Parent's Rights to Invite Guests

by Donna
(Portland, Oregon)

We have a couple that we are good friends with. They have a couple they are great friends with and all 6 of us occasionally do things together.

I like them,and consider us friends, but have no desire to do things with them without the other couple.

They think we are inviting them to our daughter's wedding reception. We have invited only about 10 couples (our best friends). My daughter knows these people, but not this one couple.

When I said to my daughter that I thought I should invite them, she threw a "tizzie". The reception hall can hold only 200 and she has had to cut her list.

The majority of people coming are the bride and grooms' friends, and family members.

We are paying for the wedding and reception.

I am an easy going person, but was "miffed" at her attitude and tone of voice with me and cut the conversation short and told her I would talk to her later.

She can have her way, but who is right or wrong in this dilemma?

Answer:

Hi Donna,

Thanks for your question. Indeed, this issue is one that arises in a great deal of weddings, so you are definitely not alone with this issue!

In this situation, the fact that you are paying for the wedding, certainly gives you the right to invite a certain number of guests.

Let tempers cool and perhaps your daughter will realize that your request was not that unreasonable.

Take care,

Diane