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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To not want to invite my sister to my wedding?

302 replies

keepdrivingg · 16/06/2026 16:00

Fully aware that this is a delicate topic on Mumsnet so I know I might be flamed here.

My fiancé and I are currently planning a child free wedding.

For context, we are both on our 20s with no kids of our own. None of our friends have children yet either.

As such we’d like our reception to be child free in order to have a big bash where we can all freely drink etc without having to worry about any kids running around or knocking things over etc! I am also not generally a massive kid person (neither is partner!).

Anyway, as I said most people we know don’t have kids yet. The only real caveat to that is my dad has a much younger child. I have two brothers who are also in their 20s, dad got remarried a couple of years ago and as such now has a 2 year old.

Some additional info here is that I’m not massively close to dad and his idea of me spending quality time with sister is to babysit for free effectively. I question his and his wife’s parenting which involves essentially letting sister do what she wants so she doesn’t kick off. if we are ever all together at family events this usually involves my grandmother having an awful time trying to keep sister at bay whilst her parents do nothing. I love my grandmother dearly and therefore don’t want her attention taken up doing this on what she will view as my special day

Further context here is that when deciding about our wedding we agreed that it we wouldn’t mind family children attending the church ceremony. The reasoning being that they can then be in family pictures and be a part of the day. Then when we move to the reception this part will be adults only and kids will not follow along here. To add, dad’s wife’s parents have sister regularly and are happy babysitters, so not really an issue on the childcare side.

Anyway, dad has majorly kicked off. He said it’s completely unreasonable to not invite sister all day, she’ll be left out and upset and I’m being a horrible sister as it’s not fair to exclude her. We sort of went back and forth on this and he’s eventually said if she can’t come to the reception then they’ll all leave after the ceremony.

im hurt that he’s effectively chosen his younger daughter over me. I’d understand if she was say, 10, and would genuinely understand what’s going on and remember going home early, as well as knowing when to sit quiet etc. but at 2 all she’ll want to do is run riot and they will allow her to do so!

My fiancé has basically said stick to our guns and if my dad shows his true colours by leaving then we know where he stands in terms of valuing me and my wishes.

id like to know Aibu to follow through on this? Or should I give in?

OP posts:
keepdrivingg · 16/06/2026 16:16

Also just to add that my dad has mostly texted about the issue and the messages read as though they are coming from his wife (due to how she writes compared to his writing style) so I’m not sure how much is him, but either way he’s still at least going along with it

OP posts:
didntlikeanyofthesuggestions · 16/06/2026 16:16

It's your wedding, do what you want. I don't 100% agree with your reasoning for not wanting kids there in the evening

"we can all freely drink etc without having to worry about any kids running around or knocking things over etc!".

Kids will inevitably go to bed before it's really late and I'd be more worried about a load of pissed up adults knocking things over.

MidnightPatrol · 16/06/2026 16:16

I always think it’s a bit off to let the kids be there merely to feature in the photos, but then send them off prior to the reception…

Given she’s a sister, I think most would make an exception.

Given she’s also two, I imagine her parents will have her sent home with a babysitter by 5/6/7 anyway, given she will have a very early bed time…?

I would struggle to find childcare from eg 12 noon - midnight, it might mean I was unable to attend the wedding. 6-midnight would be more achievable.

Idontjetwashthefucker · 16/06/2026 16:19

It's your wedding, your call. I didn't have any kids at my wedding, day or evening and those that couldn't get childcare (1 couple) didn't come which was fair enough

Loulou4022 · 16/06/2026 16:21

I don’t think you’re being unreasonable! Your wedding is the one day you get to be all about you and your partner and your wants and wishes! If sister was better behaved then I can see you over riding your no children stance however she sounds poorly behaved and her parents take no responsibility for managing it she will 100% spoil your day!
edited to add I wouldn’t have her at the ceremony either! You want that quiet more so than the meal! No one wants a toddler screaming and running around while making legally binding vows!!

keepdrivingg · 16/06/2026 16:23

MidnightPatrol · 16/06/2026 16:16

I always think it’s a bit off to let the kids be there merely to feature in the photos, but then send them off prior to the reception…

Given she’s a sister, I think most would make an exception.

Given she’s also two, I imagine her parents will have her sent home with a babysitter by 5/6/7 anyway, given she will have a very early bed time…?

I would struggle to find childcare from eg 12 noon - midnight, it might mean I was unable to attend the wedding. 6-midnight would be more achievable.

Edited

if it makes any difference the ceremony is later in the day. As mentioned childcare is definitely not an issue here as her grandparents can 100% have her (my dad even confirmed this).

