Invitation Etiquette for Unwanted Guests
My fiance and I have decided to exclude his sister's boyfriend from our wedding. Her boyfriend is a jerk, and it will completely ruin my fiance's day to see that guy there. Are we being awful? I don't really want to make a bad thing worse by doing this, but I'd rather have my fiance enjoy the festivities. Should I consider his sister's feelings in this? She would probably want him there. -- midimew
Question:
Dear midimew:
You're in a tough spot, but be sure you're willing to accept the consequences of counting out your fiance's sister's boyfriend before going ahead. Because unlike leaving him out of a backyard barbecue or even a family Thanksgiving, you're making a major statement by doing this that could affect your family life for years to come. The truth is, your fiance's sister's reaction to having her boyfriend excluded may be more painful to your fiance than having this guy present on the big day.
We suggest you and your fiance sit down with his sis and tell her how you feel. And ask her how SHE feels about it. She may make things easy on you two and agree that her boyfriend has no place at your affair. But if she feels strongly that he attend by her side, we say grit your teeth, be polite and bear him. After all, with so many people at your wedding you're not likely to see much of this one unwanted guest.
