I tied the knot 15 years ago, a time when social media wasn’t buzzing with opinions about every little detail of life. Back then, decisions about our wedding—like the venue, decorations, and guest list—were made through heartfelt discussions with family and friends, not by scrolling through the endless advice of strangers online. Honestly, I might have approached it differently today.
Our wedding was wonderfully homemade. We rented a simple hall and took on the decorating ourselves. My incredible mother-in-law and aunt prepared a feast for 200 guests, while my parents provided desserts, drinks, and flowers. My father-in-law set up a sound system with CD mixes curated by my husband and me, and our talented family and friends entertained us with music and singing. It was a budget-friendly celebration filled with joy.
And yes, we invited children. It was a natural decision for us. My husband’s youngest sister was just 8 at the time, and he had a whole bunch of cousins ranging from infants to teenagers—it never occurred to us not to include them.
However, my perspective shifted as I became a parent and started attending weddings myself. I soon found myself noticing whether kids were welcome, as it often influenced my ability to attend. Could I leave my baby overnight? Did I have enough funds for a babysitter? While I’ve managed to attend most kid-free weddings, there were a few I had to miss, which was disappointing.
Having navigated the challenges of bringing my own kids to events, I completely understand why some couples choose a no-kids policy. Children can be loud and unpredictable. I once took my 2-year-old to a wedding (where he was invited), and he made a beeline for a stunning cupcake display, sticking his thumb right into one before I could reach him! Thankfully, the bride found it hilarious.
Ultimately, I believe couples should do what feels right for them when deciding on their guest list. If they choose to go kid-free, parents should make an extra effort to attend without their little ones. But let me share why inviting kids to weddings can be a wonderful choice—beyond the convenience for parents.
Having a lively group of kids at our wedding turned out to be one of the most delightful aspects of the day. The atmosphere was vibrant, sometimes a bit chaotic, but filled with laughter and joy. A bunch of cousins even put on an adorable dance to “Put a Smile On Your Face,” which was charmingly awkward. Sure, there were a few coos and cries during the ceremony, but they didn’t distract us; most parents simply took their babies outside if things got too noisy.
The presence of children made our wedding feel warm and familial. It symbolized the essence of what marriage means to us—building a family together and merging our families, kids and all. While not every couple has the intention of starting a family, the gathering of loved ones to celebrate a union is a fundamental aspect of any wedding. And despite their antics, kids truly embody the spirit of family.
So if you’re considering a kid-free wedding, go for it! It’ll be quieter and less likely to have spills—unless, of course, someone has one too many drinks. But if you’re on the fence about including kids, I assure you, you won’t regret it. Kids bring noise and mess, but they also infuse events with wonder and create lasting memories.
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In summary, inviting children to your wedding can enhance the experience, creating a lively atmosphere filled with joy and cherished memories. Their presence embodies the spirit of family, making your special day even more meaningful.