@jca2 Some people get really insulted. Plus, it can be a real inconvenience for parents who aren’t ready to leave their baby with a sitter, or if they come from out of state and would have to trust a hotel babysitter.
I was young, and didn’t even think it through. Plus, there weren’t many children in my family, or friends, so it’s not like the party would be overrun.
My SIL said more than one comment at the time about now she knows what type of person I am. Whatever exactly that meant.
The worst part is I never would have said no children if people hadn’t told me to do it. I wouldn’t have even thought about it. Now, as an older adult, I always feel like it’s better to welcome whoever shows up. If extra people come, I think everyone understands, and no adult is so hungry that a little less food during the three hours is going to be that big of a deal. At a wedding it can mean extra expense though, paying per person, which I think is unfair, but a few extra people or kids might cost nothing, especially if it’s a buffet.
I’ve only had extra people show a handful of times, usually people ask if it’s ok to bring someone, and I always say yes.