NZ Made Wedding Invitations & Stationery
So you’ve made it down the aisle, partied the night away and managed to get away for a honeymoon… now married life can begin!
The conclusion of your wedding day doesn’t mean your wedding admin (aka “wedmin”!) can finish up just yet. There’s still a few must-dos on the list before you can wrap things up. No stress though, let’s cover off what needs done (and we will give you some tips along the way).
After all the time and effort you spend in selecting the perfect guestbook, the next hurdle is ensuring your wedding guestbook is filled to the brim with heartfelt messages!
Today we are going to cover off 5 things you can do to get guests lining up to jot down their well wishes and messages of luck.
(more…)It’s becoming more and more common for couples to grapple with the question: “How do I politely let parents know that children aren’t invited to our wedding?” The truth is, many couples are opting for child-free weddings, and that’s perfectly acceptable.
Here at Be My Guest Design, we’re all about practicality. We believe in embracing wedding traditions that work for you and discarding the ones that don’t. If having children at your wedding doesn’t align with your vision, you have every right to make it an adults-only affair.
Adults-only weddings are not unusual, but there can be some guilt associated with not explicitly inviting your close friends’ kids. To help you navigate this delicate situation, here are some tips on communicating your preference for a child-free wedding to your guests.
Bored children can be challenging for adults, particularly their parents and the marrying couple. The thought of crying children messing with the bridal gown or table settings can be anxiety-inducing. It’s not that they intend to ruin your day; it’s just that kids bring noise and chaos with them. Additionally, some parents may not be fully aware of how their children’s behaviour affects others, while others will spend the day policing their kids and won’t be able to fully switch off and relax.
The most effective way to exclude children from your wedding is to be upfront about it in your wedding invitations. Don’t beat around the bush, hoping people will pick up on subtleties. Make sure your guests understand your stance on children at the wedding.
Here are some essential tips and wording examples to ensure that your guests understand and respect your desire for a child-free wedding:
The most straightforward way to convey your preference for an adults-only celebration is by personalising each individual invitation with the names of the invitees. This way, guests will understand that the invitation is meant exclusively for those mentioned. Additionally, consider adding the number of guests you’re extending the invitation to on the RSVP card. For instance, if Mr. and Mrs. Smith’s RSVP card already has a ‘2’ prefilled, they’ll readily grasp that their five kids aren’t included in the invitation.
Consider including a concise line on a separate enclosure to emphasise the adults-only status of your event. For those who still need clarification, this line can serve as a gentle reminder. Some couples opt to include children at the ceremony but want an adults-only reception. In such cases, a concise line like “Children are welcome for the ceremony but cannot be accommodated at the reception” suffices. Avoid implying you’re giving parents a night off, as it can come across poorly.
Here’s a list of wording examples to convey that your wedding is exclusively for adults:
By selecting the most appropriate wording for your unique situation, you can effectively convey your wishes and create a respectful understanding among your guests. This way, your adults-only wedding can be a delightful and harmonious celebration.
If guests still RSVP for their children despite your efforts, you may need to call them in advance and explain that their children cannot be accommodated. While it might feel tough, it’s more considerate than having children at the wedding and feeling frustrated. It is also respectful of other guests who have abided by your wishes and left their children with babysitters.
Many couples who haven’t had children may consider a blanket ban on children in general. However, we recommend being sensitive to the needs of parents with newborn babies, especially if they need to RSVP before the baby arrives.
We highly recommend extending an invitation to babies under three months old if you genuinely want the mother to attend the wedding (even if it’s only a short visit for the ceremony). Parents may be unable to leave their infants with a babysitter, and a compromise for these wee babies can ensure your friends still get to celebrate while adjusting to life with a new bub. As babies towards six months, they become more mobile and challenging to manage, but are more independent of their parents so can hopefully be left with a babysitter!
If you’re a parent and you’re unsure whether your children are welcome at a wedding, it’s best to reach out to the couple and check before making any assumptions. Don’t take it personally if they say no!
Remember, it’s your special day, and you have the right to shape it according to your preferences. Clear and respectful communication will help ensure that everyone understands and respects your wishes for an adults-only wedding.
As you dive into wedding planning, one crucial aspect you should carefully consider is setting the perfect RSVP date. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through best practices for choosing the ideal reply date, ensuring your big day organisation is both seamless and stress free.
(more…)You’ve got a colour scheme, sussed out a guest list and have decided on the when and where. Now let’s get to the nitty gritty. Wording your wedding invitations is a minefield of etiquette and detail to dodge. So how do you write traditional wedding invitations?
Your wedding invitations communicate important information to your guests. Of course, the all-important who, when and where – but also information on the type of wedding they can expect to attend. Does your invite say cocktail dress and fancy up-do, or jeans and a nice top?
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