How to Decline an Invitation to a Gay Wedding for Religious Reasons

Weddings are a chance for the happy couple to celebrate their union in front of all their family and friends. When you're invited to a same sex union you may feel that religious reasons prevent you from attending the ceremony. Address the situation and keep from hurting the couple's feelings. Decline an invitation to a gay wedding with these suggestions.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Review your religious beliefs. Make sure that attending a same sex union is unacceptable. Read religious texts for insight into appropriate actions.

2. Schedule a meeting with a religious leader of your faith. Ask for clarification on your religions stance on same sex marriage. Even if your religion is against it, discuss with your religious leader if attending a gay friend's ceremony is implying anything but support for your friend on their day.

3. Decline the wedding invitation if religious beliefs still demand it. Simply RSVP that you are unable to attend the wedding ceremony without including the details why.

4. Consider making a compromise--instead of attending the wedding, attend the wedding reception instead or send a gift.

5. Be prepare to hear from the couple. When declining a wedding invitation from a close friend or family member they may contact you to find out why you did not attend. Be respectful if they press the issue as gently as possible inform them of your reasons.

Tips & Warnings

• Send a response to the wedding invitation even if your response is "no," as it is considered bad etiquette to not reply.
• No matter how against same sex weddings you might be, resist the impulse to preach your religion to the couple.