No children at shower help
So my mom said that she does not want any children at my shower (which I am completely fine with). She is wondering how to politely say on invitations "no children" without actually saying "no children". She is making the theme of the shower "mother's tea" which I think is adorable. She was thinking of putting something like "come celebrate a Mother's tea with us!" And she also said that she will be addressing the invitations very specifically (whoever is invited's first and last name, no Mrs. Whoever).
Would that be enough information or wording to get the point across? I'm just worried about my mom being really stressed out, because she was not thinking about this until I mentioned it. And she does ask for my opinions, I'm not helping plan my own shower, unless I am asked for opinions/suggestions.
Re: No children at shower help
I so agree with this...the not-so-subtle-hint is definitely needed because some people are dense. They think BABY shower means their kids, too!
This. Like a PP said, people are clueless, so it's better to spell it out for them so there's no confusion.
Everyone says not to do this, but I think it's the only way to get it through people's thick skulls.
Sadly- many of the rules of etiquette are unknown or simply ignored. While your mom is trying to do things the right way, there are people out there who just won't get it unless it's literally spelled out for them.
~Benjamin Franklin
DS dx with celiac disease 5/28/10
Agreed. It's polite but yet gets the point across and your not really stepping on anyone's toes. And if anyone does get offended then well...they should think about removing the stick from their a$$
If you put "Mother's Tea" will that exclude adult friends who don't have children?
I'm with your mom - just address the invite to the person invited.
For my shower we just addressed the invite to the one woman and no one brought kids. Also, so as not to exclude non-mom's another option is "Baby Shower Tea".
At DH's b-day party the previous weekend we had a couple people ask if they could bring kids and I politely informed them that it was an adult-only event. no one just showed up with children. In fact a couple couples had to decline b/c they couldn't find a sitter.
~Benjamin Franklin
DS dx with celiac disease 5/28/10
Ladies' Tea?
Of course, people will still think you intended to invite their small child, so spelling it out for them probably is best.
Honestly, a "Mothers Tea" says "bring your child" more so than anything else! "Well, I'm a mom so OF COURSE I should bring my child.... isn't that the whole point?". (I personally would never think this, but women who think their babies are invited to everything would probably absolutely think this.)
~Benjamin Franklin
DS dx with celiac disease 5/28/10
How's about Regrets, no children?
As PP put I would do this. People always think their children are invited. I have no idea where that came from. I understand nuring mothers or people from out of town but in general why kids come is beyond me!
Our wedding reception was an "Adult reception" and everyone got the hint. The only kids allowed were my little cousins and my niece. It worked out well!
Do they? My toddler sh*ts roses, makes Steven Hawking look like a dumbass, and walks on water, but I never assume he's invited unless specifically stated in an invitation.
You just proved the point that some people think their kids are invited to everything...even an adult's birthday party. At least your friends asked! Usually pepole have to decline last minute because of no sitter is because they planned to bring their kids! Some people are just dense...they don't get that the name on the invite is the person invited.
OP - I also agree that "Ladies Tea" is more appropriate.