What is the etiquette for inviting family to weddings?

Short answer

Invite immediate family first, then close extended family, and be consistent with who gets a plus one. Clear, early invitations help everyone feel included and avoid awkward assumptions.

Start with your immediate family: parents, siblings, and grandparents. Then decide which aunts, uncles, and cousins you want to include. It is kind to invite all members of a family unit together, for example all first cousins, rather than picking and choosing, unless you have a very close relationship with only some.

If you are having a smaller wedding, it is fine to invite only immediate family. Be clear and gentle with anyone not invited, especially if they assume they will come. You can say you are keeping the guest list small and personal.

For plus ones, a good rule is to offer them to married, engaged, or long-term partners, and to anyone who would not know other guests. For children, decide your policy early and state it clearly on the invitations, for example "adults only" or "children welcome".

If parents are contributing financially, it is polite to discuss the guest list with them, but the final decision should be yours and your partner's. Send invitations at least six to eight weeks before the wedding, and earlier for guests travelling from abroad.