Must I have parent's name on invites/programs?

NovaMetzler · April 2013

I am curious if I have to put the parents' names on the invites/programs at all? I do not know how I would even begin to list everyone while keeping the peace!

My dad and step mom (dad is helping pay, step mom isn't)
My mom
His mom and step dad
His dad

Can we just say, the parents? Or can we just leave them out? We are close with each member of our parental units, although my mom would be angry if my step mom's name was listed before hers. My mom raised us 100% after the divorce and step mom was not a welcome person in our lives, although I have embraced her and she has always been good to me and her and I are KIND OF close.

It would be easiest to either just say 'the parents' or leave them all off. Any advice?

Summer2011Bride · April 2013

If you think they'd be angry to not be mentioned at all, could you use "together with our families"?

IveRunAmuck · April 2013

For myself, I think I am going to not mention my parents or his parents..... I just don't feel the need, and I don't want jealousy issues if one set is listed before the other. One less thing to deal with or worry about!

itzMS · April 2013

How is it even possible that your dad is contributing, but his wife your stepmom is not? Has she explicitly stated none of her money is to be used towards your wedding? Otherwise, married typically equals joint finances... It's really rude to not name all of your parents WITH their spouses in your programs if you're having programs regardless of who paid for what. If you have such a complicated family situation, just use "Together with their families" on your invitations. Order of listing parents, FWIW, traditionally would be Brides Mom, Brides Dad and Wife, Grooms Mom and Husband, Grooms Dad.