How many people do you want to invite???

susieq87

Over dinner the other night, my FMIL and FFIL said that they wanted to contribute money to our wedding funds. When my FI had previously discussed our guest list, we totaled about 150 people. We are not having anything elaborate or outragous, and we are trying to keep our guest list to about 160 guests. Basically, right after my FMIL said they wanted to contribute, she also said she had about 20 people that she HAD to invite. Out of the 20, my FI and I have only met 6 and have no idea who the other people are...they are apparently cousins of my FMIL whose weddings she has gone to. My question is whether 20 is an unreasonable number to expect us to invite?? I already understand that if they contribute to the wedding, I am going to have to be a little more agreeable to what they want, but I don't feel comfortable inviting 14 people who I have never even met, let alone heard of.

bethsmiles

If you accept thier money then I don't think 20 out of 150-160 is really asking very much. If you do not accept thier money then I would invite the 6 you know but not the other 14. Also know that with this money there could come other strings later. You have to be willing to compromise through the entire process.

Panda2011

As important as our wedding is to us it is also extremely important to our parents which I never knew till my brothers recent wedding. Its a wedding our family doesnt even talk about because it left so many hurt feelings. It was a similar situation where my dad gave my brother quite a large contribution and then was told that the people he really wanted to come would NOT be invited, this came along with him not being aloud to give a speach ect ect... In my opinion, you will be so busy on your special day to even notice those extra people and if the money your inlaws are contributing covers them than why not? It will be great no matter what just make sure you dont hurt feelings on the way. Congrats on your engagement!!!

SCre

Since my parents are being very generous and allowing a very large budget for the wedding, I'm letting them invite whoever they want. I would prefer to keep it in the 200 and under range, but doesn't look like that will happen.

That being said though, I've been trying to talk them into being very critical of the guest list, so we avoid any invite issues and don't have to spend as much. It's been a bit of a battle, but we have two years.