We received an invitation in the mail today, and I’m not sure technically who all is invited. It’s a 40th wedding anniversary luncheon for a couple who are like my second parents–I’ve known them my entire life, they’re my parents’ best friends. Their three kids are hosting the party.
The envelope is addressed to “The Smiths.” (Not our real name, obviously.) So does that include our kids? I kind of think it does–if only because the couple in question has several grandkids around the same age as ours (toddlers and preschoolers), and I’m sure they’d want them there if this is a family thing. And it’s a luncheon, not a fancy evening party.
Thankfully I’m close enough to the family that I feel comfortable just emailing one of them to ask. But if it was someone a bit more distant, I’d feel awkward.
Honestly, I kind of hope the kids aren’t invited. It’d be so nice to go out for a nice meal with grownups only for a change!
I’d expect that if it was just you and hubby/S.O./Baby Daddy/Whatever, the invitation would have been addressed “Mr. & Mrs. Peskipiksi”, or Peskipiksi and Guest, something like that. “The Smiths” sounds to me like an invitation to you and yours…essentially everyone in your household, but not extended to people that don’t live at your place. Those people should get their own invitation, if they are invited.
Seconding what Oakminster said. I haven’t found a specific cite for it, but from the sites I checked this is what seems implied. Besides, it’s what I learned from my parents so how could it be wrong?
No. Why on earth would you think so? Just like it would be fine for only you to attend, and not your husband, or for any permutation of the people invited to attend/not attend. Just RSVP accurately and there’s nothing rude.
Well, I just meant because we’re so close, it’d be almost like not bringing grandkids to their grandparents’ celebration. If it is a kid-friendly occasion, the guests of honor *will *want to see all the kids.
