What to Do When Your Guests Want to Bring Children to Your Destination Wedding

Planning a destination wedding is an exciting journey for couples, but oftentimes the question “Should Kids be Invited to a Destination Wedding?” can stir up controversy and mixed opinions. While some couples dream of an elegant, adult-only affair, it’s important to consider the challenges this may pose for parents traveling with or without their family.

Many couples want their friends to be able to join them at their wedding destination, but parents (especially with young kids) may struggle to leave their children or find adequate child care for an extended period. 

Here are some ideas to help everyone feel included while still having the wedding you want.

Kid Friendly Resorts to the Rescue:

One increasingly popular solution is choosing a kid-friendly resort for the celebration. Many all-inclusive resorts offer complimentary kids’ clubs for children aged four and above, seamlessly blending family-friendly amenities with the couple’s dream wedding. These clubs often feature engaging activities, allowing parents to attend wedding events with peace of mind. Politely ask parents to use the kid’s club during your wedding events so you can keep your reception and ceremony kid-free. 

Additional Nanny Services:

Several resorts recognize that some parents may have younger children or wish to enjoy wedding events without worrying about childcare. These services, often available after hours, ensure parents can fully participate in the celebration while their little ones are well cared for. This is also great when there are children under the age of 4, or parents want more one-on-one care for their children than what a kid’s club can offer.

Bringing Along a Helping Hand:

If you do not feel kids should be invited to a destination wedding event, but you want your friends to be able to attend, one approach is to ask parents to bring a friend, family member, or nanny to stay with the children during wedding events. The added benefit? These caregivers can also stay at the resort under the wedding group without counting towards the guest count if they aren’t attending the ceremony. This way, couples can revel in their child-free celebration, and parents can still travel to be part of everything.

But What if I Want An Adults-Only Resort?

Ultimately, it is your wedding, and you will have to decide to allow children, or to not allow children. In the case that you choose a strictly adults-only destination wedding, my best advice is to allow your friends and family with children to opt out without any hard feelings. Some may have support and reliable family to watch their children, but others may not, or may not feel comfortable traveling without them. Let them know that it is perfectly OK for them not to attend.

Whether through kid-friendly resorts, additional nanny services, or bringing along a helping hand, there are plenty of ways to strike the perfect balance between an elegant celebration and accommodating little ones. After all, love knows no age limit, and weddings are a celebration for everyone involved.

With all of this said, the couple has every right to have their wedding at an adults-only resort if they choose to. Clear communication about the decision to exclude or include children can go a long way to ensure parents feel welcome and understand expectations.

What do you think? Should kids be invited to a destination wedding?

Do you need help planning your destination wedding? Contact me for a consultation, or join my Destination Wedding Facebook Group for more advice and support. Visit my website here to learn more about me and my services, or follow me on Instagram to travel the globe with me!