I am having a destination wedding, then a casual luncheon for the extended family when we return. It is not going to be like a wedding reception, just a lunch. (The casual nature is clear from the style of the invitation.) We won't have room to invite all the children of all the guests--that would be an extra hundred guests. In many cases, we haven't even met the kids of the local guests (kids of coworkers and such), so we have no desire to invite them.
I feel wierd not inviting the kids of the out of town relatives. They are traveling a fair distance to see me, and I am close to their kids. I know all etiquette is a matter of opinion, but anyways, I would like opinions. Is it rude to invite the kids of out of town guests only? It would be only about a dozen kids if I did it this way, and we'd enjoy it. Or how about just the nieces & nephews?
Nancy Tucker
PRESIDENT - WEDDINGS BEAUTIFUL
Aug 10, 2004, 10:55 AM
Post #2 of 4
(1942 views)
Re: [purple] Invitations for out of town guests
[In reply to]
Unfortunately, you stand the risk of offending the other guests if you invite the children of out of town guests. It's best to go with all or none. The children can be taken to another room in the venue and provided pizza and a babysitter. Even though this is offered to them, doesn't mean they'll go with a babysitter. Nancy Tucker President of Weddings Beautiful US http://www.weddingsbeautiful.com
Etiquette Now
WEDDING ETIQUETTE EXPERT
Aug 10, 2004, 1:40 PM
Post #3 of 4
(1940 views)
Re: [purple] Invitations for out of town guests
[In reply to]
Dear Purple,
Here here. I completely agree with Ms. Tucker. Can you imagine how the guests will feel as they watch other children enjoying themselves at your luncheon? I'm sure you would feel for them too.
I like Ms. Tucker's idea about setting aside a room for the children. And, as she said if you arrange for a sitter, they may not accept. But I was thinking, if you prefer no children and worried about just your out of town guests, perhaps a few family members could volunteer to babysit at their homes. That is a big favor to ask of them. But, you may have older teens that would jump at the chance if you included the pizza and a few movie rentals.
Congratulations on your up-coming wedding. Rebecca Black, Etiquette Now
mannersmith
Manners & Etiquette Expert
Aug 16, 2004, 1:08 PM
Post #4 of 4
(1922 views)
Re: [purple] Invitations for out of town guests
[In reply to]
Contrary to popular belief, etiquette is not about opinion. Every rule and guideline in etiquette is there for a reason, to make social interactions easier. Of course a bride would invite nieces and nephews and of course a bride would not invite the children of co-workers. I hope these etiquette guideline helps, Jodi R R Smith
Invitations for out of town guests
