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New Year Wedding Resolutions

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As the new year rolls in, engaged couples everywhere are setting their sights on one of life’s most significant milestones: their wedding day. For those planning to tie the knot in 2024, the journey is filled with excitement, dreams, and admittedly, a bit of stress. New Year’s resolutions can be a perfect tool for brides and grooms to ensure their wedding planning process is as smooth and joyful as possible.

Resolution 1: Set a Realistic Budget and Stick to It Financial planning is key to a stress-free wedding. This year, resolve to create a detailed budget that covers every aspect of your wedding, from the venue to the thank-you notes. Regularly review and stick to this budget to avoid last-minute financial surprises.

Resolution 2: Delegate Responsibilities Remember, it’s your special day, but you don’t have to do everything alone. Make a resolution to delegate tasks to family, friends, or a wedding planner. This will help reduce your workload and allow you to enjoy the process more.

Resolution 3: Prioritize Self-Care Wedding planning can be overwhelming, so make sure to take care of yourself. Schedule regular date nights with your partner where wedding talk is off-limits, practice mindfulness or yoga, and ensure you get enough rest. A healthy body and mind are crucial for making the best decisions for your big day.

Resolution 4: Communicate Openly and Often Communication is the cornerstone of a strong relationship and successful wedding planning. Resolve to have regular check-ins with your partner about your hopes, concerns, and decisions related to the wedding to ensure you’re both on the same page.

Resolution 5: Be Flexible and Open to Change Sometimes things won’t go as planned. Resolve to stay flexible and open to changes. Whether it’s a vendor cancellation or a change in the guest list, being adaptable will help you navigate these challenges more smoothly.

Resolution 6: Keep the Bigger Picture in Mind It’s easy to get caught up in the minutiae of wedding planning. This year, make a resolution to always keep the bigger picture in mind: the celebration of your love and commitment to each other. This perspective will help you enjoy the journey to your wedding day.

Embarking on your wedding planning journey in 2024 with these resolutions can help ensure a more organized, enjoyable, and love-filled experience. Remember, the goal is not just to plan a wedding but to build the foundation for a lifetime of happiness together.

Nesselrod winter Wedding Planning

What to do this Winter!

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Planning a wedding for any season in 2024 requires thoughtful preparation and organization, especially during the winter months preceding it. Here are some key tasks to prioritize, along with insights on how Nesselrod can assist in each step.

  1. Finalizing Your Guest List: Winter is the perfect time to finalize your guest list. This step is crucial for all other aspects of your wedding planning, such as invitations, catering, and seating arrangements. Nesselrod can help you manage RSVPs and provide tools for organizing your guest list efficiently.

  2. Choosing Your Wedding Theme and Colors: Decide on the theme and color palette for your wedding. Whether you’re dreaming of a rustic fall wedding or a vibrant summer celebration, Nesselrod can offer expert advice on the latest trends and how to incorporate them seamlessly into your big day.

  3. Booking Key Vendors: Secure your photographer, caterer, florist, and other essential vendors. Winter months are less busy for many vendors, making it an ideal time to book. Nesselrod’s extensive network of trusted vendors ensures you get the best service and value for your spring, summer, or fall wedding.

  4. Wedding Dress and Attire Shopping: Start shopping for your wedding dress and attire for your bridal party. This process can take longer than expected, so beginning in winter gives you ample time.

  5. Planning Your Menu: Work on your wedding menu, considering the season of your wedding for appropriate food choices. Nesselrod’s culinary experts can assist in crafting a menu that delights your guests, whether you’re looking for a light spring meal, a hearty fall feast, or anything in between.

  6. Designing Invitations: Begin designing your wedding invitations. The invitation sets the tone for your wedding, so take the time to choose a design that reflects your theme and personality. Nesselrod can guide you through design options and etiquette, ensuring your invitations are as special as your event.

