Wedding Etiquette Forum

Should I invite my daughter's family?

I have a daughter from a previous relationship. We were never married, but I am close to my ex's family (parents, sisters, and even grandparents). I am not close to my ex, and my daughter has an on and off relationship with him, so I will absolutely not be inviting him. I am wondering if I should invite the parents and sisters to our wedding. I've considered them a part of my family, and vice versa. My daughter's grandpa has even called me his daughter-in-law on occasion. However, my fiance is on the fence about it, and his family has gotten a little miffed in the past when they have heard me referred to as the 'daughter in law' to my ex's family. 

Any advice on the best way to handle this?


Re: Should I invite my daughter's family?

  • If you are close enough to these people to consider them family, I think your FI needs to support your relationship with them. It shouldn't matter if they're blood related, great friends, or whatever - you consider them family and that's that.
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  • saric83saric83 member
    Ninth Anniversary 500 Comments 100 Love Its Name Dropper
    Why is your FI on the fence?  Just because his family might be upset (which IMO is ridiculous), or other reasons?

    My family was invited to my niece's mom's wedding (similar situation where my brother isn't in the picture).  We would have totally understood not being invited for space or budget reasons, but I definitely would have been disappointed a bit because she IS family who we spend a lot of time with. 
  • Thanks for the replies! 

    It sounds like y'all are on the same page I am. I think the bad taste every one has in their mouths over my ex is spilling over to his family...but they can not control the actions of an adult (boy) man unfortunately! I also don't want to harm the relationship I've worked so hard to cultivate.
  • SP29SP29 member
    Sixth Anniversary 2500 Comments 500 Love Its 5 Answers
    edited May 2015
    I think that is really awesome that you are close to your daughter's family. I would invite them, if you want them there, because they are supportive people to you and your daughter.

    Of course you should talk to your FI first, but I think he needs to understand that this has nothing to do with your ex (it's not like you're inviting him!) and these are people who are important to you because they have always supported you and they continue to support your daughter (and your FI's soon to be step daughter!). FI's family needs to get over that jealousy. 

    My parents had an amicable divorce. My grandma (dad's mom) still considers my mom her daughter in law, as she says she will always be the mother of her grandchildren. My mom doesn't have her parents around anymore and isn't very close with her side of the family. My mom doesn't come to big family events on my dad's side anymore, unless it directly involves us kids, because my dad has a new significant other, but my mom still goes and visits my grandparents on her own. 
  • Jen4948Jen4948 member
    Knottie Warrior 10000 Comments 500 Love Its 25 Answers
    It sounds yo me like you need to explain to your FI that while you appreciate why your ex should not be present, his family members supported you and your daughter during and after your breakup and they remain important people in your lives who should not be thrown aside simply because you are marrying him, and you don't love him less because they have been there for you.
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