Why Would Someone Have an Adults-Only Wedding?

Learn some of the reasons couples might make this decision.

Whether or not to have children attend a wedding can be a contentious topic. Ahead are some of the reasons a couple might elect to not include kids in their big day.

By Emily Lasnier

marie-antoinette-coupes-stacked-on-top-of-each-other
Photo: Marc Royce Photography

Whether or not to have children attend a wedding can be a contentious topic. For some child-free people, they feel it detracts from the presumed elegance of the event, as well as the adults’ ability to let loose and have a good time. For some parents, not having their children included feels disrespectful to their family unit, and it can make it more logistically difficult and expensive to attend. After all, not everyone has easy access to childcare. No matter how you feel about the issue, however, you do not have a say about someone else’s wedding. If you are invited to celebrate the nuptials of a loved one and discover that it is deemed an “adults-only” affair, consider their rationale before complaining. You may still consider it inconvenient and selfish – or maybe you think it’s a blessing – but it’s always better to come from a place of understanding. Below are some of the reasons a couple might elect to not include kids in their big day. 

why couples have an adults-only wedding, should you have kids at your wedding?

Photo by Chard Photo; Bridal Salon: The White Dress; Floral Design by Flowers by Cina

- It helps the budget. Fewer people means less money, and while kids might not eat as much, they still eat! They also can require additional snack and beverage options, and a bride or groom might find themselves over-occupied trying to figure out how to keep kids busy. 

- There might be disruptions. Even the most well-behaved baby can have a bad moment, and any young kid comes with a risk of tantrums during the vow exchange. 

- Children might ruin the vibe. A black-tie wedding with a gourmet dinner does not necessarily scream kid-friendly. A reception full of expensive rentals might seem too risky to include children running around. 

- They want to party all night. Some ceremonies start well after sunset and end in the wee hours of the morning. Once it gets past bedtime, the kids can get cranky and parents might have to leave before the party is in full swing. 

- They simply don’t like kids. Our flower girl and ring bearer gallery is evidence that we think children are adorable, but not everyone feels that way! You don’t have to attend the wedding if you think this is the case, but you don’t need to take it personally either. Feel free to be privately annoyed if the couple later has kids of their own, however.

If you do choose to have kids at your wedding, find out how to keep them busy here. For more advice, learn what to include on your wedding website and discover six details to remember while planning. 

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