  7. Organizing Accommodations for Guests: If you’re expecting out-of-town guests, winter is a good time to arrange accommodations. Nesselrod can help you secure group rates at local hotels and provide guests with information about the area, making their stay enjoyable and convenient.

  8. Planning Pre-Wedding Events: Start planning pre-wedding events like the rehearsal dinner, bridal shower, or bachelor(ette) parties. Nesselrod can offer innovative ideas and assist in organizing these events, ensuring they align with your overall wedding vision.

  9. Creating a Wedding Website: Develop a wedding website to keep guests informed and excited about your big day. Nesselrod can assist in setting up a user-friendly website that includes all the essential details about your wedding. With many templates and styles to chose from, we can make your wedding webpage POP!

  10. Self-Care and Wellness: Lastly, don’t forget to prioritize your wellness. Wedding planning can be stressful, so incorporating self-care routines is vital. Nesselrod has an extensive list of self-care checklists, tips, and suggestions to help make your day as relaxing as possible.

By focusing on these key areas during the winter months, you’ll be well-prepared for a beautiful wedding in the spring, summer, or fall of 2024. Nesselrod’s expert planning and coordination services will ensure that each aspect of your wedding comes together flawlessly, making your special day truly unforgettable.

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Pulling off a Halloween Wedding

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Planning and implementing the perfect Halloween-style wedding is an adventure that combines the spookiness of All Hallows’ Eve with the romance of a wedding. Let’s embark on this whimsical yet eerie journey, sprinkled with humor, as we explore how to create an unforgettable Halloween-themed nuptial celebration.

1. Spine-Chilling Invitations: First Impressions Matter

Begin by sending out invitations that set the tone. Think parchment paper, Gothic fonts, and designs featuring jack-o’-lanterns, haunted mansions, or elegant skulls. For a humorous twist, include phrases like “Till Death Do Us Part…or until one of us becomes a zombie.”

2. Dress Code: Ghoulishly Glamorous

The attire should be a blend of traditional wedding elegance and Halloween fun. Brides can consider a black or deep red wedding dress, while grooms can opt for a classic suit with a Halloween-themed tie or boutonniere. Encourage guests to come in costume, but maybe suggest they leave the inflatable T-Rex outfits at home – we don’t want anyone mistaking the bride for a prehistoric snack.

3. Décor: Elegantly Eerie

Transform your space with a color palette of black, orange, and purple. Use dim lighting, candles, and jack-o’-lanterns to create a mysterious ambiance. Incorporate elements like spider webs, skeletons (maybe sitting in some chairs as ‘guests’), and vintage Halloween decorations. Remember, a fake ghost hanging from the ceiling adds character, but a real ghost might frighten your mother-in-law away.

4. Ceremony: A Bewitching ‘I Do’

Craft a ceremony that’s both spooky and heartfelt. Consider having an officiant dressed as a famous horror character (Dracula, anyone?) and writing vows that include “in sickness and in health, and even in a zombie apocalypse.”

5. Music and Entertainment: Monster Mash and Beyond

Hire a DJ who’s ready to play a mix of love songs and Halloween classics. Think “Monster Mash” meets Ed Sheeran. You could also hire a magician or a tarot card reader for extra entertainment. And let’s not forget the “Thriller” dance – mandatory for all, including Uncle Bob, who claims he can’t dance.

6. Food and Drinks: Frightfully Delicious

Serve dishes that are delicious yet on-theme, like ‘mummy’ hot dogs or ‘witch’s brew’ soup. The cake can be a real showstopper – think black icing, edible ‘blood’ drips, and maybe a cake topper of Frankenstein and his bride. Signature cocktails? How about a ‘Bloody Mary’ or a ‘Pumpkin Martini’?

7. Photography: Capturing the Spooky Spirit

Hire a photographer who can capture both the romance and the unique theme. Imagine a wedding album filled with photos of you and your partner looking lovingly at each other…with a zombie photobombing in the background.

