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theboopers
Just Said Yes May 2020

Making peace with the guest list (toxic family advice?)

theboopers, on December 4, 2018 at 7:02 PM Posted in Family and Relationships 0 6

I've spent the last two days brainstorming creative lines for our invites (they are freaking hilarious and I cannot wait to finalize a date to order them), which has led to sincerely looking at the guest list.

Here's my heart's issue: I have a toxic relationship with one of my parents. I'm not one for airing dirty laundry on the internet so.. Let's just say there is no relationship or contact with this person beyond appearances. I honestly would rather not invite them to my wedding at all because it feels like a lie. However, no invite would trigger the exact drama I am trying to avoid at this point in my life. This would also stop my youngest brother from attending. I don't want that to happen, nor do I want him to feel like he isn't welcome because of this twisted situation.

Have any of you faced a similar dilemma? What helped you to find your decision?

(I have not decided to invite or not invite this parent at this point in time. Thank you in advance for your thoughts Smiley heart )

6 Comments

Latest activity by Cha, on December 12, 2019 at 8:18 PM
  • Pirate & 60s Bride
    Legend March 2017
    Pirate & 60s Bride ·
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    Ugh, tough call! Because I don't know the details I can only suggest this...if I were uncomfortable but thought the parent wouldn't destroy my wedding, I think I'd invite them. I'd want photos and that experience for the future (and kids if I planned to have them) knowing someday I'd lose that parent and never get that chance back. I'd carefully choose his/her seat and maybe ask another family member who did get along to spend some time with him/her. That parent may not decide to go anyway but at least I tried!

    BUT, if I feared that parent would be toxic at my wedding (drunk, hostile, disruptive) to the point I'd be stressed for the happiness and well-being of me and my guests then I would not.

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  • Maggie
    Super February 2019
    Maggie ·
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    This is a really tough call, and one only you can make. And I dont think you are wrong for whatever you choose, but I would lean toward inviting them, only because I think you would regret it less in the future. Do you have any support from your family or friends in this situation? You could sort of designate someone to be a barrier between you and this person on your day so you dont have to spend too much time with them. You can also give them as much or as little responsibility. Chances are if you are having a medium to large wedding your contact with any one person is going to minimal throughout the wedding. Also, make sure you set clear and firm boundaries leading up to the wedding and if those are breached you can revisit the invite. Good luck, I hope it gets easier
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  • theboopers
    Just Said Yes May 2020
    theboopers ·
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    I really love the idea of having a buffer. Thank you for the suggestion!

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  • OnCloudRawls
    VIP June 2019
    OnCloudRawls ·
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    Honestly, I understand where you are coming from on this issue. My biological father is not invited to my wedding and it was the best decision for me and it made my mom feel better knowing that he wouldn't be there. Only you can make that decision. Have you attempted to reconcile with your parent before you become a Mrs.?

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  • HayMrsO
    Master October 2018
    HayMrsO ·
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    These are all fantastic suggestions!

    Also, maybe having someone who is "in the know" on the situation act as a buffer for you, just in case you are feeling uncomfortable, to have said parent steered in a different direction.

    Best of luck to you!

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  • Cha
    Just Said Yes January 2019
    Cha ·
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    I’m in a similar situation. It would be my little sister who wouldn’t be able to go if I don’t invite one parent and I also have 2 siblings I don’t want there. *sigh*
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