General Etiquette - How to ask for "Adults Only"

I have a large Italian family on my moms side along with a step-fathers family and my real dad's side of the family to invite!!! There are 5 generations and a TON of kids. I don't want everyone to feel free to bring their children along. How can I ask for just the invited parties to attend? HELP ME!

It sounds like you're in a tough spot. You're just going to have to put adult reception on the invites. Maybe just make an exception for close family. Be prepared for some people to get a little offended but thats sometimes how it goes when it comes to family. You won't be able to help that. But I"m sure most of them will enjoy a nite free of kids. And guess what? ITS YOUR WEDDING! :)

That was a very good tip. I will add that to my reception cards.

you could put on the invites/RSVP whatever else, ONLY the invited persons names, something like I hope [blank and blank] will be able to attend [whatever you want] along with adult only reception. You could set an age limit, that way if there are some you don't mind coming that are over a certain age, then maybe that would work. I don't know...brainstorming.

you could put in your invitation the number of seats you have reserved for a family so you they'll be the one to decide who goes to the wedding or not.