8. Favors: Ghoulish Goodies

Send your guests home with Halloween-themed favors like personalized mini pumpkins, ghost-shaped cookies, or vials of ‘vampire blood’ (red candy syrup).

9. After-Party: The Witching Hour Continues

Host an after-party that could double as a Halloween bash. Include a costume contest, a horror movie screening, or even a haunted house walkthrough.

10. Memories: A Lifetime of Spooky Love

Remember, this wedding is a celebration of your unique love. Embrace the Halloween theme, but don’t forget the reason for the season – your union.

In conclusion, a Halloween-style wedding is all about balancing the macabre with the magical. It’s a day filled with love, laughter, and a little bit of terror. As you plan, keep in mind that the best weddings are those that truly reflect the couple. So, unleash your creativity, have fun with it, and create a wedding that will be remembered for a lifetime…or at least until the next full moon.

Nesselrod Fall Wedding Planning

Embracing the Season’s Charm

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Fall is a magical season filled with crisp air, vibrant foliage, and a sense of anticipation as the year winds down. For couples planning their dream wedding and reception, there’s no better time to tie the knot than during these enchanting autumn months. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best things you can do during fall to plan for your upcoming wedding and reception, making the most of this beautiful season.

Seasonal Color Palette

Fall provides a stunning backdrop for your wedding with its rich, warm colors. Incorporate these into your wedding’s color palette by choosing hues like deep burgundy, forest green, burnt orange, and mustard yellow. These colors can be used for everything from bridesmaids’ dresses and groomsmen’s attire to table settings and floral arrangements, creating a cohesive and visually striking atmosphere.

Unique Fall Decor

Embrace the season’s natural beauty by incorporating unique fall decor into your wedding and reception. Decorate your venue with pumpkins, gourds, hay bales, and mason jar centerpieces filled with colorful autumn foliage. Consider adding warm lighting elements like fairy lights and candles to create a cozy and romantic atmosphere.

Seasonal Florals

Choose seasonal flowers for your bouquets and arrangements. Fall blooms such as dahlias, chrysanthemums, and sunflowers can add a pop of color and elegance to your wedding. Pair them with eucalyptus leaves, berries, and dried grasses for a rustic and organic look. These flowers not only look beautiful but also help you stay within budget since they are in season.

Comfort Food Menu

Fall is the perfect time to indulge in comfort food, making it an excellent choice for your wedding menu. Consider dishes like roasted root vegetables, hearty soups, and pumpkin-inspired appetizers. For dessert, offer a variety of pies, such as apple, pecan, and pumpkin, in addition to your wedding cake. Guests will appreciate the warm and comforting flavors of the season.

Seasonal Wedding Favors

Show your guests your appreciation by providing them with seasonal wedding favors. Miniature jars of homemade apple butter, personalized cider mugs, or packets of colorful autumn leaves for planting are thoughtful tokens that tie into the fall theme.

Cozy Attire

Dressing appropriately for the season is essential. Consider long-sleeved wedding gowns, shawls, or wraps for brides, while groomsmen can wear tweed suits or warm woolen accessories. Providing blankets or shawls for guests during the ceremony or outdoor reception can help keep everyone cozy.

Weather Contingency Plans

Fall weather can be unpredictable, so it’s crucial to have a contingency plan in place. If you’re planning an outdoor ceremony or reception, Nesselrod has great options for both outdoor, covered areas, and in our newly redesigned and upgraded Pavilion.

Fall offers a unique and picturesque backdrop for your dream wedding and reception. By embracing the season’s charm and incorporating its elements into your planning, you can create a warm and inviting atmosphere that will leave lasting memories for both you and your guests. From selecting the perfect venue to choosing a seasonal color palette and incorporating cozy decor, fall provides endless opportunities to make your wedding a truly unforgettable experience. So, as the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, let the magic of fall inspire your wedding planning journey.

