I thought I was doing the smart thing by including the "blank # of seats have been saved in your honor" on my RSVPs but I've been getting RSVPs back where the guests have included husband + wife + baby and they've included notes like "junior doesn't need a seat so we're really still 2".
Although one of the main purposes was to keep my guest list count down, I also did not want to have children, especially babies at my wedding because as my friend, who is a new mom, pointed out, it is natural for babies to cry! I've hired a videographer to tape my outdoor ceremony and reception and fear that a baby will start wailing in the middle of our ceremony and interupt it (since the event is already outside, there is no where for the parents to take the baby any place if this happens).
Is there a kind way to deal with this issue? Or am I being a bridezilla? I've already tried to have my bridal party pass along the word but it's really starting to get out of control with guests adding their babies onto the RSVPs.
On a side note, my FI and I have already discussed this and we don't believe that it is our responsibility to provide babysitting at our event. We also provided a link on our website to babysitting services in the area....trying to provide subtle hints without actually being baby Nazis.
definitely a hot topic and one that is much discussed on the boards. it is up to you and your FI to decide what kind of event you'll have, but be prepared to receive flak either way.
if you go with the no babies rule, you should be consistent and make sure you're ok with some new parents deciding not to attend. babysitting services are not required, though some do provide a sitter, a baby/kids room or at least offer some local resources. perhaps you could find a recommended service in your area or some listings and offer them as resources to the new parent, politely explaining that you'd prefer no infants at the ceremony.
the key is to be clear and consistent and, if possible, offer alternatives to bringing the newbies to the ceremony.
I agree with miss m. This is your choice, and if you do decide no children you, your mother, or mother in law (which ever is appropiate) should call and speak with the couple explaining they are sorry, but children are not invited to the reception/wedding
Some people will take this hard, some won't. Make yourselves happy. That's all you can do. And no, I don't think it's your responsibility to provide a sitter either.
I wouldn't see anything wrong with allowing them to bring the baby but expressing concern beforehand - "I'm so happy you'll be able to attend, but because of our videography, please be ready to take Junior to XXXX if he starts to whimper." Something like that...
I've already voiced my opinion on this on the other thread, but today I had someone RSVP with their baby and then ask if I could provide a babysitter (which I offered) because "I don't want my daughter to screw up your wedding!" They're from out of state and I am absolutely thrilled that they're coming, and I am more than happy to hook them up with a sitter.
I provided a babysitter for my out of town guest with a child and they spent the entire time upstairs with the baby because the baby screamed whenever mom left their site. Oh well. I tried. But the in town people needed to leave their kids at home. They complained and I smiled as they had a great time at my wedding without their kids.
We are having an adult only wedding. Let me tell you, we've gotten a lot of heat for the choice that we've made. But at the end of the day it's what I've always planned and I don't regret my decision at all. It actually sort of warned me for who would be an issue in months to come. Stick to your guns!
Your guests should know that if their baby's name was not included explicitly on the invitation then he or she is not invited. Everyone knows this. You are totally not being a bridezilla if you kindly explain to them the situation and ask that they get a sitter. I'm having kids at my wedding, but I totally understand not wanting them there as well. Plus, it will give the mom and dad a chance for a nice evening out without baby. And who doesn't love that?
We decided not to have babies at our wedding as well. Not only is the venue not safe for kids (a pool and a cactus garden), we have tons of friends and family with little ones and don't want to pay for them all in catering costs, renting tables, etc. In addition, I really don't want any kids crying during the ceremony.
At first, I felt like I was being a bridezilla. Although, after talking with some of my friends that are Mom's, they actually agreed with me. Some of them were actually relieved to know that they have an excuse, have to get a babysitter, and can have an evening with their husband alone.
I included a little poem on the wedding website. It says:
To all our wonderful friends and family with babies at small children
The wedding is an evening affair
Please leave your children under someone else's care.
Thank you!
I am going to write something like this on a separate paper and include it in the envelope with the invitation as well (for the people that apply).
I REALLY wanted to go no children...then FSIL recently announced she is pregnant with her 1st child. Not sure how that is going to work out in light of the new (joyous) news. I may have to sacrifice what I want to maintain that relationship. That being said, I can definitely see where you are coming from and do not feel like you are being a bridezilla at all! I think consistency is the key.
