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Family Turns Couple’s Dream Wedding Into A Nightmare, Won’t Leave Kids At Home Despite Request

Family Turns Couple’s Dream Wedding Into A Nightmare, Won’t Leave Kids At Home Despite Request

Family Turns Couple’s Dream Wedding Into A Nightmare, Won’t Leave Kids At Home Despite RequestWoman Wants A Kid-Free Wedding, Family Says They’re Still Bringing Theirs, Drama Ensues“I Don’t Care What She Wants”: Family Doesn’t Care About Bride’s Wishes, She Considers UninvitingFamily Risks Being Uninvited From A Wedding When They Insist Bringing Kids To Child-Free WeddingFamily Thinks Bride’s Wedding Is Their Personal Event, Won’t Leave Kids Home, So She Uninvites ThemCouple Plans Child-Free Wedding, Parents Say Kids Will Come, They Get Dropped From Guest ListFamily Couldn’t Care Less What Bride Wants For Her Wedding, Plan On Bringing Kids AnywayParents Boycott Daughter’s Wedding Over Child-Free Rule, Bride Considers Uninviting Them Over ItBride Considers Dropping Family From Wedding After They Refuse To Leave Kids At Home That DayBride’s “No Kids At Wedding” Rule Sparks Family Feud, They Still Plan On Bringing A Bunch Of Kids
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They say weddings bring people together, but sometimes they do the exact opposite, shining a spotlight on just how different everyone’s priorities can be. Throw in a little family tension, a few different opinions, and a touch of stubbornness, and suddenly you’ve got the perfect recipe for a not-so-happily-ever-after, before the vows are even exchanged.

When one Redditor shared her story, the internet was quick to rally behind her bold decision to gently uninvite her parents and siblings from her upcoming wedding. Why? Because they insisted on bringing their kids to her child-free event.

More info: Reddit

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    They say weddings bring joy, but sometimes they bring more drama than a reality TV reunion

    Image credits: Jonathan Borba / Pexels (not the actual photo)

    One woman decided to uninvite her family from her own wedding after they insisted on bringing their small kids to the event, despite being told that kids are not invited

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    Image credits:Maahid Photos / Pexels (not the actual photo)

    The couple doesn’t want any kids at their wedding, but the bride’s family doesn’t care, saying their nieces and nephews will be there, despite the couple’s wishes

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    Image credits: Alex Green / Pexels (not the actual photo)

    The woman and her fiancé are paying for the entire wedding, so they don’t want to sacrifice on their wishes for their big day

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    Image credits: Sad_Subject2779

    The woman wants to uninvite her entire family from her wedding as they have insisted on bringing small kids to the event, despite specifically being told not to

    Our 25-year-old bride and her fiancé were planning a dreamy, intimate wedding set in the wild. It was a plan for a fairytale ceremony, vows exchanged amid free-roaming wildlife, and a backdrop of untamed nature. But there was a strict venue rule – no one under 16 allowed. Makes sense, right? Kids and wild animals? Not exactly a Disney movie.

    But the couple’s “no kids” policy wasn’t just about safety. They wanted their day to feel like a celebration, not a babysitting bonanza. Let’s be real, we’ve all seen weddings where someone ends up chasing a toddler mid-toast. It’s adorable until it becomes exhausting. I have to be honest, I’m with the bride and groom on this one.

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    The bride’s family, however, seemed to think the OP’s (original poster) wedding was a democracy, and they were holding the majority vote. Her dad flat-out said if her nephew couldn’t attend, he wouldn’t be going either. And her brothers? Even bolder. They declared, “I don’t care what she wants; my kids WILL be there.” That’s the emotional equivalent of stomping on the cake before the reception even starts.

    Meanwhile, her fiancé’s family was supporting their “no kids” stance and arranging babysitters like champs. Talk about in-law goals.

    So, what’s a bride to do? Well, our OP was leaning toward telling her family that if they couldn’t respect her wishes, and celebrate her big day with her, they might as well stay home. And honestly? Can you blame her? After all, it’s the couple’s day, not the family’s. If Auntie Millie wants a kid-packed wedding, she’d better get married herself.

    Besides, telling your child (or sibling) you couldn’t care less about what they want is just next-level emotional invalidation – it’s dismissive, hurtful, and often leaves the person feeling unseen and unheard. It’s basically like a slap in the face but with words.

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    Image credits: Freepik / Freepik (not the actual photo)

    When family members brush off your wishes or tell you your feelings don’t matter, it can cut deeper than the surface-level disagreements. For this bride, having her family prioritize their preferences over her big day wasn’t just frustrating—it was a blatant dismissal of her autonomy.

