Help end medical misogyny. Sign our petition.

Help end medical misogyny.
Sign our petition.

Sign the petition

Please or to access all these features

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:
Horses7 · 16/06/2026 21:49

It’s your wedding please don’t let Dad and new wife dictate your day.
I’d be tempted to tell Dad/new wife not to bother coming if he/she’s going to create all this tension.

AnAlpacaForChristmasPleaseSanta · 16/06/2026 21:51

PyongyangKipperbang · 16/06/2026 21:43

Op has stated several times that her father and his wife wont do anything to keep the sister quiet and behaving appropriately. So taking her out of the church, going for a walk or a run around etc just wont happen. They will simply assume that his mother (Lovely Grandma) will do it for them, thus ruining it for her.

ETA they also dont "believe" in bedtimes, so she will be allowed to keep going until she has the mad half hour full of tantrums and tears and then drops.

Edited

I think there's some of the notorious MN selective reading going on.

DiscoCherries · 16/06/2026 21:51

I was guilt tripped in to taking my then 2 year old twins to a wedding as in laws family insisted they must be there (no other kids in the family). It was awful. They were noisy in the church so I had to take them out. Bored shitless during the meal and speeches and started playing under the table. Zero other kids there and absolutely nothing put on for them - it was two toddlers at an otherwise very adult party. As soon as I could escape I just took them to our hotel room!!

Does your dad realise what the reality of the evening would be?? It’s just not the environment for them at all if there’s no other children/kids entertainment etc! At one point one of mine almost knocked a sodding candle over 🫠

Vivi0 · 16/06/2026 21:55

Chilly80 · 16/06/2026 21:45

Whats with all the comments saying she's making him choose between his daughters, no she's not. The wedding is 5 minutes away. Their are grandparents willing and able to babysit. A 2 year old will not know what she's missing. A 2 year old will get tired and overstimulated. The bride wants to enjoy her day without worrying about the baby sister thats not too much to ask.

The OP said it herself:

I just feel hurt that he’s effectively choosing which child means more to him.

For the OP, this is very much a choice.

She sees it as hier father declining to attend, or leaving early, as him choosing his 2 year old over her.

I can’t imagine putting myself into competition with a toddler.

Notonthestairs · 16/06/2026 21:58

most 2 year olds would be in bed by 7 ish.
dropped off with grandparents 5 mins away.

It doesn’t seem like a huge presumption to expect her dad to attend the evening reception.

Jaichangecentfoisdenom · 16/06/2026 22:00

ChocoChocoLatte · 16/06/2026 21:41

She’s two ffs. Tell him to wise up or stay away.

^This.
There’s no way she’ll know or care about it at her age, unless her parents make an unnecessary fuss about it. There’s no way she’ll remember anything about it at all when she’s an adult, unless her parents make an unnecessary fuss about it.

PyongyangKipperbang · 16/06/2026 22:01

Vivi0 · 16/06/2026 21:55

The OP said it herself:

I just feel hurt that he’s effectively choosing which child means more to him.

For the OP, this is very much a choice.

She sees it as hier father declining to attend, or leaving early, as him choosing his 2 year old over her.

I can’t imagine putting myself into competition with a toddler.

Can you imagine not attending your eldest childs wedding because you have a two year old who isnt invited? Thats what he is doing.

Lillybanks · 16/06/2026 22:01

keepdrivingg · 16/06/2026 18:52

Oh my god this sounds like the recurring nightmares I’ve been having about what sister might do 🫣

I also was bullied into having a close relative's child at my wedding and actually invited additional adults purely on the understanding they would look after this child (2 years old at the time), like you none of our other friends or family had kids going so he was the only one there.
His parents allowed him an ipad with headphones for the ceremony so he proceeded to shout out throughout while playing a game. Then for my first dance he decided to join us which no one except they parents found entertaining. I still get annoyed watching the video back!! Also the additional guests who were really only invited to babysit did nothing to help and my close relative had to leave the wedding early.
I wish id been firm and trusted my gut.
If someone won't come to see you get married unless its on their terms then they don't really care

ThunderThunderThunderThunderCats · 16/06/2026 22:03

pinkyredrose · 16/06/2026 19:59

How can she be 14yrs older if she's only 10?

10 and 14 years older, as in 10 years and 14 years. Also says at the end, "they're all adults now".

Halloumiqueen · 16/06/2026 22:06

DumpyVictoria · 16/06/2026 21:11

But OP says that her sis is badly behaved because the parents don't put any boundaries in place, such as "not believing in bedtimes." It's not wrong for OP not to want her ceremony or reception ruined by a shrieking, badly controlled child.

