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:
Loulou4022 · 16/06/2026 18:52

Virtueofhonesty · 16/06/2026 18:49

I stopped reading your post at the end & didn't go further so apologies if I've missed anything further.

You Mentioned you expect to be flamed. There will undoubtedly be posters who support you & your partners decision although I'm sorry to say I'm not one of them. I appreciate your fathers feelings. I can't imagine being invited to my sons wedding on the provision I send his brother home after the blessing regardless of his age. I also believe if it's a wedding where family & friends are invited there is no need to invite friends children. As far as family are concerned if they are immediate family such as parents,brothers & sisters, the invitation should be extended to all members of the family. You don't split them up & say I want you as a couple but I don't want your children. Family is family & like it or not children are a huge part of it. I'm not suggesting every couple with children should feel free to bring them along but immediate close family, absolutely yes.

Edited

So you agree that the poorly behaved/ poorly parented child should be allowed to attend and run amok and spoil the day for every other person attending including the bride & groom and her grandmother??

RandomMess · 16/06/2026 18:53

I would just reply to your Dad “that’s fine, I completely understand. Unless you let me know by the Xth date you and DW would like to attend the reception I’ll take this as a decline do the catering numbers”.

All you can do is take the wind out of their sails that you aren’t bothered if they don’t come.

Snugglemonkey · 16/06/2026 18:54

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)

I imagine he was hurt at being put in that position.

Happyjoe · 16/06/2026 18:57

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.

Your dad is being a prize plonker. She won't even remember the wedding, let alone be bothered about being there. Strange your dad didn't respect your wishes and also looked forward to a toddler free evening himself.

Sorry OP. Thing about weddings is that its impossible to please everyone. Have the wedding of your choice, it's your day.

ItWasInKensington · 16/06/2026 18:58

Stick to your guns OP and enjoy your wedding. Personally I wouldn't risk having a badly behaved child there at all.

Rubes24 · 16/06/2026 19:02

YANBU. Your sister is 2!! She will not know or understand that she hasnt been invited to the evening reception. She won't remember the event at all! As you say she will come to the wedding itself and will be included in family photos etc. I really don't understand the issue. When my kids are invited to weddings, either me or my husband leave well before the end of the night to put the kids to bed! It sounds like this is symbolic to them- your Dad thinks you are rejecting his child and probably his wife. Thats not the case and all you can do is explain that and let him do what he wants with the information. X

OneGoldKoala · 16/06/2026 19:02

We were asked if we’d like our 3 year old to come to a wedding recently (as the only young child) and we said absolutely not (and were surprised to be asked). We love him so much but weddings are just not set up for children. Enjoy your child free wedding and I’m so sorry your dad is putting you in this position.

bigboykitty · 16/06/2026 19:05

Snugglemonkey · 16/06/2026 18:54

I imagine he was hurt at being put in that position.

Aww. The poor manbaby.

rememberingthem · 16/06/2026 19:08

Your dad needs to grow up and get over it. It’s your day and I don’t blame you for not wanting a badly behaved toddler at the reception. Stick to your guns and if he leaves its his loss not yours!

Virtueofhonesty · 16/06/2026 19:10

Threads like this always appear to bring out the children should be seen & not heard brigade & preferably not seen. Thankfully it's a small faction of our society but which often appears prevalent within a faction of MN for some reason.

Notonthestairs · 16/06/2026 19:14

Virtueofhonesty · 16/06/2026 19:10

Threads like this always appear to bring out the children should be seen & not heard brigade & preferably not seen. Thankfully it's a small faction of our society but which often appears prevalent within a faction of MN for some reason.

I’m sure she will be seen and heard at the wedding.

PyongyangKipperbang · 16/06/2026 19:17

Virtueofhonesty · 16/06/2026 19:10

Threads like this always appear to bring out the children should be seen & not heard brigade & preferably not seen. Thankfully it's a small faction of our society but which often appears prevalent within a faction of MN for some reason.

I have 6 kids, no worries about that sort of thing from me!

But sadly I have seen what unparented kids can do at special events, the PP with the long post above has set it out in all its painful glory. I dont blame the OP for not wanting her there.

Happyjoe · 16/06/2026 19:20

Virtueofhonesty · 16/06/2026 19:10

Threads like this always appear to bring out the children should be seen & not heard brigade & preferably not seen. Thankfully it's a small faction of our society but which often appears prevalent within a faction of MN for some reason.

This kind of thread seems to bring out the brigade who think their child is centre of the universe and everything must revolve around them.

DuckbilledSplatterPuff · 16/06/2026 19:21

GreatOffWhiteFalcon · 16/06/2026 16:37

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.

Does he have to take his 2 year old out to the pub with him so that she doesn't miss out on spending time with his friends? Do he and his wife take her to dinner parties, so she can enjoy the evening too?

She's two years old, invited to the ceremony...

OP. Could you invite the other grandmother so that she keeps the two year old under control?
I think your Dad is being awful BTW and making it all about him.

