Which Relatives Should You Invite To Your Wedding?

You will make a lot of tough decisions on the days leading up to your wedding, and finalizing the agonizing details on your guest list is among the hardest things you'll have to figure out as you get ready for your big day. Should you invite your boss? Coworkers? And what about that cousin you haven't seen in five years — should you invite your out-of-town relatives to your wedding?

Deciding whether or not to invite certain people (particularly family members) will be one of the most stressful wedding decisions by far. Weddings get expensive, and finding places to make financial cuts is not easy. But if you're planning your own wedding and you're on a tight budget, some things just have to go.

There's also the fact that the American family is changing. People are settling down later in life. They're moving far from home, and relying more heavily on their friendships to get them through the ups and downs. So when making your wedding invite list, are you really going to invite your aunt (whom you haven't seen or spoken to in more than 10 years) over the friend who's stuck by your side, just because that aunt is a blood relative?

On the other hand, not inviting family members, no matter how distant they may be, could cause some serious family dramz. And added drama is something you definitely do not need — especially not today.

Plus, you don't even know if they'll show up. If they're out-of-towners, they might just thank you for the invite and send a gift.

The decision of whether or not to invite your out-of-town relatives to your wedding is truly up to you. Every family dynamic is different. You have to look at your options, and choose the path of least resistance. Here are a few of the pros and cons you should consider when making this choice.

Pro: They'll Be Extremely Happy To Receive The Invite

It's an honor to be invited to the most important day of someone else's life. Your relatives know that there's a chance you might not invite them, so when you do, it'll be that much sweeter.

Con: They'll Notice And Be Hurt If They Don't Get An Invite

If some family members are invited, they'll surely hear about it and be waiting for their invitation to arrive. When it doesn't, they'll be upset and the drama might trickle down into your immediate family.

Pro: They'll Probably Just Send A Gift And Not Come

If you do invite them and they have to travel a long way to attend, they probably won't even come. It's easier and more convenient for them to send a gift and wish you well, especially if you aren't that close.

Con: They Might Surprise You And Show Up

Then again, they might send back that RSVP card with a dinner option selected, and then you're stuck.

No matter what you decide, you need to do what's best for you. If that means not inviting the out-of-towners, then so be it. Eventually all wounds heal, and they'll get over it.

Image: Daniel Brock/Flickr; Giphy (2)