Is she going to be shrieking through? Or probably just enjoying the party like most 2yr olds.

Halloumiqueen · 16/06/2026 22:07

WinchesterWanderer · 16/06/2026 21:12

@Halloumiqueen " It’s always people without kids who have this rule whereas those with them don’t see them as the same catastrophic disruption."

Nope, I have children, we were the first in our friendship group to get married and no one had children so it wasn't an issue for us. I have never taken my children to any wedding even when invited.

The last wedding we went to the bride and groom had their two children there and about 15 others all 8 and under. They were running around the graves outside the church, parents doing nothing. Then destroying the venue, playing with the centre pieces on the table which has those water beads in, hiding behind the huge curtains and ended up pulling one down off the rail. The staff were losing their shit, the DJ had to ask them all to stop running around at least 5 times. We left early because it wasn't a fun wedding but a totally hands off parenting wedding.

Trying to keep a toddler quiet in a church also comes with challenges. Personally I think the OP is mad for inviting a toddler to the ceremony, start as you mean to go on, no children. There is a babysitter available so it isn't like that would be an issue.

This is just one child on its own, probably easier to manage than a group of 15+

JLou08 · 16/06/2026 22:10

Having a childfree wedding is your choice. However, you do need to accept that choosing to do that can result in some people not attending. I can understand why you want a childfree wedding, I can also understand your dad's feelings around this and I think you're unfair to say him not coming to the reception is him choosing your sister over you or showing you that you don't matter. He could equally say you not having your sister at your wedding shows that she doesn't matter. As a parent, it can really hurt to think your children don't matter to other relatives, especially to a sibling.

Halloumiqueen · 16/06/2026 22:11

MrsJeanLuc · 16/06/2026 21:15

Oh hello! The dad's wife has joined the thread!

Did you miss the bit about the toddler being out of control and wanting to protect Grandma from having to do the parenting that dad & wife can't be bothered to do?

Definitely not the dad’s wife. Just someone who see’s these kind of things in my work.

I’m not getting out of control though. Likely an exaggeration to make it feel more reasonable rather than what I’d consider the obvious, an envious adult daughter struggling to navigate their relationship with their dad post new little girl.

its surprising how many adults can spoil weddings, bit too much to drink, being sick, noisy, irritating I’ve seen it all. You don’t often see that being policed like small children

Notonthestairs · 16/06/2026 22:12

Halloumiqueen · 16/06/2026 22:07

This is just one child on its own, probably easier to manage than a group of 15+

The Op has explained that the parents won’t manage her and it will be left to the OP’s grandmother.

So the 2 year old will attend the ceremony, will no doubt be appropriately cooed over and cuddled and can go to bed at a decent time at grandparents home 5 mins away.

Leaving grandma free for a dance as she feels like it.

Halloumiqueen · 16/06/2026 22:14

Namechangeforthisdilemma1 · 16/06/2026 21:18

This is the most ridiculous reply I’ve ever seen on here.

She needs therapy because she wants a child-free wedding?! Are you ok? Add to that the sole child she knows has proven to not be the best behaved at previous events.

She has been more than accommodating and I think you are wrong that most therapists would place the blame on Op here 🤣

Not really, the issues are apparent in all of the replies from OP. A therapist helps you see things from other perspectives as well as offering insight into rules and fixed ways of thinking.

if you don’t see that in OP replies, no worries

Halloumiqueen · 16/06/2026 22:17

keepdrivingg · 16/06/2026 21:36

Woof.

I am open to listen to some of the comments here suggesting alternatives or why I may wish to reconsider, but this take is wild.

Who are you to say what will or won’t make my day lovely?

For what it is worth I have a therapist, one who affirms my decisions to stand up for myself when it is the right thing to do. In fact, when I next meet with her I might show her this comment so we can have a laugh!

My grandad (lovely grandmas husband) was my best friend in the world. He also helped look after me as a baby and we were two peas in a pod. He passed away 5 years ago and yes I would give anything to have him here. That does not negate any issues surrounding my father. For arguments sake, if I had been abused would you be saying “oh but someone who’s lost their dad would invite him”? No I didn’t think so

the tangent you’ve taken there speaks volumes.

PurpleThistle7 · 16/06/2026 22:20

I am bewildered at the people on here who are arguing for a toddler to attend an evening event to be looked after by her grandmother who doesn’t want to do it.

I was bullied into having two kids at my child free wedding. One screamed through half the ceremony and the other one threw up all over the dance floor. Neither enjoyed the night much and would likely have been much happier watching a movie in their hotel room. Obviously neither of them remember a thing about it.

