Received my Weekly Words of Wisdom From AAWP Today and thought I'd pass it on.
AAWP's Weekly Words of Wedding Wisdom™
Kids At Weddings??? Here's What AAWP Says...
Copyright 2006 AAWP, all rights reserved.
Hi Jane Skarosi
Recently we received a question from a groom-to-be who says: "We're having a problem because we don't want children at our formal wedding. We also need your help to word our invitations in a way that would exclude children without being rude. Also, lots of our family members are coming from out of town and bringing their kids. In this case, what are we to do? Help!"
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 don't want to invite kids, 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 kids are not invited.
Second, you must spread the word through the grapevine that kids 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 friends.
Tell your guests that they can drop the kids off before the ceremony starts and pick them up after the reception ends. Get lots of fun videos for the kids, Big Macs and pizza, and let them have as good a time at their party as your guests are having at your reception.
We're always amazed that families insist on bringing young kids to formal and semi-formal weddings-and are insulted to boot if the children are not invited. The fact is that kids become easily tired and bored at ceremonies. 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.
Handle this situation with kid-gloves (no pun intended), offer the baby-sitting solution to your guests-and everyone-kids and parents-will be happy and enjoy your reception as much as you do!
Happy Weddings!
