Mom is inviting family i don’t want to invite.

I would have your mom call and tell your aunt that you've decided to invite immediate family only. This is her issue to deal with, she's the one that went against your wishes. There's absolutely nothing "awk" about having a smaller family than your FH.

I am having some of the same issue with my family. My mother is inviting ALL of my family, many of whom I have not seen since I was 10 or younger. They are helping pay for the food which means that if she wants them there...she gets to have them there. One thing that has been pointed out to me is that weddings are very much about etiquette, and just because you may not want someone there it is a family celebration and will cause more harm not to invite them THAN to invite them. I feel the same way, I do not want to be surrounded by people I am not familiar with on my wedding day, but there is no need you need to say anything to them.

I was worried about something very similar to this. My dads side is where I'm having the issue but I got lucky. My dad told me that it's my day and mine alone (besides FH of course) and that I didn't have to invite anyone I didn't want to. Follow that, even if your mom doesn't agree. It's your day, not hers. And as for an uneven amount from both sides? It's the exact opposite for me and FH. I have WAY more family than he does. It wont be weird because they are the people you want there, doesn't really matter how many of them there are.

I come from a large Cuban family and I sat down with my parents to see their point of view on the matter. My dad was a lot more understanding, he told me "your wedding your rules", my mom was a little harder to convince and told me I should invite some family members just so that I look good that she knows they won't come. We compromised so I invited only those I felt comfortable having if they said yes. I'm having a destination wedding so she was right, that cut my list by half!

So I say talk to her!

My cousin wedding was 75 guest, her husband only had mom, dad and sister... just 3 family members, the other 72 was just half of her big cuban family. Is not a big deal! Your aunt is just 1 more if not 2 with the husband. You are still outnumber

This is the risk you run with accepting contributions. If you want keep control, tell your mom that you will be paying for everything and invites are not hers to give out. If you take her money, you will be accepting some of her conditions. And you may not find out what they are until it's too late.

A wedding is two things...A sacred and loving union but also, a time for family to gather. Yes it is your wedding and no one is denying that. But, family gatherings are what people remember, and having the not-so-likable relatives there only reinforces the fact that family is what matters.

Let them come. Welcome them. It is a short time before a long marriage together.