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Fall Fun in Southwest Virginia

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Southwest Virginia in the fall is a hidden gem that’s about as underrated as a squirrel’s ability to predict the weather. So, if you’re looking for a place that combines the charm of a small town with the excitement of a squirrel on an acorn spree, look no further. Here’s your guide to the best things to do in Southwest Virginia during the fall.

1. Leaf Peeping with a Twist

Sure, you’ve heard of leaf-peeping, but have you ever done it while riding a llama? That’s right, in Southwest Virginia, you can join a llama caravan and trek through the picturesque landscapes of the Appalachian Mountains. The trees are showing off their best reds, oranges, and yellows, and the llamas are… well, they’re llamas. What more could you want?

2. The Great Pumpkin Regatta at Claytor Lake

Picture this: giant pumpkins, carved out, turned into boats, and raced across Claytor Lake. It’s like Cinderella meets NASCAR. Get your life jackets and pumpkin-carving tools ready for the most gourd-geous race of the year!

3. Haunted Coal Mines: The Spooky Side of History

Ever wondered what it’s like to explore a haunted coal mine? The Haunted Coal Mine tour in Southwest Virginia offers a chilling journey into the past. It’s part history lesson, part ghost story, and a 100% chance of someone screaming when a bat flies by.

4. The Floyd Country Store Jamboree

Get your dancing shoes on for the Floyd Country Store’s Friday Night Jamboree. It’s a hoedown with a mix of bluegrass, folk, and a bit of banjo magic. And if you’re not a dancer, just tap your feet and enjoy the local apple cider. It’s like a barn dance, but with less hay and more harmonicas.

5. The Big Walker Lookout & Country Store

Big Walker Lookout isn’t just a scenic spot; it’s an experience. Climb the lookout tower for breathtaking views of the fall foliage, and then browse the country store for local crafts and homemade fudge. It’s the perfect place to pretend you’re a bird… if birds loved fudge.

6. Mountain Biking on the Virginia Creeper Trail

If you’ve ever wanted to yell “I’m king of the world!” while biking down a mountain, the Virginia Creeper Trail is your spot. With stunning fall scenery and a name that sounds like a horror movie villain, this trail offers a thrilling ride through nature’s artwork.

7. The Galax Smokehouse BBQ Challenge

Let’s talk about the real reason to visit Southwest Virginia in the fall: barbecue. The Galax Smokehouse BBQ Challenge is where the best grill masters in the region come to show off their skills. It’s a battle of the briskets, a duel of the drumsticks, and a chance to eat your weight in BBQ.

8. The Wytheville Witch Tours

Explore the spooky side of Wytheville with a guided witch tour. It’s part history, part folklore, and a great way to walk off that BBQ. Plus, you might just learn a spell or two. Disclaimer: Actual witchcraft not guaranteed.

So, there you have it. Southwest Virginia in the fall is not just a feast for the eyes but a banquet for the soul. And remember, if a llama can enjoy the fall foliage, so can you!

Wedding Rentals Pavilion Tables Decorations Chairs

10 Things You Should NOT Forget to Rent for Your Wedding

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From tables to barware and everything in between! The best wedding rental checklist will ensure that your special day has every detail at the ready.

Figuring out what to rent for a wedding is an oft-forgotten part of planning. Without sticking to a wedding rental checklist, your guests won’t have chairs to sit on, glasses to drink from, and forks to eat with. To help keep costs down, these items (and many more!) are usually rented, rather than purchased, from a trusted full-service wedding rental company or may be included with your venue or catering packages. Either way, you should finalize your event rentals about two to three months before your wedding. This often requires a trip to your rental company’s showroom so you can see and feel all of your supplies. This wedding rental checklist will ensure that you’ll have all of these must-have items to ensure your big day is a success.