    The solution? Boundaries, baby! If someone tries to steamroll your feelings, you’ve got to hold your ground. No one should have to compromise their happiness to appease someone else’s ego, especially on their wedding day.

    Planning a wedding is already stressful enough, even when you don’t have to deal with selfish relatives who are suddenly self-appointed experts on “how weddings should be done.” It’s basically a crash course in people-pleasing—or, better yet, not people-pleasing.

    The pros say that the secret to surviving this circus and handling family pressure is learning to diplomatically stand your ground. Smile, nod, and then do whatever you were going to do anyway. Politely remind your family that this is your love story, not theirs. And hey, if Aunt Millie keeps pushing for a polka band, maybe hand her a clipboard and tell her to organize the cocktail napkins instead. That should keep her busy.

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    At the end of the day, weddings are about love—not just between the couple but also from those who show up to support them. If a guest, family or not, can’t respect your wishes, maybe they don’t deserve a seat at the table, or even a slice of the cake.

    What do you think of this wild story? Drop your comments below!

    Netizens side with the woman, saying she is not a jerk for uninviting her family from the wedding, as they should respect the couple’s wishes for their big day

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    Monica Selvi

    Monica Selvi

    Writer, BoredPanda staff

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    Hi! I'm Moni. I’m a globetrotting creative with a camera in one hand and a notebook in the other. I’ve lived in 4 different countries, an visited 17, soaking up inspiration wherever I go. A marketer by trade but a writer at heart, I’ve been crafting stories, poems, and songs, and creating quirky characters since I was 7.

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    Monica Selvi

    Monica Selvi

    Writer, BoredPanda staff

    Hi! I'm Moni. I’m a globetrotting creative with a camera in one hand and a notebook in the other. I’ve lived in 4 different countries, an visited 17, soaking up inspiration wherever I go. A marketer by trade but a writer at heart, I’ve been crafting stories, poems, and songs, and creating quirky characters since I was 7.

    Rūta Zumbrickaitė

    Rūta Zumbrickaitė

    Author, BoredPanda staff

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    Hi! Nice to meet you~ I'm very passionate about animals, especially cats, photography, small DIY projects, music and so much more! Could say I am the TV show The Office connoisseur since I have seen it at least a dozen times~

    Read less »

    Rūta Zumbrickaitė

    Rūta Zumbrickaitė

    Author, BoredPanda staff

    Hi! Nice to meet you~ I'm very passionate about animals, especially cats, photography, small DIY projects, music and so much more! Could say I am the TV show The Office connoisseur since I have seen it at least a dozen times~

    What do you think ?
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    The Other Guest
    Community Member
    16 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Don't think you're going to get any. The original post is two years old, and in one of the comments the OP says she'll give an update after the wedding, but I couldn't find it anywhere. Personally I hope she went ahead & left the invites as-is, and got to watch aaaaaall those people get turned away by the venue. Although I am a bit confused on it - she mentioned the venue in a comment (Elephant Whispers), and their FAQ clearly states that children *are* allowed with certain age limits & provisions (eg must be at least 5 years old to walk with the elephants, must be accompanied by parent or guardian, etc), so either the rules have changed; the OP misunderstood the policy; or she had a special package which does not allow children & I just wasn't able to find that particular package. They even have bookings/tours specifically for school events.

    Load More Replies...
    moggie63
    Community Member
    14 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    'Venue won't let under 16's in, come if you want but don't blame me if you get turned away, I no longer care'.

    Load More Comments
    The Other Guest
    Community Member
    16 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Don't think you're going to get any. The original post is two years old, and in one of the comments the OP says she'll give an update after the wedding, but I couldn't find it anywhere. Personally I hope she went ahead & left the invites as-is, and got to watch aaaaaall those people get turned away by the venue. Although I am a bit confused on it - she mentioned the venue in a comment (Elephant Whispers), and their FAQ clearly states that children *are* allowed with certain age limits & provisions (eg must be at least 5 years old to walk with the elephants, must be accompanied by parent or guardian, etc), so either the rules have changed; the OP misunderstood the policy; or she had a special package which does not allow children & I just wasn't able to find that particular package. They even have bookings/tours specifically for school events.

    Load More Replies...
    moggie63
    Community Member
    14 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    'Venue won't let under 16's in, come if you want but don't blame me if you get turned away, I no longer care'.

    Load More Comments
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