Wedding guest help

We had a rule that we didn't invite anyone that neither of us had met (as much as possible, we only invited people we had both met, but that didn't work for a couple of very close friends who lived abroad).

Either your cousins' partners are fairly new partners or you don't actually see your cousins very often. If it's the first, then don't invite the partners. If it's the second, then why are you inviting the cousins in the first place?

In general, I think the 'no ring no bring' rule is good. Obviously, it has to be adjusted if you have long-term couples who aren't getting engaged or married, but the guiding principle of only inviting long term partners remains the same.

We have the same, 4 of our single friends have all now got partners! We have said right now they are not invited, but if we get drop outs then we will consider it if they are still together nearer the time and we will hopefully have met them by then. We have a 50 person package so it is handy to have reserves if people decline so you are not paying for empty seats. We have done similar and said partners can come to the evening, in your case, this is acceptable as your cousins will know others at the wedding so is not likely they will be on their own. Only one of my close friends is bringing her new partner who we have yet to meet, purely because I want her there and she doesn't know anyone else. It may be awkward but it is your choice so people should respect that but be prepared some people may decline, which is where your back up list comes in, just be careful on who you then allow to bring partners if you don't have enough for all of them.