I was married a few weeks ago and we had a small ceremony with our families and a few friends. And since I have a daughter, I didn't ask that anyone leave their children or babies at home. The ceremony was outside, in a smallish backyard. There were 7 children 4 and under. And honestly, I was so focused on the ceremony and vows that I was sharing with my new husband, that I didn't notice that my 1 1/2 year old nephew was freaking out and screaming the entire time. And I barely noticed that my 3 year old daughter migrated from standing next to my MOH to stand in between my husband and I (actually that was really cute and made for some VERY awesome photos). My advice is that it IS your day, but a baby (or toddler) crying won't ruin your day. Likely you will be so focused on the amazing act of love, that you won't even notice. Good luck. And if it is what you want, fight for it.
Erin - I was recently at a wedding where there was a newborn but no other children. I think if I recall correctly your wedding isn't for a few years, so the child may be a toddler by that point, but maybe your sister will be ready for a break!
And Rachiesmom, while I do agree with you that I will probably be focused on the ceremony, our church is very "live" sound-wise, with the sound of talking on the one side of the church readily audible on the other side (this is how they do their intentions, people speak them from all over the church). Now, with people in there I know it's going to absorb some of the sound and I'm well aware that there are going to be other sounds, but there is a huge different between your nephew freaking out in a backyard setting and your nephew freaking out in a small indoor church setting. But I'm glad that your daughter was a part of your big day - that must have been the icing on the cake for you!
I thought I was doing the smart thing by including the "blank # of seats have been saved in your honor" on my RSVPs but I've been getting RSVPs back where the guests have included husband + wife + baby and they've included notes like "junior doesn't need a seat so we're really still 2".
Although one of the main purposes was to keep my guest list count down, I also did not want to have children, especially babies at my wedding because as my friend, who is a new mom, pointed out, it is natural for babies to cry! I've hired a videographer to tape my outdoor ceremony and reception and fear that a baby will start wailing in the middle of our ceremony and interupt it (since the event is already outside, there is no where for the parents to take the baby any place if this happens).
Is there a kind way to deal with this issue? Or am I being a bridezilla? I've already tried to have my bridal party pass along the word but it's really starting to get out of control with guests adding their babies onto the RSVPs.
On a side note, my FI and I have already discussed this and we don't believe that it is our responsibility to provide babysitting at our event. We also provided a link on our website to babysitting services in the area....trying to provide subtle hints without actually being baby Nazis.
What are your thoughts? Thanks!
posted by meli 61 posts 5 months agodefinitely a hot topic and one that is much discussed on the boards. it is up to you and your FI to decide what kind of event you'll have, but be prepared to receive flak either way.
if you go with the no babies rule, you should be consistent and make sure you're ok with some new parents deciding not to attend. babysitting services are not required, though some do provide a sitter, a baby/kids room or at least offer some local resources. perhaps you could find a recommended service in your area or some listings and offer them as resources to the new parent, politely explaining that you'd prefer no infants at the ceremony.
the key is to be clear and consistent and, if possible, offer alternatives to bringing the newbies to the ceremony.
posted by missm 485 posts 5 months agoI agree with miss m. This is your choice, and if you do decide no children you, your mother, or mother in law (which ever is appropiate) should call and speak with the couple explaining they are sorry, but children are not invited to the reception/wedding
Some people will take this hard, some won't. Make yourselves happy. That's all you can do. And no, I don't think it's your responsibility to provide a sitter either.
