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Dear Miss SOS:

There will be a number of small children attending our wedding reception. Would it be appropriate to arrange for a babysitter for them and if so, what rule of thumb should I go by, and how do I let guests know?

What a generous and thoughtful Bride you are. Many times weddings serve as an opportunity for family and friends who haven’t seen each other in a long time to become re-acquainted. It is not uncommon for these conversational reunions to become interrupted or abruptly terminated when small ones become tired or overwhelmed by the festivities.

If possible, arrange for a small room or area for the youngest children. Have healthy snacks and juices available for refreshment. If a DVD or video player is available, pop in a favorite tape to play for their enjoyment. You might also want to have a bin stuffed with inexpensive toys or games that they could play (a 99¢ or dollar store is the perfect place in finding lots of little things children like).

One babysitter trained in CPR per five children is considered acceptable. An enclosure card stating “Babysitting services will be provided at the hotel (reception site) for all children under the age of 5” would be a gracious way to inform your guests of your arrangements.

Dear Miss SOS:

I don't want any children at my wedding. How do I write an invitation saying that I do not want children at the wedding or do I have to do it verbally? Write soon. Thank you.

Etiquette has not, nor ever will, evolve into issuing reverse or negative invitations. Miss SOS is dismayed when she sees invitations stating "no children allowed" or"adults only". She can only wonder if people would feel equally comfortable issuing or receiving wedding invitations that say "no handicapped allowed" or "Caucasians only". Hopefully, Miss SOS has made her point.

Address the invitations to the individuals invited. If they respond that they are bringing additional guests, i.e. their children, Miss SOS suggests rather than saying that you don't want children at this joyous family event, that you phrase your comments along the lines of "We're not having children at our wedding. I'm sure your little one would behave adorably but not every child is as wonderful as yours."

Though Miss SOS will refrain on commenting on your belief that children should be excluded at the union of two families, it has been her experience that it is the older guests that are more likely to behave inappropriately.

Have a question? Write Miss SOS at Prescott Weddings.com