night off from parenting.
2. Evaluate exceptions
There’ s a lot to navigate but it’ s important to set your plans in place and your boundaries early on.
Communication is key
Communication is key – let people know early what your intentions are so they can plan. Parents will need to sort childcare for their kids or juggle logistics, so the more notice you can give, the better.
Most parents will likely be keen on the idea of dancing the night away at your wedding without needing to worry about their little ones – but not everyone will feel that way. Some friends may struggle to find childcare or have younger kids who they don’ t feel ready to leave.
If guests ask you if you’ ll allow their kids, then you can either politely decline, or compromise and allow them to bring them to part – or all – of the day. But again, it’ s completely your choice and as long as you’ re upfront your friends and family will respect whatever you decide.
3. Throw in family fun
You might want to keep the wedding day itself an adult-only celebration, but many couples are now having multi-day celebrations for their weddings.
Consider having a low-key barbecue, picnic or brunch the day after your wedding – that way kids can still be involved in the fun, but in a way that’ s easier and cheaper. wedinkent. co. uk • 23