Quote: Originally Posted by MarieSam I think it definitely depends on the type of relationship you have with your parents ~ are you a close knit family? how important is it for them to be there? The other gals bring up good points too ~ why can't they go? Of course if it's illness or physical limitations there's truly not much that can be done. But if it's a matter of schedule conflict or monetary issues, maybe some tinkering of the date or location/venue can solve the problem.
This is truly a subjective matter that really depends on your own situation and set of circumstances. Personally, FI or I would not go forward on our DW plans without our parents ~ we both have very close-knit families and it means a lot to have them there. We both understand and appreciate that this day is about us, but we also know that the people we are today derives from the foundation that our parents have built for us. In our circle, a marriage is not only a bonding of our union but of our families, and luckily our families LOVE each other and have continued to vacation together for years now. So this is really a celebration we want to share with everyone there!!
But I think in every wedding, there are "must-haves" on the guest list, for us, our immediate families happen to be atop that list. Are your parents a "must have"?? Very well said, MarieSam. I totally agree with you. My FIL is in a wheelchair and if he would not have been able to make it, we would have cancelled.