PyongyangKipperbang · 16/06/2026 19:22

DuckbilledSplatterPuff · 16/06/2026 19:21

Does he have to take his 2 year old out to the pub with him so that she doesn't miss out on spending time with his friends? Do he and his wife take her to dinner parties, so she can enjoy the evening too?

She's two years old, invited to the ceremony...

OP. Could you invite the other grandmother so that she keeps the two year old under control?
I think your Dad is being awful BTW and making it all about him.

They do sound like the sort that would take their kids to adult centred events to be fair! You know, that "friend" who insists on bringing their kid to a girls night.....

WildFlowerBees · 16/06/2026 19:25

What is it about weddings that have others blatantly ignoring what the bride and groom want because ‘won’t someone think of the children’ kids aren’t the be all and end all and they aren’t the centre of everyone’s universe.

ilovesushi · 16/06/2026 19:27

Sounds utterly reasonable. Personally I love a big family wedding with kids running about about but you are after a more grown up do and that is 100% your decision and your reasoning makes complete sense. Nothing in there that should feel exclusionary or offensive to your dad. Looks like he or his partner is just looking to stir. Maybe the childcare aspect is tricky but tough. It can't be the only time they've had to find a babysitter.

DivinePineapples · 16/06/2026 19:27

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’ve seen comments asking how much chaos could small children really cause?

Unless people have witnessed it themselves (or are oblivious to it and just brush it off as “kids being kids”) then they don’t realise how much potential damage can be caused by spoilt unsupervised kids at weddings.

Once the parents have had a drink or are enjoying themselves then they expect everyone else to keep an eye on their kids and no one actually wants the responsibility or shouldn’t have to have it forced on them.

It’s not just about that anyway in my opinion. I’d be really hurt that your dad isn’t willing to put your wishes first and is making this all about your sister when it has the potential to ruin your day and she won’t even know she’s missing out if she doesn’t come.

If I were in your shoes then I’d just say it’s fine if he can’t make it and I wouldn’t be willing to risk ruining my wedding day for someone who doesn’t care enough to put me first for just one day.
I agree with the people who commented saying it’s more likely down to your stepmother issuing ultimatums, if that’s the case and he’s choosing to upset you over her then I would hope that he regrets that decision in future.

Marieb19 · 16/06/2026 19:27

You obviously can have the wedding you want and by the sound of it, most of your family will be relieved if your step sister is not there. Personally i wouldn't want to take a 2 year old to an all adult event. I would arrange to speak with your dad and make it clear you would like him and his DW at the wedding but you will not be changing your no children plans and explain diplomatically why. It's then up to him if he decides he will not attend. Be prepared for the emotional blackmail but stick to your guns and make alternative arrangements for speeches and potentially for someone to walk you down thd aisle.

GreatOffWhiteFalcon · 16/06/2026 19:28

DuckbilledSplatterPuff · 16/06/2026 19:21

Does he have to take his 2 year old out to the pub with him so that she doesn't miss out on spending time with his friends? Do he and his wife take her to dinner parties, so she can enjoy the evening too?

She's two years old, invited to the ceremony...

OP. Could you invite the other grandmother so that she keeps the two year old under control?
I think your Dad is being awful BTW and making it all about him.

He's obviously making a point, that OP should invite her sister to the reception, and he won't go without her to underline his point. It's a shame but it's what he has decided to do, and doesn't necessarily mean he loves the little one more than OP.
Inviting the other grandmother to look after the child sounds like a rough deal for her. Being responsible for an excitable, exhausted 2 year old charging through a crowd of beautifully dressed strangers and tables full of food and drink... no thanks.

2O26 · 16/06/2026 19:30

keepdrivingg · 16/06/2026 16:40

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!

I suspect that this is your main reason for not wanting the sister at the wedding. Very admirable of you to think of your grandmother's happiness.

keepdrivingg · 16/06/2026 19:35

DuckbilledSplatterPuff · 16/06/2026 19:21

Does he have to take his 2 year old out to the pub with him so that she doesn't miss out on spending time with his friends? Do he and his wife take her to dinner parties, so she can enjoy the evening too?

She's two years old, invited to the ceremony...

OP. Could you invite the other grandmother so that she keeps the two year old under control?
I think your Dad is being awful BTW and making it all about him.

You know what I hadn’t thought of this. I’m genuinely tempted to ask if he would do this, because I think it would stump him!

OP posts:
PunnyPlumPanda · 16/06/2026 19:37

I personally think it’s madness you wouldn’t invite your own sister.

tie your choice to not have kids. It’s his choice to leave ewrly

end of.

wrongthinker · 16/06/2026 19:44

Your dad isn't choosing your sister over you. He's choosing himself over you. Honestly I would just get in touch and say, hey, I've thought about it and I agree it's a good idea for you guys to just come to the ceremony, seems like the best compromise all around.

Drivingmissrangey · 16/06/2026 19:45

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

You asked him to.