Hi: I find myself in a sort of weird situation here. Almost a year ago my Dad did a Facebook set up between me and one of his former colleagues, who lives in Sydney. We talk all the time, and have a ton in common. I'd love to invite her to the wedding because I'd love to meet her. I'd also love to introduce her to a few people who I think she'd really get along with, and contriving another event for this would be a pain, and I think more awkward than the wedding invite.
Dad says it would be unusual to invite someone I haven't met to the wedding, but not strange, considering the strength of our relationship. I'm not worried about her, because there will be a few people there who she knows from various industry events, and I think maybe another one who she used to work with.
We want to tell everyone somewhere on the invites that gifts aren't obligatory, so hopefully it won't seem gift grabby either. I'd appreciate your input on this though, because I'm still not sure whether it's totally strange or not.
Thanks!