In my personal opinion, whether or not it is rude to invite someone last minute to a wedding depends on the person and their individual circumstances. Let me explain further.
Firstly, it’s important to consider the personality and temperament of the person you are thinking of inviting. If they are easy-going, understanding, and not easily offended, they may be more likely to take a last-minute invitation in stride. They might appreciate being included, even if it is a bit last minute. In this case, it would not be considered rude to extend the invitation.
On the other hand, if the person is more sensitive or easily hurt, they might feel slighted or left out if they receive a last-minute invitation. They may interpret it as an afterthought or that they were not a priority to begin with. In such cases, extending a last-minute invitation could be seen as rude or inconsiderate.
It’s also worth considering the relationship and history you have with this person. If you have a close friendship or a strong bond, they may be more likely to understand and appreciate the invitation, regardless of the timing. However, if your relationship is more casual or distant, they might be more inclined to take offense at a last-minute invitation.
Additionally, consider the circumstances surrounding the last-minute invitation. If there was a genuine oversight or a change in plans that necessitated the late invitation, it may be easier for the person to understand and accept. However, if it appears that they were intentionally left off the initial guest list and only invited as a backup option, it could be seen as rude or disrespectful.
In my own experience, I have been on both sides of this situation. I have been invited to events last minute and have been perfectly fine with it, understanding that sometimes plans change or there may have been unforeseen circumstances. However, I have also been in situations where I received a last-minute invitation and felt a bit hurt, as if I wasn’t a priority or the host didn’t think of me initially.
To sum up, whether or not it is rude to invite someone last minute to a wedding ultimately depends on the individual and their personal circumstances. It’s important to consider their personality, the nature of your relationship, and the circumstances surrounding the invitation. If you think the person would be understanding and not easily offended, then it may be fine to extend the invitation. However, if there is a chance they might feel hurt or left out, it might be best to avoid a last-minute invitation to avoid any potential misunderstandings or hurt feelings.