Wording for no children

[El]

We are having a holiday/40th b-day party. Guest list is over 100 adults and although we want our own kids to be present, we do not have the space/budget/desire to include other children...how do we word that on the invitation without being rude?

[Erica]

I know how much you may want to add it to an invitation but it is NOT in line with proper etiquette to do so. That information should be shared with your respondants by word of mouth...maybe when they call to RSVP.

[momoftwins]

You would just make the invitation out to the adults and not the famly. EX. Mr and Mrs Bob Smith instead of The family of etc...

[Samantha]

I don't think that I would go to a wedding if I could not bring my children. If I am part of your life, my children would be to. My children eat so little food, that it is a lame excuse to not invite children.

[geoff]

If the problem with children at social events was as simple a matter of finding enough bread and fishes! You don't even see the real problem with kids attending adult social events. Samantha you are obviously one of those parents I detest where your child is perfect and perhaps they might be but the same cannot be said for the children of all friends/associates/family one may wish to invite to a social occasion. Even if all the children were well behaved then the nature of the occasion would be altered just by having them there.

[Selena]

Geoff, you took the words out of my mouth. It is perfectly acceptable not to invite children to a special event. Most people understand and would welcome a night out without having to worry about their kids. My suggestion is to give plenty of notice for your guests to find appropriate sitters, and discuss it with them first. I had no children under 13 at my Wedding. All our guests were quite happy with the idea of some "grown-up" time...

[Jacque]

personally had a request for no children at my wedding. I did have 3children there but they were my husbands siblings. As for the invitations, we had it on the RSVP card as "Respectfully the reception location can not accomidate children" I did have a few upset invividuals but for the most part everyone understood.