Tents

You might have heard just about everyone ask, “Do you have a Plan B?” If you’re hosting an outdoor wedding, it’s a good idea to have a tent rental at the ready in case of inclement weather—and that doesn’t just include rain. Your guests should be kept comfortable and shielded from blazing sun or billowing winds. But that’s not all—a marquee entrance tent, gutters, a stage for your musicians, climate control, clear sides, and pole covers may be needed, too. In some cases, you may need a generator (more on that below) and a separate catering prep tent. Are you a fan of draping fabric across the tent’s ceiling? Include that as well. A reputable and experienced tent rental company can help you decide what you need. Keep in mind that tent rentals are very costly to protect your guests. Always ask your venue what their Plan B is for your ceremony if weather is not cooperating.

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Tables and Chairs

Obviously, tables and chairs an important part of your wedding rental checklist for you and your guests to sit during the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception—but don’t forget about other spots throughout your wedding where tables and chairs are necessary. Your musicians need a place to sit and rest their instruments. Add another table for your gifts and cards, another for your seating assignments, another for your cake and desserts, and another for your favors. You also may be surprised at how many different types of chairs and tables are available, whether you’re going for long farm tables with cross-back chairs, classic round tables with Chiavari chairs, or modern square tables with Ghost chairs. If you’re opting for more affordable folding or banquet chairs, chair covers may also be necessary. Work with your venue coordinator and party rentals company to figure out where tables and chairs will be needed based on your guest list and other details of your event.

** Nesselrod will always have tables and chairs for your ceremony and reception **

Dance Floor

Many wedding venues will have a dance floor included, but for those that don’t, you’ll need to include it on your rental checklist. Depending on how many guests are attending, you’ll be able to determine the size of your dance floor—industry standard dictates around four-and-a-half square feet per guest, figuring that about half of your guests will be dancing at the same time. Wood is the most common type of dance floor available, but there are other options.

Electricity

If you’re hosting a backyard wedding or a wedding in a rural venue, you may need to rent a generator. Think about how much electricity it requires to power your wedding. Your event space needs it to turn on the lights, your caterer needs it cook and bake, your DJ needs it to play music, and your maid of honor and best man needs it to give their toasts via a microphone and set of speakers.

** Nesselrod will always have ample electricity for your ceremony and reception **

Linens and Napkins

When it comes to tablecloths, napkins, and other table linens, there are a wide variety of styles and fabrications out there—pick the ones that suit your overall wedding style and theme the best. Pricing varies widely, so feel mix and match more expensive table linens (hello, sequined table cloths!) with more budget-friendly items. 

Dinnerware, Flatware, and Glassware

Place settings are totally crucial. How else will your guests be able to eat and drink during your special event? When it comes to thinking about wedding rentals, don’t forget chargers and serving plates, forks, knives, spoons, red and white wine glasses, water glasses, champagne flutes, highball glasses, rock glasses, and coffee mugs. And maybe something extra special for those signature drinks like mason jars. 

Floral Accoutrements

Fresh, lush flowers will go a long way to make your wedding day look amazing, but what do you put them in? That’s where your florist comes in. Many florists provide rental items to support their arrangements. Opt to rent arches, canopies, aisle marker stands, vases, vessels, votive candles, lanterns, candelabras, etc. to bring your wedding’s floral design to life. 

Lounge Furniture

Give your guests a quiet area to rest their feet and chat. Arrange a family room layout with vintage couches, armchairs, coffee tables, maybe a rug, and more.

Restrooms

Note: This should only be included on your wedding rental checklist if you’re hosting a backyard or tented event where restrooms aren’t easily accessible (or if you’d prefer your guests not use the restrooms in your home, in the case of a backyard wedding). Restrooms are obviously a requirement, and rented restroom trailers are usually quite spacious and well-appointed.

** Nesselrod’s Pavilion has restrooms for your guests**

Miscellaneous Items

Talk to your vendors (particularly your caterer) about other types of items you might need to add to your wedding rental checklist. For example, bartenders need coolers for cocktails to reach the perfect temperature, your waitstaff may need pitchers to serve drinks, and if you’re hosting a buffet or family-style meal, you’ll need serving dishes and more.

