Skip to main content

Post content has been hidden

To unblock this content, please click here

Jessica
VIP October 2019

What do i say? Cousin requesting invite- Might bring my parents?

Jessica, on July 9, 2019 at 1:00 PM Posted in Family and Relationships 1 34
OMG- Sorry if this is long, but Ill make it short as possible.
My parents and I don't speak, we havent for nearly 6 years. They did some truly unspeakable things, and are really messed up on drugs. I have forgiven them, but have decided not to have them as part of my life because that is what I feel is in the best of interest of my 10 year old son.

My cousin/dads niece, is actually 2 years older than my dad so she was more like the cool aunt growing up. Because her and my dad were so close in age they were more like brother and sister and have been close, as in very good friends all my life. I loved doing stuff with her and we were pretty close too. She has messaged me numerous times trying to get me to reconcile with my parents, and despite the fact I have explained every last detail to her, she still says we should make up before my wedding.
About 6 months ago she started messaging me just talking about the wedding and we messaged for a few days. Then, she offered that I could get all the flowers I wanted for free from her fathers greenhouse (he owns a large greenhouse where he sells bulk flowers).... THEN threw in the disclaimer that was only if I invited my parents to the wedding. I told her thanks but no.
Weve talked a few times since then but haven't talked since May 12th, then this morning I get this message.
I never once implied or told her I was inviting her. I had considered it until she started being so determined that my parents be invited. I was afraid she would tell them where the wedding was and that they would just show up (& that is totally something they would do, and would cause a scene. Like a huge one, cursing, screaming, name calling, etc).
Now, im afraid if she was invited she would bring my parents. And idk what to even do about this message.
It has taken me years of counseling and working on myself to finally be ok with the way things are between my parents and me.
And, when I say there is NO WAY my parents are being invited, I mean that. The things they did are so hurtful and hateful that its embarrassing to even discuss it.
So, now, Im wondering, do I lie to her? Ignore her? Or tell her the truth, that I really would like to invite her but Im afraid to because I cannot trust her to either tell my parents the wedding location or bring them with her.

What do i say? Cousin requesting invite- Might bring my parents? 1

34 Comments

Latest activity by Jess, on July 10, 2019 at 10:41 AM
  • Meghan
    Super September 2019
    Meghan ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    If she can give conditions of only offering help if your parents can come, maybe turn it around and say she can only come if your parents don't come?

    • Reply
  • Stephanie
    Devoted November 2021
    Stephanie ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    If you feel that strongly about not trusting her to tell your parents about the wedding then stick with your gut instincts on this. I would reply with something like:

    "It's been nice getting back in touch these last couple of months but unfortunately due to limited space we won't be able to extend an invitation. Maybe after the wedding we can meet for dinner to celebrate"

    I mean I don't think there's any nice way to really tell people they are not invited without it either being awkward or causing hurt feelings (WHICH IS WHY THEY SHOULD NOT ASK). Just be polite but straightforward.

    • Reply
  • Alycia
    Super July 2021
    Alycia ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    Your wedding is happening in a few months. It's very easy at this point to tell her that you've already set the guest count with your venue and caterer. You've already paid for the cake and chairs/ tables, etc for the headcount you chose. There is no room to add more people. Just leave it at that. If she offers to pay her own way, tell her you are at maximum capacity for the venue. Keep your responses short, basic, undetailed. You don't owe her anything more.

    • Reply
  • Pirate & 60s Bride
    Legend March 2017
    Pirate & 60s Bride ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content
    To be honest, because she’s pushing so hard for your parents to be there, I would not invite her. If your wedding is small you can tell her that’s the reason or you can tell her because she has been pushing for your parents you’re now too stressed to invite her even though you love her dearly.

    I’d also find a new florist. You don’t want her holding this over your head (or go directly to her dad and offer to pay him and get her out of the loop. But she might take that as a reason to show up.)

    Big hugs for not inviting your parents. A wedding is not an appropriate time to try and fix a toxic relationship (and you don’t even want to). Only kind and loving guests can be at such a loving & vulnerable day!
    • Reply
  • Jessica
    VIP October 2019
    Jessica ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    Oh wow.. If I were you I would probably just say as little as possible and say something like you cannot invite anymore people. I agree with the sentiment that she will probably tell your parents where it is. What a mess

    • Reply
  • Jessica
    VIP October 2019
    Jessica ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content
    View Quoted Comment
    Thank you! I actually broke up with FH over 2 years ago (I couldn't stay without him more than a few months though) because of major trust issues I had secondary to my parents actions. And it was NOTHING he did. Actually, the realization I had just before breaking up with him was that wed been together just short of a year and he HADN'T done anything wrong. I freaked out because I knew the "axe was coming" or hed mess something up so instead of getting hurt, I broke up with him. Lol yes, I see now how irrational that logic was, but at the time it made perfect sense! The last 2 years have been truly amazing with him and his family and I couldn't be more excited about our upcoming nuptials. I never thought Id be able to get married without my parents there because we were so close, and it hasnt bothered me at all, until all this with my cousin. And now the only bother is Im afraid she would tell them or bring them or somehow they will find out and show up.
    • Reply
  • Jessica
    VIP October 2019
    Jessica ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content
    View Quoted Comment
    Oh, I also meant to add that I immediately told her no thanks about the flowers when she told me the stipulations. So, flowers we just bought ourselves.
    • Reply
  • Alicia
    VIP August 2019
    Alicia ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    I agree with both Stephanie and Alycia. This is your day. You need to do what's best for you. I think since there seems to be the potential for her to undermine your choices and bring your parents or even just telling them where it is, err on the side of caution and do not extend an invite to her. You can make it as personal (Stephanie's suggestion) or factual (Alycia's) as you want, but I agree that you need to protect yourself.

