Guest List Question

I feel it would be perfectly acceptable to state on the invite that the event is for adults only and before you state this, you better be sure that no exceptions will be made for others who do have well mannered children. If you don't want the unruly children there, then make it known that NO CHILDREN are allowed by stating, "For adults only." I have children and I would not be offended to know in advance that my kiddos are not welcome. It would give me time to find suitable care for them while I am attending the event.

yeah, i feel ya'. i wouldn't want the kiddos there either, bless her heart. but yeah, tell her it's only adults. i'm a single mom so when i'm invited somewhere i always mention that i'll have my son. the host will then usually say, "oh honey, there's not gonna be any children, it wouldn't be a good place for them".
i ALWAYS accept that. imo i think kids AREN'T invited unless it's obvious...kids bday party, baby shower, playdates, etc. But dinner at a restaurant, dinner party @ home, etc., i always assume kiddos aren't invited. i think that'll work and she won't think a thing of it. i wouldn't :)

You could decide this event is a no-children one. Then, when you send the invitations, indicate that it's just for the grownups (and send the invitations early enough that everyone has time to find sitters for the evening).

But if you want to let everybody else's children to come except your friend's, I think you have a big problem. I don't know how you can manage that and come out on top. Sorry.

You can invite adult only if you don't plan on anyone having children there but to single out one family with the no kids invite would do nothing but hurt their feelings. I like the idea of all the kids being watched at one house, kind of a kid's party. Pizza and movies would be great for them. If the event is for a child there is no way you can do that so you will have to invite them all and hope for the best.

Will there be other children there? Could you hire a sitter (or two) to host all the children at your or another guest's home during the party? That way the kids aren't horribly bored, and the adults don't have to worry about how much noise they're making or what kind of trouble they're getting into. If you are planning far enough in advance, you could ask those guests with children to pitch in if they'd like childcare. Of course, that could be considered tacky, but you gotta do what you gotta do to allow everyone to have a good time. Good luck!

I agree with Mary. It was a little unclear as to whether or not there would be other children there, so if not, it's pretty easy to just say this is adults only. If you are including other children I would rethink telling her she can't bring hers. If you're still uncomfortable then maybe you could say something like, 'Do you think you'll bring the kids? They are welcome but we'll be in a small room (or won't have a room to ourselves) and you and hubby might have more fun if you can find a sitter so you won't have to keep up with them. Plus we'll actually get to chat and catch up!'...or something to that effect.

Just invite her and her date. Let her know you want to be selfish and have her there all to yourself.

I have friend like this too. Love her to death, but her kids are like wild children and she NEVER says anything to them.

She has a hard time leaving them at home, she says she misses them too much.. So we end up not always including her at the more grown up events.

tell her to get a sitter-its adults only-then tell her to clean up her kids and start teaching them manners.

What kind of an event? I'm thinking maybe no kids? If that isn't possible, she's a good friend, invite her and if she brings her kids - don't sweat it. The restaurant has probably seen it all!