Step Siblings

My step dad has 2 children from his previous marriage and although I do not consider them to be my siblings since I barely see them and we also were adults when they got married (and step siblings are 8-10 years older than me) I am still going to invite them because I know it means a lot to my step-dad. Personally I would rather them not be there but it isn't that big of a deal since it means a lot to my step-dad

I'm inviting mine, but I've lived with one of them while the other is an adult with a family of her own I've only met a handfull of times.

If you want a relationship with them, then great. if not, I wouldn't bother

I have step-siblings that I've never met and will not be inviting them, I also have step-cousins that will not be invited. We do not have a relationship and it would be incredibly awkward to have them show up and not really know them. If you don't feel you have a relationship then I feel in this instance it's ok to not send an invite.

ETA for clarity.

I am in a similar predicament. I grew up with half siblings my whole life. Just recently, about 6 months ago, my mom remarried a man with three kids. One of which is an adult (not planing to invite him because I don't know him and didn't receive an invite to his wedding) but two of the children are younger, 8 and 10. They live with their mother in CO so I've only met them twice but should I still invite them? Not sure if they would even come because of living situation but should I plan on two extra kids?

@FutureMrsHampton, With that situation I would invite the kids if their father wants to take them AND if you're inviting other kids to the wedding. Kids shouldn't cause family drama, unlike adult children might.

@FutureMrsH - talk to your mom and have her discuss the issue with her husband. I think you're ok either way, as long as your mom and stepdad are part of the decision.

I would invite them if only to honor your parents. If the guest feels uncomfortable they likely won't come, but let them decide rather than making the decision for them. Worst case scenario...you get an extra gift! Make space for the new people at your table. It's respectful at least to let them know that you got married.

This is how I ask my adult children to think about it; every day we meet new people, coworkers, neighbors, parents of your children's friends. Treat your adult step-siblings as well as you would a neighbor or someone at your church. We aren't asking that you really treat them as a sibling but treat them with the respect that you would someone of importance in your community.

View Quoted Comment I agree with this 100%. Never invite anyone out of obligation to make someone else happy.


You could invite them to a get together..bbq or similar to get to know them and decide from there how to progress your relationship, if any.
I have stepsiblings that I like way better than my own parents but they're not invited because there is no relationship, be it among parents or stepsiblings.