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Just Said Yes September 2025

Family invites- cousins specifically

Emily, on April 7, 2025 at 11:37 PM Posted in Etiquette and Advice 0 2
I need feedback (maybe not brutally honest feedback) but feedback. I’ve been engaged for (almost) 2 years now. We’ve been back and forth between big wedding/ elope/ courthouse and finally made a decision. We’ll be having a private ceremony with our immediate families (parents, siblings) in my brother’s backyard. A few months later we’ll have a “reception” / celebration with more people.
We’ve decided on no kids for a few reasons, (budget, venue size, rowdiness) so 21+ (with the exception of FHs sister who will be 18 and a bridesmaid)
Our venue holds 100 people comfortably with not much wiggle room. The majority of the guest list is family, aunts, uncles, adult cousins. The adult only factor leaves out 2 cousins on his side. And 2 of my side- simply for being under 21. The 2 not of age on my side are a group of 4 cousins (2 will be 21) BUT 1 of them I haven’t spoken to in over 5 years and the other I’ve spoken to once (when I got engaged)- I used to nanny these kids, school pick ups and doctors appointments, etc but we grew apart quickly as they got olderWe will be inviting the parents (aunts/ uncles) of those cousins, as well as cousins on the same side of the family.
I guess my long winded question is, for my 4 cousins in this scenario, do I invite the 2 who are 21+ but not their siblings? Or do I not invite that set of siblings all together?
Signed, a stressed out bride losing sleep over wanting to avoid family drama

2 Comments

Latest activity by LM, on April 9, 2025 at 5:41 AM
  • LM
    Super December 2022
    LM ·
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    Going with etiquette is easiest. Invite circles together, invite siblings together. A 21 y/o does not have the emotional maturity of a 6 y/o so no need to be so hard with over 21 rule. We capped our wedding at 1st cousins, second and third did not get invites.


    I recommend you plan on inviting the cousins to just one celebration. Some couples on WW report a disheartening second bash. Some guests may decline because they're offended by not being invited to the actual wedding, some may decline as they see it as less a priority (not a wedding), or you and your spouse may want to spend your $ on married life rather than another reception. Best wishes and get some rest.
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  • LM
    Super December 2022
    LM ·
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    I just reread your post. You don't mention the ages of the cousins and I thought they were close to 21. I would invite the underage cousins no matter relationship or age as there are so few and would not make a child party. Do not exclude whole families like they're the one group suspiciously out. Have one wedding celebration graciously. Your guests are free to decline but leave it to them to decide.
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