Guest List Decisions

Finalizing your guest list is one of those wedding related tasks that is filled with drama for most couples. How many people for the bride's parents, the groom's parents, the bride and groom? Does who pays for the bulk of the wedding effect who gets invited? What if there is a big conflict over family members?

I had a pretty straight forward rule while narrowing down our guest list -- I didn't want to say "Thank you for coming," while thinking "who is that?!" Because we kept it small (invited 70, ended up with 45 in attendance), Mr. Onion and I were really able to share our celebration with our closest family and friends. This is not to say all the decisions were easy.

There were two people we didn't invite -- my sisters. I know -- I can hear the gasps now! Well, actually, they are my half sisters (my father's girls from his first marriage). Without going into too much detail, suffice it to say, they would take the focus away from the happy couple and my father was worried that they'd drink too much and make a scene. They are both "grown women" but have not made the best choices in their lives.

It was my father's decision not to invite them and he was the one to tell them they wouldn't be coming. Sadly, one of them just said "OK," and moved on. This is the same sister who tackled a nine year old Mrs. Onion to the ground for the other sister's bouquet once I'd caught it (ouch). The bride was married and divorced in less than a year.

So, I want to support those of you who are struggling with their guest list and whether or not to invite that questionable relative. I will say, once all excitements calms down -- it will be OK not to have them there. It's a choice I'm proud of my father for making. He didn't want to be embarrassed by them, but most importantly, he didn't want everyone's evening to be in jeopardy for fear of my sister's behavior.

Have any of your gone through something similar? Please share you stories and how you handled the situation -- I'm sure it will be a great comfort to other bees and readers to know they aren't alone.