You’ve got to be kid-ing me

Because all wedding etiquette posts should start with a dog proofreading a book outline, right?

Let’s talk wedding etiquette, shall we? And no, I’m not talking about if you should really refrain from putting your elbows on the table or chewing gum at the church. Though if you’re coming to the cathedral on my day and I hear you smacking from the altar, I will personally come and rip it from your lips. #notkidding

I’m talking about kids. Specifically, the lack thereof.

Let’s be honest and say that I have no problem with children. For heaven’s sake, I was a nanny once upon a time and I have a brother and sister below the age of 10. 

That being said, Dane and I aren’t having children as part of our wedding party. This is the one day in both of our lives that is about us. I’d say committing yourself to one person for the rest of your life is a pretty huge deal and we, personally, don’t want a pint-sized ring bearer playing in the Holy Water or a flower girl twirling around causing a ruckus while we’re saying our vows.

The reception is where things get dicey. Regardless of reasoning, this is a topic that couples often feel the most backlash from.

Let’s put this in perspective: You go out to dinner with your family and when the bill comes, you notice your 8 year-old’s meal was $123. That 8 year-old didn’t drink alcohol. They didn’t dance. And they didn’t appreciate the plate or centerpiece from the table they ate off.

If you’re not thinking “HOLY SHIT!”, then this may be where we begin to disagree.

Personally, that’s a tough pill to swallow for me. It is also my personal belief that anyone below the a certain age cannot appreciate being out late in an atmosphere filled with drinking and dancing. Would you take your child to a bar? No, and you’d call me crazy for suggesting it.

 It’s hard to imagine causing a family or friend rift over something like this, but this is a reality. One that many couples face! So, what are your thoughts?

**to be clear, we have not made a decision one way or the other on our reception**