My FH and I are fighting with relatives as to whether it's appropriate for children to be at an adult affair like our wedding reception. We don't believe they belong (unless they're part of the wedding party) simply because a wedding isn't a playground. We are annoyed we'll have to cave in to relatives wishes when our own aren't being respected.
We decided not to have any children at the reception. MY FH nieces are our flower girls but they are going to be picked up following the cocktail hour. It is going to be a long day for them and by 8pm they will be cranky and tired. We also figured this way his brother and SIL can enjoy the wedding without having to chase after their kids. This is just our opinion though...I have been to weddings where there have been children and they had a great time!
Cpt2007
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Re: thoughts about children guests at reception?
Posted by jessica08bride
Personally, we are having about 15 kids at our reception. Our families are big and close and we couldn't imagine the day without them. If they need to run around, let them -it wont ruin my day. Plus they might all be passed out since the reception ends at 1AM (though i hope most of them can still be up dancing and enjoying the VH). But i think thats a decision for you to make. It's your day and you should be able to have the setting you want.
we're in the same boat. we're having 18 kids b/w the ages of 2mo and 8 y/o. they are the children of our closest friends and cousins, and we want this to be a family affair for everyone. The other reason we couldn't not have them was the simple fact that no one (other than my parents and 5 other guests) lives on LI. So it was either have them at my wedding with their kids, or not have them at the wedding. That made the decision pretty easy. For our hall, children are half priced, so it works out better than it could.
But if you don't want children at your wedding, they should respect that and hire a babysitter and not argue. It's like adding on a guest when they don't have a guest spot!
GL! I hope it works out as you guys want it to!
rojerono
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Re: thoughts about children guests at reception?
It all depends on the type of vibe you are going for.
I am a mother and there was obviously no way I was going to have a wedding without my kids. A lot of my friends have kids and I wanted them to feel as though their whole family was welcome to enjoy the day with us. Some brought their kids and others did not. In the end I had about 12 kids. They had their own seperate tables and they caused no problems at all. They all behaved wonderfully well and I felt really blessed to have them there. I wanted a carefree day filled with love and laughter... kids really bring that home in my mind.
On the other hand - when my girlfriend got married last year she was adamant about having no children anywhere NEAR her reception. Of course I did not bring my sons! And her reception had a completely different feel than mine. It was very formal and very elegant. It was lovely and it was exactly her vision.
You decide what works for you and how you want your day to be and stick to your guns!
rojerono
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Re: thoughts about children guests at reception?
Posted by miss nee
You really would think that most parents would look forward to a night out w/out the kids... But noo these idiots .. wanna live it up drink a bit while the kids run rampid for 4 hrs .. I SAY NOW AND FOREVER >> HELL NO
While I appreciate and understand this viewpoint... I have to interject and say that I have brought my sons to weddings before. Never without an express invitation from the bride and groom - but they have come with me before. Whenever I have my kids with me I am DEFINITELY not living it up and drinking. I am a mom first.
I guess I am a really attached parent. I genuinely enjoy having my kids with me - and when someone offers us the opportunity to do something as a family - I will almost ALWAYS take them up on it.
As I said... if I get an invitation for just me and my husband - then the response will be for me and my husband .. I would NEVER respond with my boys unless they were EXPRESSLY invited. But if someone gives me an invitation for my entire family - you can bet your a$$ I am not using the event as an excuse to spend time away from the 2 most important people in our lives. If that makes me an idiot.. well at least I am an idiot who has a really happy family!
