Adult Reception

By: Natalie Dedas, Sales & Events Coordinator

The “adult reception” is becoming more and more popular, but to some it is still taboo. Let’s face it, children are unpredictable. This is the most important day of your life, there’s no room for unpredictable. Many couples now-a-days are having child free wedding receptions. If you’re entertaining the idea that an adult only reception is the best option for you and your soon-to-be groom, stay true to your decisions. Your wedding day, is your day. You have full reign on what type of reception your hosting, and do not let anyone tell you any different.

Some may think this is tacky, slightly offensive and down right cruel, but you can politely prepare for this backlash from certain guests in the following ways:

1. Plan ahead. The best way to begin this process is to notify everyone on your Save the Dates. Instead of writing “no kids” or “no children” simply state “adult reception.” Always keep in mind that if you say adult reception, you want to keep this rule throughout your wedding planning process. Do not make exceptions, because word of mouth can spread quickly. This gives everyone with children the proper amount of time to find a babysitter. Always maintain proper wedding etiquette.
2. Be specific. Once you have sent your “adult reception” Save the Dates out, the message should be clear. However take that extra step of organizational awesomeness and state clearly who you are inviting to the wedding. When addressing invitations on the inside and outside of the envelope, specifically write out the name of each adult who is invited. If their child’s name is not on the invitation, simple, they are not invited not matter how stone cold this may be. Stay away from “and guest” on your wedding invitations.  It may take you a few extra steps to get the names of everyone’s significant others- but you will be happy you took the extra step in the end.
3. Stand your ground. As stated above while planning ahead, make no exceptions. You decide what type of wedding reception you want to have, not your guests. As the news begins to circulate that you plan on having an adult reception, you will be put in a difficult position more than once. As hard as it may be, you want to remember the same rules apply to all. You made this decision for a reason, and your guests should respect that. Politely decline those guests who go out of their way to call you and ask the question, “Can we please bring our well-behaved children to your reception?”

If you want to be super bride and go above and beyond, you can always provide an option for childcare. Whether it is providing a few trusted babysitter’s information in the area to watch the children or hiring a caretaker in a separate room to watch the children on-site at the reception- this may be your ticket to pleasing everyone.

Cheers!