The wee girl won’t know or care. She’ll be safe and looked after and part of the important part of the day. It’s totally normal for kids to not join in on a loud nighttime party with lots of drinking. And totally normal to want a loud nighttime party with your friends for your wedding. These parents have history of lackadaisical parenting and will not take the child out or home or supervise properly… it’s not a situation of a group of family children being excluded or older children or parents who can compromise.

OP - you are protecting your grandmother here and doing the right thing. I hope you find a way forward with your father but either way it will be a lovely day and a fun party. Hope you have a fabulous time.

SpringingOn · 16/06/2026 22:30

I am not particularly a fan of child-free weddings and I completely understand if someone can't attend due to childcare issues. However in this case I think your Dad is being unreasonable. All parents of multiple children need to balance the differing needs of their children. On this case he should be prioritising the daughter who is getting married. He can be privately upset that they aren't closer to his toddler but they idea that a 2 year old is going to be upset about being 'left out' is laughable and shows a complete unawareness of child development!

Anarchy99 · 16/06/2026 22:45

Halloumiqueen · 16/06/2026 22:06

Is she going to be shrieking through? Or probably just enjoying the party like most 2yr olds.

Its almost like the OP knows the child better than randomers on MN

Anarchy99 · 16/06/2026 22:47

Halloumiqueen · 16/06/2026 20:50

Honestly, it’s giving of really strong jealous vibes. The only child who would be invited to the wedding and your so against it. There’s not a strong reason and I don’t agree with ‘it’s my wedding’ when decisions affect others.
your putting your dad to the test to see ‘who he will pick’ and he’s picking his younger daughter. You’re putting him in a difficult situation rather than letting her come and everyone just enjoy their day. It’s always people without kids who have this rule whereas those with them don’t see them as the same catastrophic disruption.

interesting you’d rather her cause the issues you’ve listed at the actual ceremony, rather than the party. Again that all links into my first sentence.

She doesn’t need a reason to exclude an uncontrollable toddler from her wedding!

Shes only letting her attend the ceremony to be nice.

MissFancyDay · 16/06/2026 22:48

OP this is one of the easiest YANBU for a long time. It seems to me that the person in this scenario thar has invested the most time and love into your upbringing, and deserves to see her precious granddaughter get married in peace, is your grandmother. Put her first and uninvite them.

I'm worried that he will spoil the ceremony now. He sounds that sort.

Virtueofhonesty · 16/06/2026 22:55

MissFancyDay · 16/06/2026 22:48

OP this is one of the easiest YANBU for a long time. It seems to me that the person in this scenario thar has invested the most time and love into your upbringing, and deserves to see her precious granddaughter get married in peace, is your grandmother. Put her first and uninvite them.

I'm worried that he will spoil the ceremony now. He sounds that sort.

Only one of the examples in this thread encouraging a family feud instead of heart to heart talks between all concerned in order to come to an agreement about the poor soul at the centre of it all.

Anarchy99 · 16/06/2026 22:58

Virtueofhonesty · 16/06/2026 22:55

Only one of the examples in this thread encouraging a family feud instead of heart to heart talks between all concerned in order to come to an agreement about the poor soul at the centre of it all.

Nobody needs a heart to heart - the OP wants to get married without having to deal with her father’s badly behaved toddler and to have her beloved grandmother there

MissFancyDay · 16/06/2026 23:01

Virtueofhonesty · 16/06/2026 22:55

Only one of the examples in this thread encouraging a family feud instead of heart to heart talks between all concerned in order to come to an agreement about the poor soul at the centre of it all.

They have had talks and the OP has compromised by inviting her step sister to the ceremony. Her father, instead of behaving reasonably to ensure his daughter has the wedding she wishes, has put his foot down and made it all about him and his wants.

I am not encouraging a family feud, but you are encouraging someone to give in to a controlling father to the detriment of her day and her grandmothers day.

Virtueofhonesty · 16/06/2026 23:42

MissFancyDay · 16/06/2026 23:01

They have had talks and the OP has compromised by inviting her step sister to the ceremony. Her father, instead of behaving reasonably to ensure his daughter has the wedding she wishes, has put his foot down and made it all about him and his wants.

I am not encouraging a family feud, but you are encouraging someone to give in to a controlling father to the detriment of her day and her grandmothers day.

I would say this to everyone in a similar step family situation. If you can hand on heart say you would feel like this about a sister from the same biological parents & would honestly make the same choices then you have made the right decision & with the best of intentions.

Only you know your true relationship dynamics with your father OP. As long as you can look back on your decision with no regrets you will have a wonderful wedding.