Is our reason for missing my cousin's engagement valid?

My wife and I have long been planning and saving for this trip and we fly out on the morning of April 24th. We will be gone for a month out of country and so a lot of preparation and packing will be needed to be done. My cousin happened to get engaged over the weekend and is having her party with her family on April 23rd. It's not that we don't want to go, but this party was only just announced today and so we were subsequently invited just today. I said we would try because it's literally the night before we leave for our trip, but that it doesn't seem likely as we will be needing to pack and prepare for our trip. Typically people who get engaged and throw themselves and engagement party give their guests at least a month's notice, so this is unfair for us that it's this short notice. Not sure if I should be feeling bad cause I don't. They could have honestly waited during June or July when the weather gets better here as well.

2017-04-07T03:42:41Z

FYI - April 22nd we're going to another wedding and can't pack during then either.

2017-04-07T23:38:27Z

For the record the same cousin was also unable to attend my wife's bridal shower a few years ago, and it was my aunt (the same cousin's mother) who threw it.
Additionally, the same cousin was originally telling people to expect an invite for her upcoming engagement to be sometime June or July.
We're still going to buy a gift for the couple (weather we attend or not), but our other dilemma is they're throwing the engagement party at a venue nearly 90 minutes away from where we live.

loyerd62017-04-07T17:17:14Z

Favorite Answer

I think it's very valid. Since you going to another wedding on 4/22 and leaving on 4/24 that really does not leave you much time. Since this is the engagement party and not the wedding, please do not feel bad about not being able to attend. Let them know that you would love to be there, however you have other plans.

friskymisty012017-04-07T18:27:12Z

well it's your choice what you decide to do..obviously you've already thought about it and are NOT attending* So, just say that to them..sorry but it's such short notice...uve planned trip for months..and have alot to do*...also a wedding to attend on the 22nd. Enough said* let it go*

Ashley M2017-04-07T15:30:15Z

An invitation is not a court summons. You are never REQUIRED to attend an event like this. If they get mad, that's their problem.

Kelly2017-04-07T13:37:06Z

Proceed with your trip and don't feel bad about it, this was planned well in advance (your trip). Just give your regrets to them and only explain why if you want to.

They also don't need to schedule it around your availability or when you think it will be a better time. They may have picked the day they did for a reason that well has nothing to do with you.

Edit - your updates are making you look petty af.

my 2 cents2017-04-07T12:23:13Z

No, your reason is not valid. You can show up for an hour or two and wish them well.

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