Agree on the invitation first
The couple should decide together who is invited, what contact is acceptable, and whether there are safety or family-conflict concerns. Do not send on behalf of one partner without the other's agreement.
If attendance would put someone at risk or violate a venue, family, or legal boundary, use a different gesture or no invitation.
Make the invitation complete
Include the event, date, place, RSVP deadline, guest rules, and the best contact for logistics. State whether the invitation is for the ceremony, reception, or both.
Say that declining is completely acceptable. Do not attach a request to repair the relationship before they are allowed to attend.
- A real invitation with full logistics.
- Clear boundaries that apply at the event.
- A private, pressure-free way to decline.
Plan for either answer
If they accept, confirm practical boundaries through a neutral contact if needed. If they decline or do not answer, do not recruit other relatives to pressure them.
Use an ordinary invitation route when possible. One announced request may be suitable when contact is closed, but never where contact is prohibited.