Inviting one parent out of a couple with kids

Personally I feel you can't invite only one person in a couple. You need to invite both. They may decide that only one will go but that should be up to them.

I agree with PP. you don’t break up a couple without being rude. I think it’s fine if you don’t include their kids though.

Unless the significant other is toxic (abusive, racist, violent) you automatically invite them as a social unit, and you don’t judge the period of time they have been together or if they are married vs not. It’s a slap in the face to ask them to celebrate your relationship while disrespecting theirs by not inviting their partner.


Children are always optional, but either invite all or none. No loopholes for infants, flowergirl or the bride/groom’s children because it does upset and offend others though they will never say a word.

Etiquette-wise, you need to invite the spouse but not necessarily the kids.

I Agree with previous posters. If you want to invite this friend, you have to invite her husband as well, he may decline, you'll never know. It happens more than you think, when the person doesn't know well at least one half of the couple.

And having him there is not a big deal: you only met him once but it's still better than 0 and at least, you already saw his face so he won't be introduced to you on your wedding day.

Like others said, you don't have to invite the little ones but their mom may decline if she doesn't want to come without them ,especially if they don't have an 'official' baby-sitter.

Judging by the tone of your post, I would not invite the teacher. Saves you two seats (her and her husband), since you don't really see or talk to her. You can always catch up with a lunch together later on

No, you have to invite guests’ spouses. I agree with PP that maybe you don’t invite her altogether. Kids don’t need invites but the husband does.

Thank you ladies! I'll be inviting the entire family.

I think you definitely need to offer her a plus one. Its possible that because of her relation to you she'll show up alone anyway.