You Don’t Have to Invite Them
I hate to agree with those clickbait articles that say it, but we have an entitlement problem. People feel entitled to life updates, pictures of babies and access to each others lives in a way history has never seen before. It’s insane. In the wedding industry, that entitlement is seen in full effect. Everyone wants to talk about Bridezillas, but no one wants to talk about the pack of pirhanas that come from both sides of the family. I’ve seen it all. I’ve seen mothers in law try to take over planning and make up for the wedding they never got. Jealous siblings, hater friends and overly critical parents. Those are the horror stories, but they honestly do not compare to the minor requests that come en masse.
The post below this was taken from one of my instagram mutuals and her future husband. Their bold proclamation that they do not care was the inspiration for this post, and a call for me to say what needed to be said.
I think all of this started when we were kids. Our mothers would pass us phones to talk to a relative we “knew as a baby.” Or when we went to family gatherings and were expected to interact with people 30+ years our senior. That kind of attitude carries over into weddings. When you get engaged everyone is supportive, but a lot of people are entitled as well. So here’s a handful of people you don’t have to invite to your wedding.
People you “knew as a baby”.
If you do not remember someone, you’re under no obligation to invite them to your wedding. These people may have fond memories of their time with you, but if you don’t have any memory of them, you’re not obligated to invite them. In my own opinion, weddings should be involve the people who have the most impact on who you are today, not who you were before you could walk.
People you have never met
Your wedding is a day of love and celebration with your friends and family. You are not obligated to grant everyone who asks for a plus one. As sad as it is to say, not all relationships are meant to be. Inviting your cousin’s latest partner is not mandatory at all. If you do not know someone, don't invite them.
Children
Child-free weddings and receptions are a big point of debate, and likely will always be. I prefer childfree weddings due to the fact that children are usually bored at these events. There is nothing for them to do really. If you and your partner have children already, there is absolutely nothing wrong with inviting your children and not allowing others to bring theirs. You are here to join your families, and your own kids can be the exception to any rule you deem fit.
Old friends and acquaintances
If your friendship with someone has dwindled over the years, a wedding is no time to rekindle a friendship.
All your coworkers
You may have formed a special bond with a few of your coworkers, but that doesn’t mean your break room needs to be in your banquet hall
People who aren’t consistently in your life
I saw this post a few months back about how this woman did not want people to only invite her to their big moments like baby showers, engagement parties and events where gift giving was the expectation. She said that if she were not a part of the small moments, she did not want to be there for the big ones. I think the opposite could be applied to weddings. If someone is in the group of people that found out you were engaged from social media, they might not be priority on your guest list.
All in all, I would like to reiterate that your wedding is for you and your partner. Do not feel ashamed of cutting your list in the name of sanity, your budget, and just because you want to.
