[mum22boyz]

I would think that the B&G have thought long and hard about the guests they can invite and would just be honoured I was on the invite list!

We had some people not come to our wedding as we didn't have children and that was fine - it was their choice not to come - if people want to go badly enough, they'll find a babysitter.

I would never be offended if my kids weren't invited to a wedding - I, like PP, would be thrilled at the chance to have a night off!

[Last Goodbye]

I thought it was normally the mother of the bride that was the PITA when it came to weddings but the first cousin's wife. Seriously.....

It's their wedding which means they get to decide who is invited and who isn't. I'm sure they have their reasons so please dont make it difficult for them. It really shouldn't be an issue and I'm sure the couple could do without the extra stress of the groom's Aunt starting on them about some kids who happen to be second cousins attending the wedding and taking the place of other guests who they would prefer to have there.

If it really means that much to you then ask if they can attend the ceremony but I wouldn't impose on them for the kids to attend the reception.

FWIW, I only had my kids and our nieces and nephews at our wedding. If I was forced to invite my second cousins etc we would've had to have a loan bigger than our mortgage just to feed them all.

Just remember, their wedding day is about them and only them, not about what you want.

[Blossom77]

I am also from a family (and social circle - have only ever been to one 'childfree' wedding) that sees weddings as family events that automatically include children. But I also think that part of being a family involves being cool about the choices of other family members, and not becoming That Guest who needlessly makes life difficult for the bride and groom.

So I'd go, I'd wish them well, and I'd enjoy it.

[Guest_Dinah_Harris_*]

We just went to a wedding without a kids - they weren't invited. It was GREAT!
We sat through the whole ceremony without any crying, whinging, needing to go to the toilet or anyone being hungry.
At the reception, we ate and drank and danced without worrying about the kids getting tired, throwing tantrums, having anything to eat and going home early.
I highly recommend weddings without kids!
FWIW, I think that if it's not your wedding, you don't get to dictate how it's organised. If it offends you so much, don't go. But I do think you are being precious.

[katniss]

TBH, I don't think that weddings are "family events" exclusively. Weddings are a special gathering to share with those closest to you. Why should someone invite 2nd, 3rd cousins who they may not see often just because they are related?

If I had invited every family member plus partners plus kids, my wedding would've had 200 odd people. I can't afford that. I have about 20 first cousins on my dad's side and only invited the few that I am close to. I also didn't get invited to many of my first cousins weddings and I'm not offended by that.

This cousin may just be closer to the other kids invited than they are to your kids.

So why is it okay to tell the OP to get over her kids not being invited, but awhile ago when someone said something about her relatives wanting to bring a houseguest to her wedding they were basically told they should invite them(a stranger).

I didn't read that thread but if I had I would've said a stranger shouldn't be invited just because other people are saying so! And if every person in this post who say kids don't have to be invited said in the other post that the stranger should have then fine you do have a point. Otherwise your comment has nothing to do with this topic!

[Jembo]

It wouldn't offend me if my kids were not invited, they do not need to be invited to every thing on the planet.

I would just find a babysitter and enjoy the night out, and if not, stay at home.

[opethmum]

Their wedding, their choice.

I would find a babysitter if you want to go if not decline and have a night in or whatever.

No need to get yourself worked up.

I have been in the situation where I was still breastfeeding my DD and was invited to a wedding, I sucked it up and went sans DD and got my in laws to mind her. We had a great time and it was the first event that I could just relax.

[FerdiNando]

Wow some very passionate responses! Glad I asked.

For what it's worth, the rest of the family (ie: MIL etc) don't know as yet. & no we have no intention of making a fuss with the bride and groom or the aunt and uncle over this. BUT having said that Dh & I are pretty certain on how MIL/FIL will react. Again thier business if they choose to question it.

[sunnyfran]

I will start by saying i love children... At any other event they r more than welcome but i will not be having children at y wedding when the time comes except nephews and nieces who woild be included in the wedding somehow... I recently went to a wedding with wu ok te a few children who were absolutely out of control... Dp was the besr man... After the wedding i said see why i dont want children at a wedding...

[JRA]

What is it to do with your MIL/FIL. They are not the parents of the participants in the wedding are they?