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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:
Savvysix1984 · 16/06/2026 17:53

She’s 2. She’s literally not going to know any difference. I’ve been to weddings where kids have all left after the wedding breakfast (about 7.30).

Newyearawaits · 16/06/2026 17:54

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

What if you had a much younger child sibling?

ThunderThunderThunderThunderCats · 16/06/2026 17:54

I don’t think you’re U to want a childfree wedding. It’s your wedding and you should have the day how you want it. But I think it’s out of order to expect parents to bring their kids to the ceremony all dressed up to look cute in the photos and then expect them to just fuck off elsewhere whilst you party. You either have a childfree wedding or you don’t, you can’t have it both ways.

Think about it from a parent’s perspective (if you ever have kids you’ll also feel this way), we want your kids to turn up for an hour cos they’re cute and will make us look good in photos, but then they’ll be inconvenience so afterwards just send them away will you. Most parents don’t mind childfree weddings, they do mind being messed about and being expected to piss arse about ferrying their kids different places on someone else’s day cos they’re an inconvenience.

AnAlpacaForChristmasPleaseSanta · 16/06/2026 17:54

@keepdrivingg I'd be inclined to not give in to your dad's emotional blackmail ultimatum and get either your gran or brother(s if you have more than one) to take over whatever role your dad was going to play in the day.

ThunderThunderThunderThunderCats · 16/06/2026 17:55

nc43214321 · 16/06/2026 17:49

she is a half sister isn’t she?

Why does that make any difference?

DumpyVictoria · 16/06/2026 17:55

OP, when I got married, we allowed children because there were so many in the family it would have been a massive issue if we didn't. So what we did was hire a children's entertainer. He entertained all the children in another room during the reception. It was a brilliant idea because I have no memories at all of children running around while the food was being served, or screeching during the speeches, etc. I can't remember what we did for children's food, I'm sorry. I think they must have been served something in that room, because they weren't at the reception tables. On the wedding video, there's no kid noise at all.

Just an idea, if such a thing is available to you.

SandyHappy · 16/06/2026 17:58

Slimtoddy · 16/06/2026 17:52

I think what you need to ask yourself is - will there be ongoing tension after the wedding with your Dad? And if there is likely to be ongoing tension would that bother you?

I do think you sister's attendance is symbolic for your Dad and maybe for your sister in the years to come. These events (weddings etc...) are fundamentally symbolic and do things that seem illogical take hold.

I do think you sister's attendance is symbolic for your Dad and maybe for your sister in the years to come.

What absolute rubbish, there is no way the child will be offended by not being invited to the evening part of her half sisters wedding WHEN SHE WAS TWO.

Her dad and step mum are offended, but maybe calling it a 'child-free' wedding when really it is just one specific person that's not invited is the issue.

Whatwerewetalkingabout · 16/06/2026 17:58

YANBU to have a child free wedding, parents of children ANBU for leaving when their child leaves.

Noone is being unreasonable, your Dad is also not choosing your sister over you, if she has to leave then it is fair for her parents to leave with her, that's your choice.

I mean you could compromise that she could come to the reception but it becomes a child free event at 7pm if you want your Dad there for the speeches, but it's totally up to you. Noone is really being unreasonable here.

thepariscrimefiles · 16/06/2026 17:58

Newyearawaits · 16/06/2026 17:45

I think that your dad has every right to be upset. We are talking about your SISTER here. I appreciate that it's your wedding day but this is off the scale.

Putting SISTER in capitals doesn't make the relationship any closer. They are half-siblings with a 25-year age gap, different mothers and different homes. It is very unlikely that they will ever be close or have a normal sibling relationship. Her sister is badly behaved and OP has said that her dad and step-mum will expect her sister to be the centre of attention rather than the bride.

PocketBattleship · 16/06/2026 18:03

DumpyVictoria · 16/06/2026 17:55

OP, when I got married, we allowed children because there were so many in the family it would have been a massive issue if we didn't. So what we did was hire a children's entertainer. He entertained all the children in another room during the reception. It was a brilliant idea because I have no memories at all of children running around while the food was being served, or screeching during the speeches, etc. I can't remember what we did for children's food, I'm sorry. I think they must have been served something in that room, because they weren't at the reception tables. On the wedding video, there's no kid noise at all.

Just an idea, if such a thing is available to you.

Seems a bit pointless for the sake of one solitary two-year-old.

NovaF · 16/06/2026 18:03

I got married when I was 26 and had no children at my wedding (it only really affected one friend and her husband who were very happy to have a child free evening). No one was offended by this. Thinking about it my mum insisted that her friend came along (who sat at the top table!!!) so there will always be at least one relative being difficult and making it about them. Incidentally I have a fractious relationship with my dad and did not want him to give me away so gave myself away (it was a short walk from the door to the registrar). You can always give yourself away or ask a man in your life that actually makes you feel loved. If your dad cannot make it then tell him that is fine and if you need to block him and maintain your peace.

Your sister does not care about the wedding, she does not know what a wedding is. She will not care as she gets older. Be firm and if your dad cannot make it then that is up to him. Does he plan on making any speeches?

PS they sound like poor parents who are isolating family members are creating rods for their backs as their daughter gets older. Be firm in your boundaries, and above all else, enjoy your wedding, it is you day!

crazeekat · 16/06/2026 18:03

I think u are both being unreasonable. She’s 2 years old, what can she possibly do? They will prob be away by 10ish anyways. And she is your sister, not a cousin or friend.
ur dad is also being unreasonable but I get him, it’s still his child. You can u understand, ur sister can’t. I would be hurt too for her but it’s your wedding. Your call at end of the day. It’s one child tho.

