No Kids at the Wedding Please
- How to Say it Tastefully
As much as you love your nieces, nephews and even your own
children, some of you know that an otherwise perfect day can be
tarnished by a misbehaving little one. You don't want to hurt
anyone's feelings, so what should you do? If you don't mind kids
at your wedding, then this article is not for you. If your are
in the other group, read on...
If you are reading this, you are probably afraid of being labeled
as selfish or a child hater, but this is your day. You planned
for it, paid for it and deserve to have it the way you want.
Even if you are being selfish, having paid a few thousand
dollars or more says you have the right to be!
Well enough of the pep talk. You must be open and honest from
the very beginning. Waiting to long in fear of causing trouble
will only make matters worse and leave you feeling even more
"guilty" when some people were expecting to bring their little
ones from the start. Most people will understand and some have
asked it for their own weddings, but there are still a few that
need to be told.
Here are some of the ways to get the message
across early:
1. Send it with the invitation. That's right! You could put it on
a separate card and make a reference to it being an adults only
event. You may not want to say "no kids please" because the
words "adults only" is less likely to be seen negatively.
2. Call each and every person who you believe is coming and be
honest and upfront. Don't take too long with the small talk and
try to end on a positive note. It would also be a good idea to
have babysitters in a separate room at the wedding in case
someone forgets or just had to bring little Mark.
3. On that same note. If you just don't want to feel like you
are a kid-hater, just make a point to have babysitters at your
wedding. This way no one will feel left out or "betrayed". You
still have to contend with those parents AND children that have
separation anxiety. You will have to make sure to tell them that
if they plan to bring children with them, they must be placed
with the babysitter you or they have provided, in a separate
room, no exceptions. Having a room with toys and bright colors
could peak a child's interest, but there is no guarantee.
3. Use psychology. The statement, "This is a day to enjoy
yourself too. Leave the kids at home (with our babysitter)",
will definitely bring some of those not-so-understanding parents
to your corner. The parents with the most misbehaved kids will
be the first to identify with this statement.
If all else fails, just remember the important thing is that you
are marrying the one you love and that nothing can change that!
About the author:
Victoria Williams is the editor of the online magazine www.nuptialparadise.com
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