It’s completely understandable—after spending countless hours planning your big day, you want everything to run smoothly and effortlessly. But when children are part of the guest list, things can quickly become… unpredictable.

If you’re considering an adults-only wedding but aren’t sure how to communicate it to your guests (or how to handle childcare for traveling families), don’t worry! I’ve been in your shoes, and I’m here to help.

How to Clearly Communicate an Adults-Only Wedding

Setting expectations early is key to ensuring a stress-free celebration. Here are three ways to let your guests know your wedding is adults-only:

1. Wedding Website

Your wedding website is the go-to place for guest information, so make it crystal clear where you stand on kids at the event.

📌 Example wording:
“We love your little ones, but we kindly request an adults-only celebration. For those traveling with children or planning a magical vacation while here, we’ve vetted a trusted childcare service, Tootles Event Sitters, to ensure your kids are well cared for while you enjoy the wedding festivities!”

This way, guests know their kids will be in safe hands, making it easier for them to accept your decision.

2. Wedding Invitations & RSVP Cards

Your wedding invitation and RSVP card should also reinforce your adults-only preference. Be mindful of your wording to avoid confusion.

✔️ If you don’t want kids at all (ceremony and reception), say:
“This is an adults-only wedding.”

✔️ If kids are allowed at the ceremony but not the reception, say:
“This is an adults-only reception.”

🔹 Pro tip: Some guests may still ask (or assume they can bring their kids). To help, include a vetted childcare service on your RSVP card with a message like:
“For those needing childcare, we recommend Tootles Event Sitters. Please contact them directly to arrange care during the wedding.”

3. Consistency Is Key

No matter how you choose to announce your adults-only wedding, keep your wording consistent across all platforms—your invitations, website, and conversations.

Let’s face it: some family members and friends may not listen. The clearer and more unified your message, the easier it will be for guests to respect your wishes.

My Personal Experience (And How Tootles Event Sitters Was Born!)

When I got married, my husband (from the Midwest) and I (from New Jersey) were hosting one of the first big weddings in both of our families—in sunny Florida! ☀️

We knew we didn’t want kids at the reception, but as expected, we got some pushback from family. Our solution? We had the kids walk down the aisle, took pictures with them, and then arranged for a car to take them back to the hotel for childcare. Seriously! LOL

To make it even easier for parents, we included this note in our RSVP cards:
“If you need childcare, please send $30 per child with your RSVP.”

And guess what? Our family and friends gladly sent the money back! We covered the rest, ensuring the kids had a fun experience while their parents enjoyed a stress-free night.

That moment was what sparked the idea for Tootles Event Sitters. I realized that if I needed this service, other couples did too! My mission became simple:

✔️ To help couples host their dream adults-only event without guilt or stress
✔️ To provide kids with a fun, safe, and engaging experience while their parents celebrate
✔️ To create memorable moments for both kids and adults

You Deserve a Stress-Free Celebration!

If you’re still on the fence about whether to provide childcare or how to handle guests bringing kids, let’s chat! Tootles Event Sitters is here to help you find the best solution so that everyone—kids included—has an amazing experience.

💬 I’d love to hear from you! How is your planning going? What’s keeping you up at night when it comes to kids at your wedding? Let’s talk!

📅 Need childcare for your wedding? Book early to secure your date!