I’d happily say that she doesn’t need to attend at all, but I think that would cause even more issue 🤣

I will admit part of it is the lack of a meaningful relationship. I’d probably view her more as a cousin than a sister. I rarely see her and we do have a 25 year age gap!

also even bigger point that I definitely should’ve added to the OP so I do apologise, they “don’t believe in bedtimes” meaning that she will be up and at the party until she literally cannot keep her eyes open anymore! At a family party last year she was up until 10pm as she’d slept in the car on the way down and she was clearly overtired and a nightmare!

OP posts:
keepdrivingg · 16/06/2026 16:24

didntlikeanyofthesuggestions · 16/06/2026 16:16

It's your wedding, do what you want. I don't 100% agree with your reasoning for not wanting kids there in the evening

"we can all freely drink etc without having to worry about any kids running around or knocking things over etc!".

Kids will inevitably go to bed before it's really late and I'd be more worried about a load of pissed up adults knocking things over.

I just want to have a fun party with all my friends! To me that doesn’t involve children and is about us being able to have fun freely (even if that does involve being slightly pissed!)

OP posts:
ClaredeBear · 16/06/2026 16:25

I can totally understand this - the age gap is far too big for your father to be calling you a bad sister. Looks like you can’t have it all ways and I’m sure your father will regret cutting his nose off you spite his face but try not to let it spoil your day. Don’t argue with him, just accept that’s what’s happening, plan accordingly and have a wonderful time.

Anarchy99 · 16/06/2026 16:27

Don’t feel bad - she’s only your half sister and she’s way too young to care whether she goes anyway.

If he wants to kick off then let him

Minnie798 · 16/06/2026 16:30

Having a child free reception is your choice and not unreasonable.
A guest deciding that they won't attend because their child isn't invited is also not unreasonable.

Anarchy99 · 16/06/2026 16:31

Minnie798 · 16/06/2026 16:30

Having a child free reception is your choice and not unreasonable.
A guest deciding that they won't attend because their child isn't invited is also not unreasonable.

It’s unreasonable for the father to pull a guilt trip about being a ‘bad sister’ though

GreatOffWhiteFalcon · 16/06/2026 16:34

If your dad wants to leave after the ceremony, that's fine surely?

keepdrivingg · 16/06/2026 16:34

Minnie798 · 16/06/2026 16:30

Having a child free reception is your choice and not unreasonable.
A guest deciding that they won't attend because their child isn't invited is also not unreasonable.

He’s not just a guest he’s also my own dad 🤣

if it were a friend or distant family member taking this view then I’d 100% understand them not attending due to no children. However, he’s just as much my father as hers!

the wedding is local, approx 5 mins away from grandparents who can offer childcare, so it has no logistical issue

OP posts:
ModernV · 16/06/2026 16:35

I kinda see your point, my DH and I don't have kids, but made an exception for his little nieces and nephews. They didn't knock anything over, had a great time dancing and feel asleep long before the reception was over. My niece told me a looked like a princess 😍 however you effectively told you father to choose between you and your sister so I don't think you can be too upset when he chose her...

keepdrivingg · 16/06/2026 16:35

GreatOffWhiteFalcon · 16/06/2026 16:34

If your dad wants to leave after the ceremony, that's fine surely?

I just feel hurt that he’s effectively choosing which child means more to him. I don’t see why he can’t come to the reception for an hour or two (even if his wife took sister home or something)

OP posts:
WhatNoRaisins · 16/06/2026 16:36

I think this comes down to what sort of fall out there will be between you and your dad and if it's something that you're ok with.

foreversunshine · 16/06/2026 16:36

Well I'm really stubborn and a tad petty so as soon as someone "kicked off" about a decision I was making for my own wedding, paid for with my own money, I'd lose any critical thinking abilities and the decision would become set in stone, forever to be so and impossible to alter 😅

It's your day and regardless of her being a sister - which with the half sister status and 25 year age gap is a a technical term rather than a affectionate one - she sounds like a poorly behaved toddler that I wouldn't want anywhere near my day.

Sounds like your gran will be thrilled. I assume she's a fair age and has done her fair share of babysitting over the years. She's surely earned a nice day at her granddaughters wedding!

GreatOffWhiteFalcon · 16/06/2026 16:37

keepdrivingg · 16/06/2026 16:34

He’s not just a guest he’s also my own dad 🤣

if it were a friend or distant family member taking this view then I’d 100% understand them not attending due to no children. However, he’s just as much my father as hers!

the wedding is local, approx 5 mins away from grandparents who can offer childcare, so it has no logistical issue

It's not a competition though. You are making him choose. Can't you accept that he doesn't want to leave his young child at home during a family wedding? Doesn't mean he loves her more than you.

keepdrivingg · 16/06/2026 16:38

ModernV · 16/06/2026 16:35

I kinda see your point, my DH and I don't have kids, but made an exception for his little nieces and nephews. They didn't knock anything over, had a great time dancing and feel asleep long before the reception was over. My niece told me a looked like a princess 😍 however you effectively told you father to choose between you and your sister so I don't think you can be too upset when he chose her...

