ShareThisQ. My parents have taken over the guest list. They're inviting people I've never met. It's gotten to the point where I might have to cut some of my friends due to space constraints. I'm not happy, but they're paying for the wedding. Can I put my foot down?A. It's common for parents and children to have completely different ideas about weddings, and, unfortunately, disagreements are part of the planning process.Sit down with your folks and explain that you'd like a smaller affair with your close family and friends, and be sure to tell them why it's important to you. But also remember that while this is a big day for you, it's also a special day for your parents, and it's not unreasonable for them to have a few select guests -- just ask them to keep it to a minimum.If this is a make-or-break issue, you and your fiance could always pay for the wedding yourselves.(Carley Roney, co-founder and editor in chief of The Knot, the nation's leading wedding resource, advises millions of brides on modern wedding etiquette at www.theknot.com.)
When parents take over the guest list
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