Ask a Question - Is it terrible to invite "B" list people verbally and with only 3 weeks notice? - SEPTEMBER2010BRIDE's Green Wedding by Color Blog

Is it terrible to invite "B" list people verbally and with only 3 weeks notice?

So, Wednesday is our deadline for RSVPs. Due to the fact that our wedding is out of town for my co-workers, FH's extended family, and some of FH's friends.......we've gotten a lot more "declines" than expected. My FMIL invited a lot of her aunts and uncles (who are in their 70s and 80s) thinking they would come, but who are not because it's a 5 hours drive for them,etc. Because she is contribuiting to our wedding and it was important to her to invite so much of her extended family & friends, FH & I cut down our "friends" list to make room. Now at the last minute, we have room to invite more. My question is, would it be okay for me to call or email some college friends that weren't originally invited, explain the situation, and invite them to come last minute? Do you think they would be happy to get an invite last minute or would it be tacky and rude to do this??? Help!

Personally if it was me I would go ahead and do it. Make the setting a nice one. Maybe invite them over for the evening and have a small cocktail party type thing. Explain why they weren't invited sooner. Most people understand that there is a point where you have to draw the line. I dunno if it's considered tacky or not in wedding invite etiquette but I would do it if I was in your position

I dont find it rude, cause so much has happened to us, that I did some last minute rsvp stuff. if they come they come if they dont. But I am giving them the option of coming.

One of my bridesmaids did that to me and I had no problem with it. Obviously we weren't as close at the time, but she invited me two weeks before and informed me that they were keeping it at family and bridal party, but they have an open spot at the last minute and she would be honored if I would attend. I felt very special and said of course I would come. The nice thing about younger people being your B list guest is that they don't get offended as easily :)

This sounds like what I will be doing too. SO I don't think it's tacky at all.

I was wondering about this.... I guess if we (us whose weddings are still a way off) make our rsvp about 4-5 weeks before the wedding, then we MIGHT get away with sending out a special invitation to the "B" list and pretend that we sent out invites late. :D

We're doing exactly that: inviting B list people now. I don't think it's tacky or rude at all. I think a lot of people will understand.

I dont think its tacky either. I wanted to make a B list and mu Husband said NOOO we wont need one. We invited 225 people and he swore up and down at LEAST 180 would attend. We have an 11,000 min at our venue..now we have 124 RSVPs and were not going to meet our minimum so were at a loss for some $$. Always make your RSVPs due way earlier than normal anyways because it will save you..trust me and it does give you the opportunity to send out an invite and say it was late lol

No, I don't think it's tacky or rude, particularly if you explain the situation to them. I think people understand when you only have a limited number of spaces for guests and have to prioritize to keep the family happy.