Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Original poster

How far would you drive to a Wedding reception if you're only an acquaintance of the bride and groom?

39 replies

Anniebonannie · 16/09/2018 09:45

I've been invited to a Wedding reception, the bride is a friend of a friend, and the reception is just over an hour's drive away.
I'm in two minds whether to bother as its a fair distance and I'll have to drive.
Would you bother?

OP posts:
Sparklingbrook · 16/09/2018 09:46

An hour's drive isn't that much but I probably wouldn't bother for a friend of a friend.

Womaningreen · 16/09/2018 09:46

no way.

WilburIsSomePig · 16/09/2018 09:46

I probably wouldn't go. I'd politely decline.

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

Weddings
GunpowderGelatine · 16/09/2018 09:58

Are you somebody's plus one?

Finfintytint · 16/09/2018 10:02

Do you think you’d have a good time there? Is your friend counting on you being there? The drive isn’t that far.

Branleuse · 16/09/2018 10:04

I wouldnt go at all. I hate weddings where I dont know people

Original poster
Anniebonannie · 16/09/2018 10:08

Gunpowder, no I have my own invitation (sent by post), although it doesn't have my name or a plus one on the invite Confused
Flint my friend will be fine if I'm not there, she'll be with her family members.

OP posts:
SinglePringle · 16/09/2018 10:09

An hour is nothing to me and I’ve been to many weddings where I’ve only known the bride or groom / one or two people.

I’d go.

GunpowderGelatine · 16/09/2018 10:14

How bizarre! No I wouldn't go!

Womaningreen · 16/09/2018 10:17

if you wanted to go, you wouldn't be asking

it reminds me of the last "friend of a friend" invite I got. I barely knew the woman really. However, she did try to say to the mutual friend "why can't womaningreen make it" etc etc

some people really do just want to invite everyone they know, but that doesn't mean you should feel obliged to go. I'd say the same if it was a 10 minute journey, to be fair.

wedding receptions are fun for some but not for others. I hate weddings and big parties generally so would only attend if it was a really close person.

NotSuchASmugMarriedNow1 · 16/09/2018 10:18

You've been invited to the wedding because she wants you to celebrate her once in a lifetime moment with her but if you don't feel this special moment warrants you spending a couple of hours travelling then don't go.

I'd go. I'd be honoured someone wanted me there just to share such a special moment

adaline · 16/09/2018 10:21

An hour? I drive that to work every day, it's hardly a long way to go!

Womaningreen · 16/09/2018 10:23

Adaline, yes, I commute an hour both ways but that's partly why I don't like to spend my free time doing the same!

I don't really understand this "honour" business. Maybe if 2 of you were invited, but when it's a lot of people, is it an "honour"?

often you get wedding invites from people you don't really know at all. Most likely they just think you'd be a fun attendee at a party. Is that an "honour"?

AnythingButMagnolia · 16/09/2018 10:26

Wouldn't bother

hobblesma · 16/09/2018 10:28

Why is it an honour to be invited to a wedding? Especially as a friend of a friend, that's just a filler, make up the numbers invite.

NotSuchASmugMarriedNow1 · 16/09/2018 10:31

I like to think that I've been invited to weddings because they want me to share the moment with them.

I have NEVER felt like a "filler" but I suppose if that's how you feel then that's how you feel

Mindchilder · 16/09/2018 10:31

I would probably go if it was very local, but definitely not an hour for an acquaintance.

hobblesma · 16/09/2018 10:38

I like to think that I've been invited to weddings because they want me to share the moment with them.

Well yes. With your actual friends.

I have NEVER felt like a "filler" but I suppose if that's how you feel then that's how you feel

I don't feel like that, it's how the situation looks from the outside.

Halfahunnerstillastunner · 16/09/2018 10:45

I like to think that I've been invited to weddings because they want me to share the moment with them.

Nah, they just want your cash in an envelope love Grin

NotSuchASmugMarriedNow1 · 16/09/2018 10:48

Etiquette dictates you give a gift if you're invited regardless of whether you attend the actual wedding

Womaningreen · 16/09/2018 11:02

"Etiquette dictates you give a gift if you're invited regardless of whether you attend the actual wedding"

does it still apply in cases of "my friend's friend"?

I find it bizarre that someone whose name I barely remember might be expecting a gift from me!!

is this why so many people invite literally everyone on their LinkedIn - they think they might get a gift?

NotSuchASmugMarriedNow1 · 16/09/2018 11:15

You tell me. I invited people coz I wanted to share my special day with them. Can't speak for anyone else.

Original poster
Anniebonannie · 16/09/2018 11:17

Notsuchasmug. Isn't someone really only 'sharing a moment with the bride and groom' if they're also invited to the actual wedding itself though, and not just the reception?

OP posts:
Ignoramusgiganticus · 16/09/2018 11:17

No I wouldn't bother.

AJPTaylor · 16/09/2018 11:18

An hours drive wouldnt put me off.
I equally wouldnt feel compelled to go! If it was a chance to catch up with people and i had something to wear i would go.