Just an observation gathered from this thread and others on the topic.
The people who are pro kids at weddings seem to be the most adamant and passionate. They will even scorn the couple for making certain choices about their day of union.
Why shouldn't people preparing to throw a big party, a day they'll remember forever, which will be the springboard for their journey together through life, so it in their own way? I just don't get it.
My God there are even people on all these threads furious with their friends or family for inviting them to their wedding.
Honestly my first feeling when I open an invitation is always one of gratitude to the person for thinking of me. Great to be part of something. An honour that someone would like to share this day with me. I wouldn't DREAM of slagging them off or judging them for doing it all wrong. It seems so awful to me.
If you can't bear to be without your kids for a day or if they're too young and it wouldn't be right, so be it! Don't go. It's not the bride and grooms fault. It's just another of those things you can't do with babies and small kids. Get used to it.
Sorry. I guess I'll have to admit I'm one of those with a strong view about this.
(I had a couple of kids at my wedding btw, and it was before I had kids. It woudln't have occured to me not to invite them. They were family. But that was MY choice.)