Pros and Cons of a Child-Free Wedding

Finalizing your guest list can be one of the most daunting aspects of wedding planning, and many couples today are choosing to make their weddings child-free.

Before you decide there will be "no children allowed" at your wedding, decide the reasons why. Telling your closest friends and family members that little Tommy isn't invited is tough and you have to be delicate. Here are a few things that can help you decide which way to go:

• Will your wedding be kid-friendly, or adult-oriented? If you're intending to have a club-like atmosphere complete with open bar, it may not be the best place for children and your guests will feel comfortable and more laid back if children aren't present.
• Trying to keep your affair intimate? If your guest list needs to be kept small due to budget or other reasons, the easiest way to pare down the list is to invite only adults. This is also important if the venue you've chosen for your reception is small and intimate, like a restaurant.
• For many brides- and grooms-to-be, it simply boils down to a matter of finances. The more people you invite (including children), the more your wedding will cost. An adults-only wedding will help favors, centerpieces and catering costs if your friends, co-workers, and family leave their little ones with a babysitter.

If you choose to go with a child-free wedding, be sure to inform all of your guests well ahead of time so that everyone will be able to make the proper arrangements in advance. Ultimately, this is your special day, so it's your decision to make just be sure to consider the pros and cons of a child-free wedding before making your decision.