Each Wednesday, we tackle wedding etiquette. At times, it’s a reader question or one from a colleague, friend or family member and other times we’ll cover a popular issue. (Note: Questions may be edited for clarity and brevity.)
Question: I recently got an invitation to my ex girlfriend’s wedding. We dated for about four years and the breakup, after the initial drama, was pretty amicable. We’ve remained friends and frequently hang out at the same time with our friend group. Her fiancé is a good guy and I’m truly happy for them, but I don’t really want to go to the wedding. I don’t have any unrequited feelings for her and in fact am engaged myself to a wonderful woman, but at the same time, the thought of watching my ex get married just sounds like a recipe for awkwardness. Do I have to go to my ex girlfriend’s wedding?
Answer: It’s great that you’ve remained friends and can be happy for her in this new chapter in her life. While it’s thoughtful of her to invite you to the wedding, you are well within your rights to politely decline. In fact, it’s OK to decline an invitation to anyone’s wedding, though the closer you are to one or both of the couple, the more you should consider attending the event. (Unless you have a valid reason.) In this instance, send your regrets and a wedding gift within your budget (potentially from both you and your fiancée, if she is OK with it) along with your best wishes for a lovely wedding and a happy marriage.
Do you have a solution to share or a wedding etiquette question? Respond in the comments or email Melanie@MyNewOrleans.com.
