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Devoted September 2016

Inviting estranged family members?

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FutureMrsK9-6, on February 18, 2016 at 9:14 AM

I have a number of estranged family members, unfortunately on my mom's side. She was 1 of 6 and the last to have children, all of my cousins were 8+ yrs. Older than me by the time I was born. I haven't seen them since their weddings which was right around the time JT and Britney started denying they were a couple. I have seen some aunts and uncles in much less time either. My mom insists that I send them an invite out of convention and etiquette but this makes me feel really weird. I mean what if they were to come, honestly I don't know if I would recognize them and/or ever see them again after that. It's no different than inviting the guy whose slices my lunch meat every week and I think I know more about him at this point than I do about some of my family members. My mom even said "I don't think they'll come but just send one anyway." Is this normal?

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VIP May 2016
LoLo.P · on February 18, 2016 at 7:50 PM
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My mom wanted me to invite all of my cousins on her side so I'm going too even though the majority live out of state and I also haven't seen in years. She's helping pay so I didn't care. I'm undecided about the cousins on my Dads side though. Sadly they're all closer location wise but due to divorce & family drama they're even more distant!
*eta that also my Dad hasn't contributed to anything but stress so far so I feel no obligation to invite his family, that he also hasn't seen or talked to in years. Yay family!
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Master July 2015
annakay511 · on February 18, 2016 at 9:24 PM
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Yes, its normal. Honestly, I wouldn't consider these people estranged. Estranged means that you had some sort of falling out. Based on your explanation, you just have lost touch. That being said, there's a big age gap between you and your cousins so you were never close, and you haven't seen them in a very long time. Do they even know your FH?? You just need to invite people to your wedding who you actually have a relationship with, which you don't have with these people now. On one hand, it might be a great opportunity to get back in touch. Your mom is right that many probably won't come. But if you don't care to get back in touch, then don't worry about inviting them.
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