I am not religious so would never have DCs christened but I like the idea of doing something so we are considering a Naming Ceremony next year after DD is born (we already have DS).
I have written a provisional list (I was very bored last night whilst waiting for photos to upload) and I have added family that I think I should invite, not just the ones I want to invite (DH agrees with me and would quite happily not have some of my family there).
Adding in our dearest friends and their children makes the number too high. There are far more friends I would have there over some family members but some that I don't want to invite are close family to each other. Eg, 1 of my cousins and his DF visit often and adore DS, I would also invite his brother as we have always got on well. Their sister, no chance and not an issue as we don't really speak but they also have another brother who can be a bit funny and I feel like I am inviting him for the sake of it, plus it would have to be his on/off GF (and I mean constantly on and off and when they are anywhere together they argue and swear at the top of their voices, not caring who hears, including their young DS). I am also on very shakey terms with their mum (my aunt) due to a falling out years ago that was the fault of the female cousin I definately wouldn't invite. It has been revealed that I was telling the truth and cousin was lying but me and aunt feel awkward but she does buy my DS presents at xmas, however her DH won't even look in my general direction as he is a very pig headed man and won't admit that they were wrong to blank me before.
I also want to invite my dads ex, who has 2 DS's with my dad. We always got on well and she bought some lovely stuff for DS and is buying stuff already for my next one. However his current on/off DP doesn't like her and will probably flip out but she couldn't even be bothered to send me a card when I had DS and only visited because her teenage son was thrown out of the house (by her) and was contantly banging on the windows and she didn't want to sit and listen to it. (Yes I have some lovely family).
There are more but I don't want to make it too long.
I resent inviting people because I have to but I also don't want more family fallings out. We are going to have to cull some people from the list anyway as we have too many but WWYD?
All helpful advice gratefully receieved please!!!!