Friend Blocked From Bringing Plus-One to Wedding, 'Petty' Response Backed

Internet users have backed a person's response after they were banned from having a plus-one at a wedding held in their property.

A Reddit user, u/Long_Assistant8873, has taken to social media to explain their awkward predicament after telling two close friends they could tie the knot at the house the poster bought. It used to be their grandparents' home and has so many fond memories from years gone by.

For context, the poster said that they were originally going to purchase the house with their now-ex-girlfriend, Leslie. However, after discovering her "massive amounts" of debt, they ended the relationship. But that is where things get difficult, as the bride, Kim, getting married on the poster's property is Leslie's cousin.

The post reads: "In December, I started dating again. Leslie has not taken this well at all. She thinks we are going to get back together and has tried multiple times to make that happen. I have told her in no uncertain terms that isn't happening."

As a result, the bride and groom have asked u/Long_Assistant8873 not to bring a plus-one to the wedding, "for Leslie's sake."

That was a step too far for the Reddit user, however, as they felt the request was "ridiculous" to ask.

Newsweek has contacted u/Long_Assistant8873 via Reddit for comment.

"This wedding is happening at my house, using my land, and I am not allowed to bring a date because of a crazy ex? If that is the case, then they need to find a new venue for the wedding," u/Long_Assistant8873 wrote online.

While it is certainly a difficult situation, dispute resolution expert Kimberly Best told Newsweek that it is understandable for all parties to feel dismayed. The Reddit poster might feel as if their "autonomy is being challenged" in their own home, yet the bride is trying to manage the difficult family dynamics.

Best, a civil mediator and family mediator, said she recommends having an open conversation to explore alternative options that would make everyone happier. This could include choosing another venue, speaking with the ex-girlfriend directly, or potentially even discussing seating arrangements that would work for them all.

"I would help both parties explore what truly matters to them beyond their stated positions," Best said. "For the homeowner, it might be about respect and recognition of their generosity. For the bride, it might be about ensuring her cousin feels comfortable and the day runs smoothly."

Best said the homeowner should be made to feel satisfied with the arrangement, and the emotional needs of the couple and their wider family must be considered.

"While there may not be perfect outcomes, but there can be good ones that work for everyone. That is the goal of mediation," Best continued.

The Online Reaction

After the post was shared online on February 10, it went viral with more than 15,000 votes and almost 2,000 comments on Reddit. As thousands of social-media users took to the comments section to share their view, many people backed the poster for taking a firm stance on the matter.

One comment on the post reads: "Pull an Uno Reverse. Tell them Leslie isn't allowed on your property and watch their heads explode."

Another Reddit user wrote: "They want to tell you who you can have at your own home and think it is fine, they're nuts."

A third person posted: "If Leslie is that upset about him bringing a date, maybe she should stay home."

"It's not petty to not want a potentially vengeful ex-girlfriend who isn't over you to have free rein on your expensive property," commented a fourth person.

One comment adds: "Their request is unreasonable and controlling. It's your property you have the right to invite whomever you choose. Their ultimatum is unfair."

Has a wedding come between your relationship with a loved one? Let us know via life@newsweek.com. We can ask experts for advice, and your story could be featured on Newsweek.