Long story short. One of my close girlfriends and her husband just separated and are no longer living together. Her H is a good friend of FI's. It's been going on for a few months and originally she said they would be coming together regardless. I hadn't gotten their RSVP so I texted her today just to check in. We've been talking via text the last few weeks and I hadn't brought up any wedding stuff with her.
She responded to me today and said that she was really sorry but she wouldn't be able to make it because her H was bringing a date and she wasn't comfortable being there with them. One, I totally respect that she would be uncomfortable. Two, who the hell said he was allowed to bring a date??!! Obviously, their invite was addressed soley to the two of them.
I (very nicely) told her that he was welcome to come, but that his date was not invited since we did not have room and we don't know her. Especially since her coming would mean my friend would not. She told him that I was not comfortable with him bringing a date and he said he may not come then since he doens't like going places by himself. Seriously?! He's going to know almost everyone there.
So I tell FI about it and he said he would talk to him. He agreed with me that it was rude of him to invite a random person in place of his wife, and that my friend should be able to come and feel comfortable. FI agreed to talk to him but I'm just not sure how we should approach this. I'm afraid that we're going to offend/alienate one of them, or that one or the other of them won't come because of this.
Obviously our friendship is more important then them coming to our wedding. I feel bad for FI because I know he really doesn't want to have this conversation. I'm frustrated and sad. I want them both to be there. I don't want to cause drama, but who doesn't know you can't just bring uninvited guests to a wedding??!
Sorry, I just don't know how to handle this situation without making everyone feel terrible. Thoughts and suggestions are much appreciated!!