If they are well behaved then I think it’s slightly different, equally if you’re very close with them also.

I don’t really see why he’s so bothered when she doesn’t even know what’s going on! Like I said if she was upset and old enough to understand then I think it would be a different story.

id said she could come to the ceremony so that she was involved and would probably still have a lovely day. From my perspective she’d get to wear a pretty dress, have nice cuddles and photos taken and then get to go back to granny’s for a sleepover. Sounds like my ideal day as a toddler tbh!

OP posts:
REP22 · 16/06/2026 16:38

From what you have said, I'd take your dad up on his offer to leave after the service. Your grandmother, to whom you say you are close, should be able to enjoy the day too. I think it would mean that you are happier on the day too, without having to worry about the two-year old's antics and her avoidant parents.

FWIW and I am prepared for the abuse, I'm not sure I'd want the dynamics of an enjoyable day with my family and 20-something siblings while the only child present is a 2-year-old from your dad whose views have been made abundantly clear and who would probably end up being the centre of attention. It's not the child's fault, but you shouldn't have to compromise your day for the sake of a toddler.

I'd go with what your fiance says. I believe he's right. But be prepared for the drama to ramp up as the day approaches. Father and his wife will probably try to lever in your little half-sister as a "bridesmaid/flower girl" or some other performative role in your ceremony and you will be deemed evil/uncaring/bad daughter for turning this down. Would your brothers be supportive of your choice? Could they have a private word with your dad to back you up?

Good luck with it; I hope you can have the ceremony that makes you happy. I'm sorry you've got this added drama going on. x

keepdrivingg · 16/06/2026 16:40

foreversunshine · 16/06/2026 16:36

Well I'm really stubborn and a tad petty so as soon as someone "kicked off" about a decision I was making for my own wedding, paid for with my own money, I'd lose any critical thinking abilities and the decision would become set in stone, forever to be so and impossible to alter 😅

It's your day and regardless of her being a sister - which with the half sister status and 25 year age gap is a a technical term rather than a affectionate one - she sounds like a poorly behaved toddler that I wouldn't want anywhere near my day.

Sounds like your gran will be thrilled. I assume she's a fair age and has done her fair share of babysitting over the years. She's surely earned a nice day at her granddaughters wedding!

Honestly half the reason I’m persistent to sticking to my guns is the relief on her face when I said sister wouldn’t be at the reception! She said “ooh I can have a dance then!” and she looked so excited. I think she was very worried about having to take on sister to keep her under control so she didn’t ‘ruin’ anything.

My grandma actually had me as a baby so my parents could work, so we’re very close and she has indeed done her fair share of childcare by practically being a nursery for 10 years!

OP posts:
Pickledonions12 · 16/06/2026 16:41

keepdrivingg · 16/06/2026 16:35

I just feel hurt that he’s effectively choosing which child means more to him. I don’t see why he can’t come to the reception for an hour or two (even if his wife took sister home or something)

Hes doing what his wife wants. She's taking priority. I think you'll just have to suck this up because it's how its going to be imo. Let him have his strop and go home after the ceremony. His wife will be delighted she's "won"

thepariscrimefiles · 16/06/2026 16:42

Of course you won't feel the same about your half-sister as you do about your other siblings. There is a 25 year age difference and you aren't being brought up together. Your dad is unreasonable expecting you to keep babysitting for her (I bet he doesn't ask your brothers) and telling you that you are a 'bad sister' for not inviting her to the reception. I presume that she would be the only child there.

It's your wedding so you and your fiance should make all the decisions, not your dad and step-mum.

Anarchy99 · 16/06/2026 16:42

keepdrivingg · 16/06/2026 16:38

If they are well behaved then I think it’s slightly different, equally if you’re very close with them also.

I don’t really see why he’s so bothered when she doesn’t even know what’s going on! Like I said if she was upset and old enough to understand then I think it would be a different story.

id said she could come to the ceremony so that she was involved and would probably still have a lovely day. From my perspective she’d get to wear a pretty dress, have nice cuddles and photos taken and then get to go back to granny’s for a sleepover. Sounds like my ideal day as a toddler tbh!

If he’s going to behave like that, then tell him she isn’t coming to the ceremony.

She is clearly going to be a nightmare and it’s your wedding day so you deserve not to have to deal with your dad’s unreasonable behaviour

SockPlant · 16/06/2026 16:42

Can you rope in your fiancé, brothers and other good friends to run interference for any attempt to get your granny to take over.

Meet your dad face to face. Tell him what you have told us. If he sticks to his guns, accept it and remember thst when he tries to get you to babysit. Ask family to help gran do this too.