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TeamEJ2009
Devoted July 2017

How to let people know they can't bring uninvited guests?

TeamEJ2009, on May 12, 2017 at 4:30 AM Posted in Planning 0 20

As we were going through the guest list yesterday, we came across a few people that usually bring whoever they please from their families at weddings-even if uninvited. For example when inviting husband & wife, they think it's acceptable to bring their 22 year old son and his wife because they think an invite should include their adult children. I know this because they have done it to a previous bride I know. How can I let these few people know that their kids and their kids' spouses are NOT invited? I already got the invitations without the "We have reserved ___ seats in your honor" sentence added in. I'm addressing the envelope to husband and wife only. Should I take it a step further and fill in their names on the RSVP card too? I want to make it clear that they can't bring their adult kids to our wedding. It should be common sense but apparently not everyone understands wedding etiquette.

20 Comments

Latest activity by Celia Milton, on May 12, 2017 at 9:01 PM
  • karen
    Master October 2017
    karen ·
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    I think putting their names on the RSVP cards is fine. You shouldn't put "and don't bring anyone else" but fine to put names.

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  • Kelly
    Super September 2017
    Kelly ·
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    I think what you are doing to enough. If they fill in extra names just call them and say that the venue has limited seating.

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  • TeamEJ2009
    Devoted July 2017
    TeamEJ2009 ·
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    Thanks ladies. Do I come across as rude writing their names in the RSVP cards where it says M_______ ? will attend can't attend (that's how my RSVP cards are worded).

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  • Kelly
    Super September 2017
    Kelly ·
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    I personally wouldn't write it in but it's up to you.

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  • TeamEJ2009
    Devoted July 2017
    TeamEJ2009 ·
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    I would prefer not to have to write it in and I wouldn't if it was just one couple but it's about 6 of them who believe that any wedding invite means their kids and their kids' spouses also. This would increase my number and cost. Not to mention they would literally just show up to the venue. I'd rather not invite them at all but apparently I can't do that. I'm trying to avoid having an extra 15 people at my wedding.

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  • AlmostMrsAndrews
    Dedicated June 2017
    AlmostMrsAndrews ·
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    I had 1 person do this to me (yesterday as a matter of fact), RSVP 2 weeks after the deadline and added +Guest on his RSVP when the invitation was addressed to him only. When I text him who the name of the guest would be, he didn't know yet. I told him it was plated and I needed to know ASAP-I had no idea how to respond

    People kill me, absolutely kill me. My grandmother would roll in her grave, and my mother, who is bed ridden will lose it if I tell her...

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  • M
    Devoted April 2017
    Miranda ·
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    I know it can be annoying. I had a very small ceremony and personally handed my best friend the invite and her mom decided she wanted to go and invited my friends dad and 30 year old brother too

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  • Erin
    VIP May 2017
    Erin ·
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    We had probably 3 couples do this.. all from the same family. It's annoying, but I just said fuck it and let them bring their 25 year old single step son whom FH and I have never met (yes, for real). I wanted to address it but FH told me to wait until all RSVPs were in. When all were in, we still had plenty of space so I just let it go. People are rude and sometimes it's without even realizing it. I think what you are doing is the extent of what I would do, and that's what I did. If it happens, and you can't let it go, contact them and let them know you're sorry but there is limited space

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  • Chelsealeigh218
    Super October 2018
    Chelsealeigh218 ·
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    Ugh, i really hate this.....do they not understand everything that goes into planning something like this? Rude.

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  • FutureMrs.Saddler
    Super June 2017
    FutureMrs.Saddler ·
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    I did everything you had mentioned and for the most part it worked out well. But... I still had one person add another guest to their party of 4. The invitation was made out to the ______family. With all of the names in the family who were invited. I added that there were 4 seats reserved for them. A few days before the RSVP date was when we found out they decided to add a 5th person. Am I little annoyed? Not going to lie, of course I am. But I think my FMIL is more annoyed about it than I am because this is her friend.

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  • JDSquared
    VIP August 2017
    JDSquared ·
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    I would put their names on the rsvp!

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  • Must Love Cats
    Master October 2017
    Must Love Cats ·
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    I would write it. That's what we are doing to avoid uninvited people.

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  • Lucio@Last
    Super June 2018
    Lucio@Last ·
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    Put their names, or just don't invite them at all..

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  • Shana
    Devoted June 2017
    Shana ·
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    Yes you should. As a matter of fact, I would call them once the RSVP'S come in to clarify.

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  • Sylphier
    Super June 2017
    Sylphier ·
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    I had one guest I knew was going to pull something similar to what you are concerned about - I did exactly as you are considering and wrote their names out on the card so they couldnt think it was ok to add any extras on. I think if you know they are prone to bringing extras who aren't welcome, it's fine to do that. And if for some reason those people still write in an extra name, just call them and tell them you are keeping to a very strict invite list and unfortunately there will be no space for JohnDoe.

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  • LoveLoveLove
    Super October 2017
    LoveLoveLove ·
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    All of your suggestions (writing their names in the RSVP card, addressing invitation to husband and wife only) are spot on. However, it seems as if this couple will do what they want regardless of all of your hints. If that's the case, and you know they're going to bring extra people, regardless of who the invitation is addressed, then either don't invite them or leave enough space in your guest list/budget for the extra people.

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  • Futuremrswilson
    Master June 2023
    Futuremrswilson ·
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    You can absolutely say to them "unfortunately we are at capacity for our venue and cannot accommodate any additional guests."

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  • annakay511
    Master July 2015
    annakay511 ·
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    I don't see an issue with writing their name in.

    If they try to write in anyone additional, just say what @FutureMrsCohen suggested!

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  • CoffeeNColor
    Master August 2017
    CoffeeNColor ·
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    Specifically list who is invited, but budget as if they'll ignore you. If they show up with extras, do you have a DOC to deal with it?

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  • Celia Milton
    Celia Milton ·
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    I"d also put their specific names on the RSVP. And be prepared to call them, keeping in mind that THEY are the rude people, not you.

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