This is a hard one, because I could easily see myself in LW's shoes - in that situation I would be hurt, too, to be left off the guest list. I agree with the advice that LW should share with the friend their true feelings and stop gushing, if that's causing so much hurt.

I'm also remembering the stress around my wedding - over half the guest list were my parents' invites, which included family, friends, and their coworkers(!). At least they paid for those people...after some tense discussions.