    • Reply
  • Jessica
    VIP October 2019
    Jessica ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content
    View Quoted Comment

    So sorry Jessica about the trouble with your parents. Is anyone else invited that knows them and would give the info out? If so, maybe just send them a message and you don't have to go into much detail but that you would prefer they do not share your wedding information with anyone.

    • Reply
  • Jessica
    VIP October 2019
    Jessica ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content
    View Quoted Comment
    I know why she's assuming she's invited, because we have always been a close knit family and if someones having a party or celebration, even if your mad at them, you still invite them. Thing is, this is the first incident (@least in my life) where any of the family has been strictly on not speaking terms.
    I totally agree people should not ask, i just also see why she's assuming.
    And thank you for saying to trust my gut.... because when if I told her they can't come and sent her an invite, i shouldnt be surprised if she showed up with them anyhow.
    • Reply
  • Jessica
    VIP October 2019
    Jessica ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content
    View Quoted Comment
    No, the other people who know my parents and are invited know our situation and have actually said to me Your not inviting your family right?
    • Reply
  • Jessica
    VIP October 2019
    Jessica ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content
    View Quoted Comment
    Lol I never thought of this. Wish I had though.
    • Reply
  • Jessica
    VIP October 2019
    Jessica ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content
    View Quoted Comment
    Your right, I don't owe an explanation. Ill try to just keep it short.
    • Reply
  • Pirate & 60s Bride
    Legend March 2017
    Pirate & 60s Bride ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content
    View Quoted Comment
    Whew! Then there are no strings there. Very forward of her to say “I need an invite” but you can either ignore or say “I’m sorry, we can’t. Would love to get together for brunch after” or something that feels right.

    Congrats on your upcoming wedding & working on your trust issues. Soooo happy your FH & his family are so loving. ❤️
    • Reply
  • MOB So Cal
    January 2019
    MOB So Cal ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    I agree with others that I would not invite her. You have made it very clear you do not want to have a relationship with your parents and the fact that she's continued to push that issue would make me believe she cannot be trusted to respect your wishes. I'd probably be more on the honest/direct side with the response and tell her, given the family dynamics none of your relatives, including her, are invited to the wedding. You can tell her you love her and appreciate your long-term relationship, but you and FH are committed to the current guest list and will not be adding anyone else. End of story. If she persists in wanting an invitation, I wouldn't answer any other messages. Also, if she already knows the specifics of your wedding and/or they are easily available (e.g., a publicly accessible wedding website), I would consider hiring security for your wedding and letting her know that uninvited guests will be blocked/removed by security officers. I'm sorry for the behavior of people who are supposed to love you the most, but admire you taking the steps you have to establish critical boundaries. Good luck!

    • Reply
  • Jessica
    VIP October 2019
    Jessica ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content
    View Quoted Comment
    Thank you for the response! I never knew or thought about wedding websites being able to be found online. I have been considering hiring security even before this, but now definitely think I will look more into it.
    • Reply
  • Jessica
    VIP October 2019
    Jessica ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content
    View Quoted Comment
    Thank you! Yes my son and I have been truly blessed with amazing friends and a 'new'family these last couple years.
    • Reply
  • Jessica
    VIP October 2019
    Jessica ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content
    View Quoted Comment
    I just googled FHs last name with the word wedding and the state we live in and its the 1st thing to pop up our wedding address and Zola site. I cannot believe I never thought about this before.
    • Reply
  • MOB So Cal
    January 2019
    MOB So Cal ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content
    View Quoted Comment

    ABSOLUTELY! This is why I don't understand why anyone would have a wedding website that is NOT password protected. Without that, every detail is available to any nosy/crazy person who thinks to Google your names.... Glad you found out when there is still time to take additional security precautions. When you answer your cousin, I'd probably include that you and FH feel so strongly about maintaining your guest list you will have security at the wedding to ensure uninvited guests do not attend. I'd just tell her straight up in an attempt to discourage any "surprises."

    • Reply
  • Lisa
    Dedicated September 2019
    Lisa ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    I would be honest with her on why she isn't invited. I also would not share any information as for a wedding date, location etc...

    • Reply

You voted for . Add a comment 👇

×

Related articles

WeddingWire celebrates love ...and so does everyone on our site! Learn more

Groups

WeddingWire article topics