HELP! Need reception etiquette advice please!

severum mama

severum mama

is a big bowl of wrong.
Dec 30, 2006
2,177
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North GA
Hey guys, I have a problem....

Hooked Newbie and I are having a small reception after we get back from the wedding/cruise. It's at Ruth's Chris steak house, and my parents have rented a private room there. The plan is to have an "adults only" event, which is why we are having it from 7-10 PM. We didn't feel the need to include on the invitations that it was adults only because of the time chosen.

The problem is, a friend of mine from high school has sent the RSVP card back with plans to bring her 2 toddlers. This can't happen.... my cousin is already upset about not being able to bring her infant (that screamed throughout the last family dinner function), and if anyone shows up with kids it will incite MAJOR family drama.:silly:

My question is, how do I approach the subject with my friend without offending her? Her kids are great, but the reception just really isn't the time or place for children. What would you all do?:confused:
 
Just tell her that there are things that will burn her child's eyes out. And your not the one who is gonna be exposing them to that kinda entertainment. If she protest, ask her if you can take them to the local strip club? Of you can always say her kids smell funny
 
First, be sweet, and say "I'm SOOO sorry I didn't make this clear on the invitation."
Then, blame it on your cousin :evil_lol:
Say something like, "My cousin's kid is such a crier, and we told her that she couldn't bring the baby because the dinner is 'adult's only.' Of course, I'd LOVE to have your two cuties at the dinner, but this will cause a family fight if we let someone else bring kids and not our cousin."

Take my 2 cents with a grain of salt--I'm not good at dealing with this kind of etiquette drama, why is part of why I eloped! :devil:
 
I would explain that it is not going to be appropriate, by anyone's standards, for children to be in attendance but you hope that she will still be attending. If she freaks out or gets PO'd then hey she isn't really your friend and better to know now. We are all expecting pics from the cruise you two know this right? :)
 
I would find out who the babysitters in the area are and get their rates. Let your friend know that the reception is adults only, but you have sitters lined up for those who need them. Give the friend the number of the babysitter.
 
snoopy65 said:
I would find out who the babysitters in the area are and get their rates. Let your friend know that the reception is adults only, but you have sitters lined up for those who need them. Give the friend the number of the babysitter.
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That's a good idea.

As the mom of small children, I really do not get offended when someone tells me that they want their dinner, etc. to be adults only. In fact, I always ask if it's not clear (being a pastor's wife we get a variety of invitations to things). I think you should just be honest and tell her that you had planned for the reception to be a time for all adults to have adult fun without having to worry about little ones getting tired and cranky.

Edit: A true friend will understand.
 
If it it was in a hotel the thing to do would be book a smaller room and a couple babysitters.

But in a restaurant its tricky isn't it...I mean where will the babysitter babysit the kids ? I think you'll have to give her a call and say that unfortunately there isn't the space for kids, and that family have been invited on the same basis. Saying there isn't space might be easier than saying you're not having kids. Lil white lie. People understand about couples being under pressure on numbers at weddings.
 
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