Photo credit: Urban Grey Photography via Wedding House

In this city where traditions are mostly kept and families are usually tight-knit, it’s no wonder why you see big groups of relatives gathering around for a family reunion dinner on Sunday nights. So when it comes to a family member tying the knot, the same applies. Suddenly, you discover you’ve got relatives you never knew existed: your Mum’s cousin’s children and you’ve been told by your parents to invite them. You’re now stuck with the daunting task of striking some of those twice-removed relatives off your guest list because honestly, unless you’re close, you shouldn’t be obliged to send them an invitation. You hardly see them, if at all, but how do you explain to your dear parents? It’s their proudest moment and they want to announce it to the whole world, so be tactical.

• Play the budget card. The more distant relatives they invite, the higher the costs and if your Dad is forking out the moolah, he should understand.
• Insist on intimacy. You want a small wedding and you only want those closest to you to be invited.
• Tell them this is YOUR wedding, not theirs. Sometimes, it’s difficult to be harsh with family (and no way am I condoning this behaviour) but you’ve got to stick to your guns and tell them the truth.
• If all fails, tell them you will budge by allowing your parents to host a separate family dinner.
• Tell them you love them. That’ll buy you some brownie points.