Last Updated on March 6, 2025 by Tanya Janse van Rensburg
When planning your wedding, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is whether or not to invite kids.
While some couples are eager to have little ones join in the fun, others prefer a more adults-only atmosphere.
The decision largely depends on the type of wedding you envision, the venue, and your guest list.
But how do you navigate this delicate subject?
In this post, we’ll explore both sides of the debate, share fun activities for kids if you choose to invite them, and offer tips on how to respectfully handle a “no children” policy.
There are several reasons why you might want to include children in your wedding celebration:
If you decide to invite children, make sure to provide entertainment tailored to their needs and interests.
Here are some fun activities and ideas to keep them entertained during the celebration:
Set up a creative station with craft supplies where children can make their own wedding-related keepsakes, like beaded necklaces or mini bouquets.
This keeps them busy while adding a personal touch to your day.
Design a kid-friendly wedding bingo card with simple images (like a bride, cake, or dancing shoes).
It’s a fun game that keeps kids engaged during the ceremony and reception.
Prepare small activity bags filled with colouring books, crayons, puzzles, and toys.
These can be handed out to each child upon arrival to keep them entertained.
Create a designated area where kids can dance, play, and have fun.
You can even hire a children’s entertainer or a DJ who specializes in kid-friendly music to keep them dancing all night long.
Set up a mini photo booth with fun props like hats, oversized glasses, and boas.
It’s a great way for kids to get creative while capturing adorable moments.
Don’t forget the food! Offer a kid-friendly menu with chicken nuggets, macaroni and cheese, or mini sliders.
You can also serve treats like cupcakes, ice cream, and cookies.
Organize a simple treasure hunt with small prizes for the kids.
Hide little trinkets around the reception area, and give them clues to find them.
If you’ve decided that a child-free wedding is the best option for your celebration, you’ll need to communicate this clearly yet politely to your guests.
Here’s how to say "no children" on your wedding invitations without causing any offense:
Use wording such as, “We’ve chosen to make our celebration an adults-only event,” or “Due to venue restrictions, we’re unable to accommodate children at our wedding.”
Instead of including a “no children” note on the main invitation, consider stating it on the RSVP card.
For example: “We kindly request no children at the wedding. Thank you for understanding.”
If you have a wedding website, you can dedicate a section to provide guests with any necessary information, including your child-free policy.
This gives guests the opportunity to plan accordingly.
Remember to be gracious. You can add something like, “We understand this may require extra arrangements for some, and we truly appreciate your understanding.”
There may be occasions when close friends or family ask if they can bring their children despite the “no children” rule.
In these cases, it’s important to stick to your decision while remaining polite.
Here’s how you can respond:
Whether you choose to invite children or prefer an adults-only wedding, make sure your decision aligns with the overall atmosphere and experience you want to create.
If you decide to have children at your wedding, fun activities and thoughtful details will ensure they have an enjoyable time.
On the other hand, if you opt for a child-free wedding, clear communication and respectful wording will ensure your guests understand your choice.
Ultimately, your wedding is a celebration of love and unity, and with the right planning, you can make it an unforgettable day for everyone, regardless of age.
