Will try and keep this as succinct as possible. A friend is getting married this Summer. I have been invited but DD age 7 has not (am single parent). Absolutely their perogative not to have children at the wedding so am not offended by DD not getting an invite.
Am really struggling to find suitable childcare that would enable me to attend - ceremony is at lunchtime and wedding is at a location of sufficient distance that it would be an overnight stay (in area, no accommodation at venue) or a very expensive taxi ride back after evening part. So childcare would need to cover a minimum of 12 hours if not an overnight as well if I was to go, which is a pretty big ask of anyone even if you have a strong support network.
However I don't really have much of a support network:
- DD's dad and paternal grandparents live abroad and don't see her often
- My parents, DF is recovering from cancer treatment and is a carer for DM who is in the early stages of dementia. So whilst they would help in a dire emergency they couldn't cope for such a long time
- Working hours mean I hardly ever do school run so I'm not really close enough to any school mums to ask them
- Cost of a babysitter would be prohibitive for the hours involved (and I'm not really keen on leaving DD with a stranger for such a long time
Would it be unreasonable to decline the invitation in this case, or if you were the bride would you be offended/expect me to go?