Ultimately, you and your partner will create the guest list; but just like at any other wedding, you will probably wind up inviting some people you hardly know and some people you don't really like. Depending upon the age of your stepchild, you may have to invite the other biological parent. If your stepdaughter will not walk down the aisle unless she knows her mother is there, then invite her. She may decide to come only to the church or decide to stay for the whole party.

Your Stepchild's Family

Your stepchild has another biological parent, aunts and uncles that you may not even know, and grandparents totally unrelated to you. All of these people may want to see your stepchild in the wedding. They may have no issue at all with your marriage, but really want to see how beautiful your stepdaughter is in her bridesmaid dress, or hear the performance of your stepson's band.

You have a few options in these scenarios. Most people understand that weddings are expensive, so they may not expect to be invited just to witness your stepchild. Call the other biological parent and let her know it is okay with you if the relatives want to come to the ceremony to see your stepchild, but that you cannot afford to have more guests at the reception because of money or capacity constraints. If they would like to see something that will occur at the reception, it is appropriate to let them in for that piece of the reception with a similar explanation. If they just want to take pictures of your stepchild, tell them the time and place the pictures are being taken and invite them to come along. If you really enjoy their company and can afford to have them at the reception, then go ahead and invite them. These are a few solutions that are meant for situations where the relationship between you and the other biological parent is at least civil. If you hate each other and think her family will do anything to disrupt your day, use your judgment and only include them in situations that will be safe for everyone.

If your stepchild is a teenager or older, you may want to let him invite a friend or two to have at the wedding. This will help him have a better time and allow you a chance to get to know his friends a little better. If your stepchild is much older, you should invite him with a date if he is not participating in the wedding.

Unless your partner is completely estranged from his children, you will want to include his children in the wedding, even if it is just as a guest. If your partner's ex passed away, let him and your stepchild determine which members of her family they wish to invite. If they feel it is important for her parents to attend the wedding, they should be able to invite them. If the parents feel it would be too hard for them to attend, it is their option to decline. Guest lists are not easy, and you should invite people who are important to you, your partner, and your stepchild.