You can click on the link below to see all available wedding rental items you would need.

Event Rentals

Wedding Reception

How Long Is a Wedding Reception?

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A big part of wedding planning is timing. There are a bunch of traditions and activities that you’ll want to cram into a limited amount of time, so creating a wedding timeline is essential. But in order to get started, you’ll need to know how much time you actually have. So, how long is a wedding reception? Well, it depends—different wedding venues have different packages with different reception lengths, so your best bet is to talk to your wedding planner and reception venue coordinator to determine your event’s exact length. Here, we’ll talk about the average reception length, and break down a full wedding reception timeline so you can start planning your big day, from start to finish. 

So, Exactly How Long Is a Wedding Reception?

All told, your entire wedding event will span about six hours—for example, an evening wedding that begins at 5 p.m will end at around 11 p.m. This includes the following major events:

  • Your wedding ceremony, which typically lasts about 30 minutes
  • Cocktail hour—usually an hour, but can be longer (and remember that your cocktail hour can take place before the ceremony or in between the ceremony and reception, depending on your schedule and preference) 
  • Your wedding reception (dinner and dancing), which is runs about four hours

Not included in this list are the period where you and your spouse are getting ready (which usually takes place over several hours), pre-wedding photo sessions (like the first look), set up and clean up, and any after-parties. Be sure to factor these activities into your wedding-day timeline, if applicable. And if you feel like your venue hasn’t allotted enough time for everything, you may be able to pay for extra hours. 

What Events Are Included In a Wedding Reception? 

A four- or five-hour wedding reception may seem like a long period of time—and it is! But remember that you have a lot of special traditions, events, and activities that you’ll want to make sure are included in the schedule, not to mention having plenty of time to mingle with your wedding guests, hit the dance floor and open bar, actually eat some of the delicious food, and take a few moments to just enjoy being newlyweds. That’s why creating a timeline that you’ll share with your wedding vendors and other VIPs, is so essential. 

In order to create a wedding timeline, we recommend making a list of all of the activities you’ll need to include in the big day and work with your wedding coordinator to figure out how to work them into the allotted period of time. Here is a sample wedding reception timeline to help you create your own. For this reception-focused timeline, the ceremony took place between 5:30 p.m. and 6 p.m., and the ceremony and reception are at the same location. 

6 p.m. Cocktail hour begins 

Cocktail hour isn’t just a time for guests to enjoy drinks and hors d’oeuvres. The couple may use this time to take photos, especially if they opted to skip a first look and see each other for the first time at the ceremony. Or, if the couple has already taken official portraits, the wedding photographer may grab the newlyweds for a few post-ceremony photos or family portraits. 

7 p.m. Guests enter the reception space. 

It’s time to party! Guests are invited to enter the reception space and find their seats. 

7:15 p.m. Grand entrance and first dance

The wedding party, followed by the newlyweds, are introduced and the couple immediately begins their first dance. 

7:20 p.m. Dance Set

After the first dance, guests may be invited to the dance floor for a few songs (or, at Jewish weddings, the hora) before they are encouraged to take their seats for dinner.

7:30 p.m. First course is served.

If the reception includes a seated dinner, the appetizer will be served shortly after the first dance. For a buffet meal, guests will start being called to get their food during this time. 

7:50 p.m. Welcome Toasts

Whoever is hosting the wedding will give the first toast as guests are finishing up the first course. Traditionally, this is the father of the bride, but it may be other parents, siblings, or loved ones. 

8:00 p.m. Dance Set 

After the first toasts, guests are invited to the dance floor. 

8:30 p.m. Entrées are served. 

Time to eat the main meal. 

9:15 p.m. Wedding Party Toasts

Toward the end of the entrée course, wedding party members give their toasts. Typically, the best man and maid of honor give speeches during this time, but any loved ones can be invited to toast the newlyweds. 

9:20 p.m. More Dancing!

Now that the toasts are over, the band or DJ will typically play its longest set—often until the party ends. 

