Redditor Seeks Advice On Whether To Attend His Cousin's Lavish Wedding That Excludes His Long-Term Girlfriend

"For the entire ceremony partners of many people will not be there"

Filip

• Published in Interesting
• October 14, 2023

Weddings are always special regardless of how the couple decides to celebrate, whether with a few dear people or with hundreds. But the unwritten rule is that invited people will bring their plus one - girlfriend, boyfriend, partner, etc.

However, if the couple specifically emphasizes that the invitation is for one person only, it can put many people in an awkward position. A Reddit user recently found himself in this awkward position and asked for advice about whether he should attend the wedding.

The OP said that his cousin has an upcoming wedding later this year. While the OP was invited, his girlfriend of 4 years wasn't.

Similarly, the OP's sister's long-distance boyfriend was also not included. The OP clarified that he typically sees this cousin once or twice a year, and while the cousin and his partner have met the OP's girlfriend, it hasn't been very frequent.

The OP realizes the potential financial constraints of weddings as he learned that the wedding costs over £25k, and each guest is approximately £100. But what confounds the OP is the decision to not have any evening attendees, which would usually be customary and not add extra costs.

As a result, many partners will be absent from the entire ceremony. This choice has caused some resentment in the family.

For instance, the OP's aunt's brother has chosen not to attend for the same reason, and the OP's sister is also declining due to the difficulty of traveling across the country without her boyfriend. The OP is currently considering his attendance.

He leans towards declining because of the exclusion of his long-term girlfriend but is worried he might be perceived negatively for this decision.

The OP asks:

The OP explained their cousin didn't invite their partner to the wedding:

The cousin knows that the OP has a girlfriend, they even met her before:

Many people are invited without their partners, the OP is not the only one:

This provoked some bitterness in the family:

So, the OP is considering whether they should attend the wedding:

A Redditor told the OP it's their choice to go or not, but the cousin also has the right to choose whom they'll invite

"I would go by myself."

"I guess as someone who lives on a budget I get it and wouldn't take offense."

They can invite who they want

Cousin has the right to limit 'plus ones'

"It’s never rude to decline a wedding invite"

Redditors told the OP that their cousin has the right to choose whom they'll invite as it's their wedding. But the OP doesn't need to go if they don't want to or if it causes them financial strain.

It's never rude to decline a wedding invitation. Redditors also explained that people with a large family often don't include 'plus ones' for unmarried couples.

And, if the OP decides to go alone, they can still have a good time with their family, they don't need to take their partner everywhere with them.

Filip