Should I Invite My Bridesmaids' Parents?

Deciding on the guest list for your wedding is one of the most challenging aspects of the wedding planning process. While you may be eager to invite your closest friends, family members, and wedding party members, you might struggle with finalizing the rest of your guest list, especially when it comes to parents of your wedding party members. There is no definitive rule regarding whether you should invite the parents of your bridesmaids, and it ultimately depends on several factors. Firstly, consider how close you are to their parents and whether you have a personal relationship with them. If you consider them family or have a long-standing friendship, it might be appropriate to extend an invitation. However, if you have never met them or do not have a close relationship, there is no obligation to invite them. Another factor to consider is your wedding budget and venue capacity. Including additional guests can increase costs and space constraints, so these factors should be carefully evaluated before making a decision. Ultimately, the choice of whether to invite bridesmaids' parents is a personal one, and you should not feel pressured or obligated to do so if it does not align with your preferences or wedding dynamics.

It's not an obligation

It is not obligatory to invite the parents of your bridesmaids and groomsmen to your wedding. If you are close to their parents and would like to invite them, then you may do so. However, if you don't have a personal relationship with them, you are not obliged to extend an invitation.

Some couples choose to invite the parents of their bridesmaids and groomsmen if they have a close relationship with them. This could be because they are lifelong friends or are like second parents. In such cases, it is a thoughtful gesture to send an invitation, even if it is not expected.

However, if you are running out of space or working with a limited budget, it is perfectly acceptable not to invite the parents of your bridal party. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preference and the nature of your relationship with the parents in question. You should not feel pressured or obliged to invite them if you don't want to or don't have the capacity.

If you are unsure about whether or not to invite them, consider the following factors:

• The size of your venue and guest list
• Your budget
• Your relationship with the parents
• The potential for hurt feelings within the bridal party if only some parents are invited

You're close to them

If you're close to your bridesmaids' parents, you may want to invite them to your wedding. This is especially true if you've shared a close relationship with them or they're "basically like [your] second parents". You might also want to invite them if you've spent a lot of time at their house, even if you haven't seen them as much recently.

However, it's important to remember that you're not obligated to invite them, even if you're close. If you're running out of space or want to keep the wedding small, it's perfectly fine to leave them off the guest list. Ultimately, the decision is up to you and what you want for your wedding.

If you do decide to invite your bridesmaids' parents, it's a thoughtful gesture to give them an invitation, even though they obviously know about the wedding. It's also a good idea to sit down with your bridesmaids beforehand to discuss the scenario and ensure everyone is comfortable with the arrangement.

Additionally, consider whether you have the budget and space to accommodate their attendance. You should also think about who they will be seated with—ideally, someone they know or will feel comfortable with, such as your parents or other family members.

You have the space and budget

If you have the space and budget to invite your bridesmaids' parents, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it is not mandatory to invite them, and you should only do so if you have a close relationship with them. If you have known them since childhood and consider them family, then they might be happy to receive an invitation. It is also a thoughtful gesture to invite them if you spent a lot of time with them growing up, even if you haven't seen them as much recently.

If you have room in your budget and your venue, and you want to invite them, there are a few extra things to keep in mind. You should ensure that you can seat them with people they know or would get along with. This could be with your parents, other family members, or friends from a similar time in your life. It is also a good idea to discuss the scenario with your bridesmaids before sending out invitations to their parents. This shows respect for your friendship and ensures that your attendant feels considered and heard.

Remember, it is your wedding, and you should only invite people you want to share your special day with. You should never feel pressured or obligated to invite anyone, including your bridesmaids' parents.

They're honorary family members

If you consider your bridesmaids' parents to be like your second parents, then it's a good idea to invite them to your wedding. This is especially true if you spent a lot of time at their house growing up and still see them often. In this case, you might want to invite them regardless of whether their child is in your bridal party.

However, it's not mandatory or expected to invite your bridesmaids' parents to your wedding, especially if you don't have a close relationship with them. If you're running out of space or need to stick to a budget, it's perfectly acceptable to not invite them. Ultimately, the decision is up to you and what you want for your wedding.

If you do decide to invite your bridesmaids' parents, it's important to be mindful of hurt feelings. For example, if you invite one bridesmaid's parents but not another's, it could cause tension. In this case, it's essential to communicate transparently with your bridal party and explain your reasoning.

Additionally, if you do invite your bridesmaids' parents, consider seating them with people they know or would feel comfortable with, such as your parents or other family members. This will help them feel included and honoured on your special day.

Their children are attending

If your bridesmaids' children are attending the wedding, it's a good idea to invite the parents, too. This is especially true if you have a close relationship with the parents, or if they are lifelong friends. It's also a thoughtful gesture to invite the parents of bridesmaids who are bringing their children to the wedding, as they can help to supervise them during the festivities.

However, it's important to remember that you are not obligated to invite the parents of your bridesmaids, even if their children are attending. If you are running out of space or need to stick to a budget, it is perfectly acceptable to only invite the children. Ultimately, the decision is up to you and what you want for your wedding.

If you do decide to invite the parents of your bridesmaids, it is recommended to sit down with them beforehand to discuss the scenario. This shows respect for your friendship and ensures that everyone is on the same page. It is also important to be mindful of any hurt feelings that may arise if you invite some attendants' parents and not others. Transparency with your wedding party is key!

In terms of logistics, make sure you have enough room in your budget and venue to accommodate the parents. It is also a good idea to seat them with people they know or would feel comfortable with, such as your parents, other family members, or someone from a similar time in your life.

Frequently asked questions