Following on from the no children rule...

We were the same but we were going to have OHs neice and nephew (so just close relatives rather than everyones children) we do now have a bit of a problem that his stepbrother and his fiancee are expecting a month before the wedding so will need to add one more in even though they aren't close... I think it's ok to specify only children of close relatives so you should be alright to say that if that's what you want

That's kind of my problem too. Another friend (regular guest) is due to have a baby 4 weeks before the wedding so should they be allowed to bring their child too?

Though I have to say, they, like the Bridemaid and Bestman, have already said they won't be bringing it ?

We have had another guest decline as she's due to give birth to baby no.3 in February and doesn't think she'll be able to leave the little one plus her other 2 with someone. Her husband is coming alone...

I agree with H2B - family is different.

I just hate grey areas! see im close to my cousin so not sure what to do there.. it's difficult.

I think his friend we can get away with but my cousin im not so sure ?

Yep that is difficult - do you - personally - want your cousin's kid there? personally, tbh, we're going to risk upsetting people. For example we think we're going to have to allow one friend's kid as they're coming over from abroad and her family live in Italy and his live in France - so they can't really leave the kid with anyone. So I guess I'd say if you want your cousin's kid as well as h2b's new bro/sis then go for it.

We had a 9mth old and a 2 year old and TBH we didn't notice them, their parents kept them occupied and they left pretty soon after the food (although that did go on for about 3 hrs).

I posted this on GeordieBarbie's thread but I think there is a clear distinction between children and 'babes in arms'. For a start younger babies won't need a seat or any food or drink and also if they are being breast fed they need to be with their mummies really. If you tell your guests that you have a no children rule except for babies under 6 months for obvious reasons then I am sure all of the guests who are parents will understand that.

WEES

Babies are different to children. A 3 month old baby may cry (have words with parents before that they have to take it out of room if it does), but generally sleep and eat own food. 5 year olds slide on dance floor, need a seat and a meal. Also, family is different. I wouldn't mind if my (imaginary) children weren't invited to a friends (also imaginary) wedding but the brides (yet again imaginary!) niece was.

I think, just having a small selection of children is ok.

The other guests will get over it,

I have been to a wedding when this happened and the other guests noticed but they were not bothered

most enjoyed the break away from the kids! plus everyone knows weddings are expensive so they understand the effect of children on the budget

so as the bride

do what you have to do !

Personally I wouldn't worry, baby can come and no other children a. because its immediate family. b. its very young to be away from mother. Also long as it it doesnt scream in ceremony.

(As a teacher there is nothing worse than parents small children screaming/crying during a school play the children have worked so hard for- same goes for my wedding, I would remove the child myself!)