Adults-Only Wedding Wording (No Kids)
The politest way to say "no kids" is to address the invitation only to the adults invited, then confirm it gently on the RSVP card ("We have reserved two seats in your honour") and the wedding website FAQ ("We love your little ones, but our wedding is an adults-only celebration"). Avoid printing "no children" on the main invitation.
For the invitation or details card
A short line on a details card or at the bottom of the invitation.
Adults-only celebration
Adults-only reception
We respectfully request an adults-only celebration.
While we love your little ones, we kindly request an adults-only event.
For the RSVP card
We have reserved ___ seats in your honour.
We have reserved two seats in your honour. Please note this is an adults-only celebration.
Adults only, please — we hope you enjoy a night off!
For the wedding website FAQ
Can I bring my kids? We love your little ones, but we've decided to make our wedding an adults-only celebration. We hope you'll enjoy a well-deserved night off!
Are children invited? Apart from the children in our wedding party, our wedding is for adults only. Thank you for understanding.
Is there childcare available? We've arranged a babysitting service at [Hotel] for guests travelling with children — details and booking here: [link].
Due to venue capacity, we're only able to invite children of immediate family. We hope you understand and can still join us!
Exceptions
If you make exceptions, state them clearly so no-one feels singled out.
Our wedding is adults-only, with the exception of nursing infants.
Our celebration is adults-only, apart from children in the wedding party.
Children of immediate family are welcome; otherwise, we kindly request an adults-only celebration.
If a guest asks to bring their child
Kind, firm and consistent — the same answer for everyone.
We completely understand, and we'd love to meet [child] another time! We've kept the wedding adults-only for everyone, so we can't make exceptions — but we really hope you can still come.
Thank you for asking! We're keeping the day adults-only across the board. If it helps, the hotel offers babysitting: [details].
Telling family and close friends personally
Parents of young children appreciate hearing it from you before the invitation arrives. A short, warm message prevents most awkward conversations.
"Hi [Name]! Invitations are going out next week, and we wanted to tell you personally that we've decided to keep the wedding adults-only. We know that means arranging childcare, so we wanted to give you as much notice as possible. We really hope you can both come!"
"Quick heads-up before the invites land: our wedding is adults-only (venue limits!). We'd completely understand if that makes it tricky — but it would mean so much to have you there."
"We'd love [child] to celebrate with us another way — could we take them out for ice cream before the wedding? But the day itself will be adults-only."
Destination and multi-day weddings
When guests travel, childcare is harder — give parents options and plenty of notice.
Our wedding celebrations will be adults-only. We've partnered with [Babysitting Service] in [City], who can provide vetted sitters at the hotel — details on our Travel page.
Children are very welcome at the Friday beach day and Sunday brunch; the ceremony and reception on Saturday are adults-only.
We know a weekend away is a big ask for parents. If adults-only makes it impossible for you to come, please tell us — we'll understand completely.
Signage and day-of wording
Welcome sign: "Tonight is a celebration for grown-ups — thank you for joining us!"
Website banner: "Please note: our ceremony and reception are adults-only."
Etiquette tips
- Address envelopes and online invitations only to the adults invited ("Mr. & Mrs. Smith", not "The Smith Family").
- Tell close friends and family personally before invitations go out.
- Apply the rule consistently — one exception creates many requests.
- For destination weddings, give parents extra notice and childcare options.
Frequently asked questions
Is it rude to have an adults-only wedding?
No — adults-only weddings are common and widely accepted. It is only rude if communicated bluntly or applied inconsistently.
How do you politely say no kids on a wedding invitation?
Address the invitation only to the adults, then add a gentle line such as "We respectfully request an adults-only celebration" on the details card or website.
Should I put "no kids" on the invitation itself?
Etiquette prefers you don't. Use the envelope addressing, the RSVP seat count and the wedding website FAQ instead.
Do babies count in an adults-only wedding?
Only if you say so. Many couples allow nursing infants; state it explicitly ("with the exception of nursing infants") so it is clear.