How to say "No Kids" at your wedding without offending your guests

Wanting a child-free wedding? Whether it’s about keeping the grown-up party vibe, saving on costs, or simply just a personal preference, many couples are going kid-free on their big day. But how on earth do you say “no kids” without causing offence or drama? In this feature, we share exactly how you can communicate your wishes clearly and confidently especially what not to do and how to avoid it!

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Weddings are one of life's biggest milestones. They bring together your closest friends and family for a full day of celebration with a hell of a lot of planning! From meal tasting, planning seating charts, and one of the most awkward wedding day decisions... whether or not to invite children.

If you're considering or planning a child-free wedding, you're not alone. In 2025, more and more couples will opt for an adult-only guest list. Whether it's to save cost or to avoid a screaming and crying baby when you walk down the aisle, it's a totally valid choice.

The challenge is communicating it clearly and kindly. Telling guests that their kids aren't invited can feel mega awkward and even confrontational against wedding traditions. But don't stress! There are tactful, polite ways to say "no kids" without offending anyone or making it a big deal.

But first, why are couples really saying "no kids"?

Before we dive into how to communicate this, let's take a moment to unpack why so many couples are selecting a child-free wedding:

  • Budget reasons: As we all know, weddings are expensive. From catering, venue chargers, and even insurance, every guest adds to the bill. Adding children into the mix can push the budget beyond what's manageable, especially if you're trying to stick to a tight budget.
  • The Vibe: Some couples might want a more sophisticated or laid-back party vibe, one that includes cocktails, shots and dancing! Not snack bags and Bluey...
  • Guest Experience: Ironically, going kid-free can actually be a thoughtful gesture for your guests. A wedding without children allows parents to truly enjoy themselves, dress up and drink the night away. Think of it as gifting them a rare date night! No taking turns to babysit, no nappy bags, no chasing toddlers in heels, and (unfortunately) no Bluey.
  • Venue limitations: Not all venues are suitable or safe for children. Historic buildings, cliffside gardens or intimate rooftop venues might not be childproof. Some even have formal restrictions that don't allow kids on site. In these cases, it's less about the preference and more about the practicality.
  • Personal preference: At the end of the day, it's YOUR wedding. Whether your reasons are logistical, financial, or just based on your personal preference, that choice is completely valid. Your wedding day should reflect what you and your partner want, not what's expected.
wedding invites

Here are some Child-free wording examples for you to steal:

Polite & Formal

  • "To allow all guests to relax and enjoy the celebration, we kindly request no children at the wedding"
  • "Unfortunately due to venue restrictions, our wedding will be an adult-only event"
  • "We're planning an adults-only day to let everyone relax and celebrate with us"
  • "With the exception of the children in our wedding party, we're keeping our day adults-only"

Friendly & Casual

  • "As much as we love your little ones, this will be an adults-only celebration"
  • "We hope you'll enjoy the night off, our big day will be child-free!"

What not to do when planning a child-free wedding

When it comes to child-free wedding etiquette, a few simple mistakes can cause unnecessary confusion and drama. Here's what to avoid:

  • Don't leave it off the invite: If you don't state clearly that the wedding is adults-only, guests will likely assume their children are welcome, and RSVP accordingly. This can lead to some pretty awkward convos or even some last-minute dropouts.
  • Don't rely on word of mouth: While it might feel easier, and less scary, to ask friends or family to "spread the word", this can lead to miscommunication. Messages can get muddled, people will get hurt or confused, and by the end of it, you would've played a terrible game of Rumours!
  • Don't make selective exceptions: Only inviting a few kids without a clear reason, can cause upset, especially for guests who've arranged childcare or feel their child was unfairly excluded.
  • Don't apologise too much or justify every detail: You don't owe anyone a detailed explanation for your wedding choices. Over-explaining can make things more complicated and opens the door to pushback. Just be confident, kind and concise.
  • Don't forget to give notice: Parents need time to plan and arrange childcare. Springing the news late or even changing your mind at the last minute could put the parents in a tough spot, leading to stress or potential dropouts. 
wedding guests

Creative Alternatives: Make the kids still feel included

Just because you're not inviting children doesn't mean you're anti-kids. If you want to still celebrate, here are a few ideas! 

  • Hosting a family-friendly brunch or barbeque the day before.
  • Hiring a professional babysitter for the wedding day at the venue or near your venue.
  • Skip the engagement party and have a family-friendly "after party".

Final thoughts: It's your day, do it your way

At the end of the day, your wedding is about you and your partner, your values, your vision and the kind of celebration you want to create. Choosing a child-free wedding doesn't make you a horrible person, as long as you communicate your wishes, kindly and with enough notice, your guests will understand and most will appreciate the clarity and the day off!

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From trend inspiration to expert tips, our blog has everything you need to plan your day your way. Need ideas for the little details? Looking for ways to keep things stress-free? Or just here for the dreamy wedding content?