AITA for not inviting my brother to my wedding?

In a quaint out-of-state venue, where fairy lights twinkled and love filled the air, Anna (let’s call her that) planned her dream wedding. But one name was missing from the guest list: her estranged brother, a figure from a childhood marked by distance and favoritism. His sudden marriage without inviting Anna or their mother left scars, and Anna chose to protect her joy by excluding him.

Years of spotty contact and broken promises shaped Anna’s decision, yet her brother’s hurt feelings, voiced through their mother, stirred guilt and family tension. This Reddit story dives into the messy world of sibling estrangement, asking: can you close the door on family for your big day?

‘AITA for not inviting my brother to my wedding?’

Family ties can be as tangled as a ball of yarn in a kitten’s paws. Anna’s choice to exclude her brother stemmed from years of feeling sidelined, a valid boundary given his history of neglect. Family therapist Dr. John Gottman, in a 2022 Psychology Today article, notes, “Healthy relationships require mutual effort; one-sided connections erode trust” (source). Anna’s brother’s absence and uninvited marriage signaled disinterest, justifying her decision.

This reflects a broader issue: managing estrangement. A 2021 study by the Journal of Family Psychology found that 27% of adults report estrangement from a sibling, often due to unresolved childhood dynamics (source). Anna’s mother’s hurt highlights the ripple effects, but expecting Anna to bridge the gap alone is unfair. Dr. Gottman suggests open dialogue to heal rifts, but both parties must engage.

Anna could send a calm message, like, “I wanted a wedding with those closest to me; let’s talk if you’re open.” For others, setting clear expectations with family early avoids surprises.

Let’s dive into the reactions from Reddit:

Reddit served up a feast of opinions, from fiery support to blunt advice, with a sprinkle of sympathy for Anna’s mom. Here’s what the community said:

These Reddit takes are spicier than a family reunion potluck, but do they hit the mark? Was Anna’s snub a power move or self-protection?

Anna’s wedding snub wasn’t about pettiness—it was about shielding her heart from a brother who’d long checked out. His absence from her life, capped by his own secret wedding, drew a clear line. While her mom aches for family unity, Anna’s right to curate her day stands firm. What would you do if an estranged sibling expected an invite? Share your thoughts below and let’s dig into this family drama!