Guest cancels with 48 hours to go - replacement?

Cuilean

With 48 hours until my wedding, one of my guests has text messaged me to say she and her husband can't make it any more, because her husband has found a cheap last minute holiday. I'm not overly disappointed to lose her TBH - she was a good friend at the time I sent my invitations out, but has been massively distant over the last six months. I had to chase her for an RSVP, and I said to my OH at the time that I thought she would do this.

Anyway, she's not coming, and that's okay. However, that is now two portions of food which may go to waste, which is what annoys me more than the fickle friend.

Since the invitations went out, I've made a new friend, and we've got quite close. I was sorry I hadn't met her before the guest list was decided. She's a single mother with a six year old son, and while she's never commented on not being invited, she asks about the wedding and offered to come and help put favour bags together and other jobs. I would like her to come along far more than I ever wanted fickle friend to be there. I could make her son up a little goody bag like the other child guests so he didn't feel left out.

Do I invite my new friend and her son at the last minute, or would that look rude? I don't want her to feel like it's an invite for the sake of numbers.

Sazzarella

I would just tell her the truth, that you had wished you had met her before you made up your guest list and now that 2 people have dropped out you would love for her and son to attend. I don't think that sounds bad. Good luck with the wedding

Bean83

Sazzarella wrote: »

I would just tell her the truth, that you had wished you had met her before you made up your guest list and now that 2 people have dropped out you would love for her and son to attend. I don't think that sounds bad. Good luck with the wedding

I agree, if you make it really clear guests were decided upon before you met and that's the only reason you hadn't invited her before now, then I can't see how she could be offended. Most people understand how expensive weddings are, and realise that you can't just add extra guests whenever you feel like it. If I were her, I would just be really pleased to be asked, no matter how last minute

katie1812

I would invite her. You sound like you would like her there, and if you had known her before then you would have invited her. Just explain to her this and that if she is available there are two spaces that you would love her and her son to fill. She sounds very keen and interested so if she is free I'm sure she will say yes
Happy wedding day

Maysie

The only thing is if she has nothing to wear so go see her and fingers crossed she can make it.

LEJC

we had a couple of guests pull out at short notice and offered the places to other friends...they were delighted to be asked and had a lovely day at the wedding.

Tell the truth...a couple have dropped out and you'd like to offer the places to the other friend...you dont really even need to go into too much detail and even if they decline your offer I'm sure they will think of you kindly for asking.

Stephb1986_2

I would tell her the truth and invite her I'm sure she would be delighted.

Good luck for your day I hope it is truly wonderful for you

Steph xx

Dekazer

Definitely invite them! Lend her a dress if she doesn't have anything suitable, and maybe offer to find a friend/family member who's driving and could give them a lift. Fingers crossed they can go

Have a great day!

globetraveller

As the others have said- also insist that she doesn't give you a present. She has obviously been helping you out.