10:00 p.m. Cake Cutting and Couple’s Thank-You Speech

How sweet it is! There will be a brief break in the dancing so the wedding cake can be brought on the dance floor. The couple will cut the cake, and may give a short speech thanking their guests for attending. The cake will be served shortly afterwards.

10:15 p.m. Bouquet Toss and Garter Toss 

If the couple choose to partake in these traditions, they’ll usually occur after the cake cutting.

10:45 p.m. Reception Ends

Whether the newlyweds choose to have grand exit complete with sparklers, quietly slip out, or host an after-party, it’s time for the reception to come to an end.

 
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Tell Your Guests “No Kids” Without Offending

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Telling your guests “no kids a the wedding” can be tricky, but you have to stand firm. Here’s how to communicate your policy clearly (but politely).

One of the more hot-button topics couples discuss in preparation for their big day is whether or not to invite kids. Many believe that a wedding is an adults-only affair, but others feel strongly that the guests who have young children deserve the freedom to decide on their own whether to bring their kids or find a sitter. The issue becomes even more complicated when close family or friends are involved. Often, these young children mean quite a lot to the couple getting married, so they may choose to include them in their big day.

There are several reasons for opting for no kids at your wedding. The most common reason is that it often places pressure on an already-tight budget. “If the couple is working with limited funds, then needing place settings and food for additional people (no matter their age) may not be possible—and eliminating children from the guest list is probably the easiest cut to make in that situation,” says Leah Weinberg of Color Pop Events in Long Island City, New York. Sometimes it’s as simple as the couple doesn’t want to deal with the distraction most young children can cause, especially babies. “Whether it’s a baby crying during the ceremony or a toddler running around during the best man’s giving speech, a couple has every right to want to eliminate that from their day,” Weinberg says. 

No Kids at event or wedding

While it might seem like an offensive thing to say on an invitation, a “no-kids at the wedding” policy is often appreciated, as it gives family or friends with small children an excuse to get a sitter and enjoy a night out as a couple. So how do you go above telling your guests that there will be no kids at your wedding? Keep scrolling to see what the experts say.

Inform close family members of this policy.

Make sure your immediate families know of your “no-kids at wedding” policy as soon as you’ve made the decision so that they can share that information with anyone they’ve invited. “If you have friends that have kids, be proactive and have the conversation with them early on that unfortunately they won’t be able to bring their kids,” says Weinberg. “Give them as much time as possible to make arrangements for childcare.”

Address the invitations clearly.

The invitation should be addressed only to those invited, not every single person in the household. For example, “Mr. & Mrs. Peter Smith” instead of “The Smith Family.” This drives home the message that their children are not mentioned, and therefore not invited.

Give guests the 411 on your website.

Etiquette expert Thomas P. Farley, a.k.a. Mister Manners, recommends that your wedding website include a brief mention of the fact that there will not be children at the reception so that guests are informed in advance. If you hold back this information, it could confuse guests and prevent them from coordinating a sitter in time. 

Stay firm on the “no kids at wedding” rules.

A “no-kids” policy at your wedding needs to be an all-or-nothing rule, says Danielle Rothweiler of Rothweiler Event Design in Verona, New Jersey. “Where many couples get in trouble, is they invite those closest to them with their children, or have flower girls and ring bearers,” she says. This can quickly hurt the feelings of well-meaning guests who made sacrifices in order to be a part of your big day. “You must be consistent and not make exceptions here and there,” adds Farley. Otherwise, you’re sure to hear some complaints. 

Be as understanding as possible when guests bring it up. 

Even though you might not be a parent yourself, it’s important to have empathy for those who are parents. It’s not always easy for them to part with their children, especially when they’re so young, so maintain your composure and explain in a nice way why you have this policy. “Explain that, as much as you love their children, due to the large number of youngsters who could potentially have been on your guest list, you had to make some tough decisions, which included not having children in attendance,” says Farley.