Invites for a Destination Wedding

trustyme

I need help trying to figure out an appropriate guest list for a destination wedding. We're getting married on a cruise ship and plan to invite our parents, siblings, grandparents and close friends. My fiance's parents are giving us money to have any wedding, guest list we choose. I'm unsure if we should send out invites to our aunts and uncles when I know that none of my family could afford a cruise wedding unlike my fiance's family (we're using the money to pay for my immediate family). Also, I'm planning on inviting my fiance's cousin who I worked with and now we're good friends. Could I still invite her without inviting her sister and our other cousins? What if I make her a bridesmaid?

We really want a small ceremony/reception with our closest family and friends. However, this is becoming quite stressful and we don't want any hurt feelings. Any suggestions??? Thanks!

nicolej518

I would say just extend it to whoever you want, but be prepared for some side comments from family! I am a DW bride, and for the most part, it is just our WP and immediate family. My FIs mother took it upon herself to e-mail the details of the wedding out to her family, so we have a few other family members that want to go.

 I had an "I dont wanna do this anymore moment" yesterday because I felt that it was starting to get out of hand (FIs niece's mom talked to his sister in law and I guess the wedding came up in conversation and she wanted to go. I really like her and her daughter, but she mentioned she might bring 2 other adults with her).  Ive already started collecting deposits, and other people are inquiring. My problem is I am really non-confrontational and hate to say "no" but we are doing this to save money, and it is going to cost us for each additional person since we are doing a reception at the resort. 

trustyme

Thanks for comments!

We're actually planning on getting married on the ship before the ship sails. When I say that we want a small ceremony/reception...I actually mean we don't want a large wedding and all the stress like we would at home. Perhaps I could suggest to my family members who couldn't afford the cruise the option to be non-sailing guests.

@nicolej518 - I'm really non-confrontational too and I would hate to hurt my family's feelings. It's hard, but this is what we want to do...and you can't please everyone.