For those that had the problem of assumptions

[Beejay]

I am passionately annoyed at all these relo's who ASSUME stuff!!!

We put at the bottom of our invite, after all the details

"For the enjoyment of all guests, we request that this is a child-free occasion"

I am the CLUCKIEST person in the world, and we have 6 BP kids - including our son - coming to ceremony (obviously) and reception but they are PART of the wedding. I have a friend with 3 kids who asked (prior to invites going out) if her kids were invited - I said they could come to the ceremony but not the reception, but she had to keep them quiet during the ceremony - no prob with her 10 and 11 yo daughters, but her 4yo son is sometimes prone to random squawks, as are most kids..so it's up to her.

I figure by wording it the way we did, we're not saying we don't WANT their kids there, but that all the adults will enjoy themselves more if they can relax without running after their kids or listening to someone elses!!!

Good luck sweet

[MrsG]

we starting telling people when we set the date that the only children invited to the reception are the ones in the bridal party and that we would be hiring a babysitter for the other children if it was needed. Am sending out invites next week (hopefully) so will be interesting to see if anyone else writes their childrens names on the RSVP card. If they do we will inform the parent that invited that person and they will be required to inform them that it is a child free event. hopefully it will be ok though so most people already know.

[ozwiccagal]

i am also clucky and love my nephew very much but i truly don't think a 18 month old would sit through a ceremony and behave for a reception without my sister having to pay attention to him and he is not part of the wedding party, i think i will add the "For the enjoyment of all guests, we request that this is a child-free occasion" to their insert as they are the only ones with a child :P

[Beejay]

Good thinking sweet- esp if they are the only guests with children!!!

[ozwiccagal]

i just found out that my mum's coming for lunch, so i think i'm going to discuss this with her also, maybe she can do like a grapevine thing as well :)

[Beejay]

Oh yeah - that's what we did too - just so ppl don't think we're "joking" on the invite - you know, they think you have put it there for everyone else but not them coz you're so close....

[ozwiccagal]

and she might think that too given that she is going to be the only one with it on there.... *sigh*

[tytalbreliam]

definately talk to your mum, sounds like she will be able to help you,

[ozwiccagal]

yeah my mum is awesome :)

[AnneB]

Mum's word of mouth will certainly be one of my tactics, I'll also be directing people to our website which is going to have pretty comprehensive information on it. I'm going to have a fairly minimalist invitation, and add that all other info is on the website, or to call my Ma for a paper copy for all those who aren't net-savvy. I know people won't read it all... but in fantasy-land they will! :)