How do you tell a child they are not invited to a wedding?

Be honest and kind from the start. Most parents understand that weddings have space or budget limits, and they will appreciate clarity over a vague invite.

Reach out to each family directly rather than leaving it to chance. A phone call or a thoughtful message works best because it lets you answer questions and show you care. Say simply that you are keeping the day to adults only, and that you would love to see them at a separate celebration later.

Always address the physical invitation to the adults by name. Do not include the child's name, and avoid writing 'and family' or 'plus one' if the child is not invited. This removes any doubt about who is welcome.

If you have close family with children, consider hosting a separate kids-friendly event, such as a casual get-together after the wedding. This keeps them included without changing your main day.

A few things to remember:

• Keep your reason brief and do not over-explain.
• Offer to share photos or a video after the day.
• Be consistent so no one feels singled out.