Daisymail · 16/06/2026 18:07

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

Absolutely this, have a wonderful day!

DumpyVictoria · 16/06/2026 18:10

PocketBattleship · 16/06/2026 18:03

Seems a bit pointless for the sake of one solitary two-year-old.

That's obviously not what I meant. OP talked about having children at the church, but not the reception, and PP said that was unfair. I meant that potentially all those children could come to the reception if there was a children's entertainer. Of course you wouldn't have one for a solitary two-year-old.

Neveranynamesleft · 16/06/2026 18:10

Its your day. Do whatever you want. Ignore him and his rants.

Newyearawaits · 16/06/2026 18:11

thepariscrimefiles · 16/06/2026 17:58

Putting SISTER in capitals doesn't make the relationship any closer. They are half-siblings with a 25-year age gap, different mothers and different homes. It is very unlikely that they will ever be close or have a normal sibling relationship. Her sister is badly behaved and OP has said that her dad and step-mum will expect her sister to be the centre of attention rather than the bride.

No, but it emphasises the enormity of her part in the family.
Different homes /mothers and age gap is completely irrelevant and referring to the child as a half sibling in an attempt to dilute her place in the family is pretty demeaning.
OP describes her sister as being badly behaved, she also admits to not being a massive child person. Nothing wrong with that at all but for people who are unfamiliar with babies and young children's behaviour, the everyday trials those can be very easily misunderstood.
OP also refers to her sister as her sister and not half sister.
No such thing as 'half's' when it comes to family imo

Survivalandthriving · 16/06/2026 18:12

keepdrivingg · 16/06/2026 16:23

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!

Hi Dad you are welcome to come with step mother but I’m am reiterating it is a child free wedding and no exceptions. We are hoping to see you both there but if you need to leave earlier in the evening I totally understand.

Tryagain26 · 16/06/2026 18:13

I don't agree with child free weddings or your reasoning but you can do whatever you want at your wedding.
Although you have to accept that it might mean your father won't attend.

Lunde · 16/06/2026 18:14

DumpyVictoria · 16/06/2026 17:55

OP, when I got married, we allowed children because there were so many in the family it would have been a massive issue if we didn't. So what we did was hire a children's entertainer. He entertained all the children in another room during the reception. It was a brilliant idea because I have no memories at all of children running around while the food was being served, or screeching during the speeches, etc. I can't remember what we did for children's food, I'm sorry. I think they must have been served something in that room, because they weren't at the reception tables. On the wedding video, there's no kid noise at all.

Just an idea, if such a thing is available to you.

The 2 year old is the only child under 15 so it's not like she'd have kids to play with.

ThunderThunderThunderThunderCats · 16/06/2026 18:14

thepariscrimefiles · 16/06/2026 17:58

Putting SISTER in capitals doesn't make the relationship any closer. They are half-siblings with a 25-year age gap, different mothers and different homes. It is very unlikely that they will ever be close or have a normal sibling relationship. Her sister is badly behaved and OP has said that her dad and step-mum will expect her sister to be the centre of attention rather than the bride.

Is it? DSD is 10 and 14 years older than my dds. Same dad, she has a different mum. They’re all very close, always have been. All adults now.

PyongyangKipperbang · 16/06/2026 18:16

Yeah accept it and move on.

Sadly men who go on to have second families in middle age often do this. I have known a few and in most cases its because they dont want to upset the (much younger) wife, so they follow her line. To her your sister is the most important person as her only child, selfish but there it is.

So I would send something along the lines of "I am very sad that you wont put me first on my wedding day, but I respect your decision to not attend" and leave it at that, makes the point that you are upset and why, but by accepting what he has said at face value, it ends the discussion.

Frankly the threat to not go if she doesnt go sounds like a way to get you to change your mind. And like hell would I be babysitting again.

Newyearawaits · 16/06/2026 18:16

Anarchy99 · 16/06/2026 16:51

The child is 2, it’s not like she and the OP have a sisterly relationship, esp given the age gap.

They are only half sisters anyway. Why would OP ‘invite’ a badly behaved toddler just becuse her father has a shiny new family?

Only half sisters?????????????
Wow

PyongyangKipperbang · 16/06/2026 18:17

ThunderThunderThunderThunderCats · 16/06/2026 18:14

Is it? DSD is 10 and 14 years older than my dds. Same dad, she has a different mum. They’re all very close, always have been. All adults now.

Big difference between teens getting another sibling and a woman of 25. It would be more like an Aunt/Niece relationship, and not even that if they barely see each other.

TofuTheCat · 16/06/2026 18:18

The kid is 2

She won’t give a rats if she is there or not.
It is not unreasonable nor completely unexpected to not have a relationship with a sister young enough to be your own daughter.

Totally reasonable to have your wedding completely child free, should you wish.

Your Dad choosing a toddler who is none the wiser over his 27 year old is stupid.

The man is an arse.

Enjoy your day your way.

PyongyangKipperbang · 16/06/2026 18:20

DumpyVictoria · 16/06/2026 18:10

That's obviously not what I meant. OP talked about having children at the church, but not the reception, and PP said that was unfair. I meant that potentially all those children could come to the reception if there was a children's entertainer. Of course you wouldn't have one for a solitary two-year-old.

There are no other children, thats kind of the point! None of her friends or family have young kids except her dad.

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