Good luck :)
posted by maureen9004 264 posts 5 months agoI wouldn't see anything wrong with allowing them to bring the baby but expressing concern beforehand - "I'm so happy you'll be able to attend, but because of our videography, please be ready to take Junior to XXXX if he starts to whimper." Something like that...
posted by amysue 643 posts 5 months agoI've already voiced my opinion on this on the other thread, but today I had someone RSVP with their baby and then ask if I could provide a babysitter (which I offered) because "I don't want my daughter to screw up your wedding!" They're from out of state and I am absolutely thrilled that they're coming, and I am more than happy to hook them up with a sitter.
posted by jma19 364 posts 5 months agoI provided a babysitter for my out of town guest with a child and they spent the entire time upstairs with the baby because the baby screamed whenever mom left their site. Oh well. I tried. But the in town people needed to leave their kids at home. They complained and I smiled as they had a great time at my wedding without their kids.
posted by Niki 433 posts 5 months agoWe are having an adult only wedding. Let me tell you, we've gotten a lot of heat for the choice that we've made. But at the end of the day it's what I've always planned and I don't regret my decision at all. It actually sort of warned me for who would be an issue in months to come. Stick to your guns!
posted by fallgirly 51 posts 5 months agochildren 3 and under are free at my venue, so those are allowed :P
posted by superstar 157 posts 5 months agoYour guests should know that if their baby's name was not included explicitly on the invitation then he or she is not invited. Everyone knows this. You are totally not being a bridezilla if you kindly explain to them the situation and ask that they get a sitter. I'm having kids at my wedding, but I totally understand not wanting them there as well. Plus, it will give the mom and dad a chance for a nice evening out without baby. And who doesn't love that?
posted by klheasley 11 posts 5 months agoWe decided not to have babies at our wedding as well. Not only is the venue not safe for kids (a pool and a cactus garden), we have tons of friends and family with little ones and don't want to pay for them all in catering costs, renting tables, etc. In addition, I really don't want any kids crying during the ceremony.
At first, I felt like I was being a bridezilla. Although, after talking with some of my friends that are Mom's, they actually agreed with me. Some of them were actually relieved to know that they have an excuse, have to get a babysitter, and can have an evening with their husband alone.
I included a little poem on the wedding website. It says:
To all our wonderful friends and family with babies at small children
The wedding is an evening affair
Please leave your children under someone else's care.
Thank you!
I am going to write something like this on a separate paper and include it in the envelope with the invitation as well (for the people that apply).
I hope all these tips help everyone!
posted by KiatKat7799 8 posts 5 months agoI worded mine the same way and everyone wrote down their names (not their babies). Day of the wedding 7 random children showed up.
:( I think people just don't understand the 2 only thing does not include kids. I felt bad for my friends who had called to ask me.
posted by bunchkie 5 posts 5 months agoI REALLY wanted to go no children...then FSIL recently announced she is pregnant with her 1st child. Not sure how that is going to work out in light of the new (joyous) news. I may have to sacrifice what I want to maintain that relationship. That being said, I can definitely see where you are coming from and do not feel like you are being a bridezilla at all! I think consistency is the key.
posted by ErinMarieMack 266 posts 5 months agoI was married a few weeks ago and we had a small ceremony with our families and a few friends. And since I have a daughter, I didn't ask that anyone leave their children or babies at home. The ceremony was outside, in a smallish backyard. There were 7 children 4 and under. And honestly, I was so focused on the ceremony and vows that I was sharing with my new husband, that I didn't notice that my 1 1/2 year old nephew was freaking out and screaming the entire time. And I barely noticed that my 3 year old daughter migrated from standing next to my MOH to stand in between my husband and I (actually that was really cute and made for some VERY awesome photos). My advice is that it IS your day, but a baby (or toddler) crying won't ruin your day. Likely you will be so focused on the amazing act of love, that you won't even notice. Good luck. And if it is what you want, fight for it.
posted by rachiesmom 14 posts 5 months agoErin - I was recently at a wedding where there was a newborn but no other children. I think if I recall correctly your wedding isn't for a few years, so the child may be a toddler by that point, but maybe your sister will be ready for a break!
And Rachiesmom, while I do agree with you that I will probably be focused on the ceremony, our church is very "live" sound-wise, with the sound of talking on the one side of the church readily audible on the other side (this is how they do their intentions, people speak them from all over the church). Now, with people in there I know it's going to absorb some of the sound and I'm well aware that there are going to be other sounds, but there is a huge different between your nephew freaking out in a backyard setting and your nephew freaking out in a small indoor church setting. But I'm glad that your daughter was a part of your big day - that must have been the icing on the cake for you!
posted by jma19 364 posts 5 months ago