I don’t think anyone is forcing you. I don’t think I have ever been to a wedding where anyone local has brought their kids. It’s more people who are coming in from out of town, and want to turn it into a little vacation and introduce their kids to relatives they don’t see often who are all gathered in one place. In my family, people bring their kids to funerals as well for similar reasons. |
At an evening reception there were sibs kids plus some others invited. Others were not. They fit within the capacity limit of the venue. These were the cost free declined baby sitting offers: 1. hotel suite with 3-4 sitters for ceremony and/or reception or as needed 2. 3-4 sitters at ceremony placed next to parents or stationed in the back of church as needed 3. church had big vestibule plus room to use and large terrace out front with grassy areas and gardens. Parents and relatives including aunts, cousins, grandparents said they'd help etc so no need. Reality of that? GP's etc in gowns, tuxes or cocktail attire are not relinquishing their adult beautiful time so the parents can have their adult beautiful time. So if kids not invited there can be option 1. If a teen isn't invited they can be part of the babysitting and get paid. There are capacity limits and what used to hold 125 might now be 50 or less. The babysitting area isn't part of that 50. |
Our family reunions are at two beach houses and involve catered dinners, so yes, everyone pays the portion full r their family unit. We’ve also rebated cabins at a mountain resort and ate at the restaurants in the lodge. If it was a BBQ at a public park like yours, sure, I’d happily cover the bill myself. |
First of all, there is a big difference between a 7 year old and an infant. I think we all can agree infants are a lot more work and don't need to be there ( unless young enough to just nurse and sleep) Second of all, I have never been in a group of people ( with my infant) where we talked endlessly about said infant. We would talk a few minutes about "cuteness" and then talk about other things...family news,. the weather, sports, politics. When my kids were in my brother's wedding ( six and three) I let go a lot of the manners and let them eat what they want ( they were pretty neat eaters so not worried about that) We went to the wedding, reception and left early. It was all fine! But, if the couple did not want my kids there I would have followed their rules but, perhaps would have been unable to attend. That is the risk, couples have to make. |
People can have an adults only party. If you don't like their choices you don't have to go. Your opinion on what weddings are supposed to be about is irrelevant. Either go and leave your child at home with your husband, bring your husband and get a sitter for child. or politely decline, and you are not allowed to feel resentful of the host's choices about what kind of wedding they have. |
I think this has been said before. Did you even read anyone else's comments?
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Given how much I heard about my absence, they did Karen. |
Why do people keep saying this. Of course it's their choice. No one -literally- is saying they can do as they please. But, the choices have an affect on others, number one. They way this goes is they limit attendance and then the couple gets pissy when you decline (or their parents, or grandma/grandpa). And in many families weddings have traditionally been akin to family reunions as it may be the only time you see family from far away. That's how it was until the younger generations started limiting things. Fine. I'm just not coming then. And keep your complaints aobut it to yourself. |
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I can understand why people want no-kid weddings. But since I have 50/50 custody of mine, if it fell on a weekend I had custody, I’d have to pass. Not giving up time with my kids for a wedding.
Not sure what I would have done when I was married, but probably xH would have stayed home and I’d go alone. I was dying for some time away from him, though! Maybe we should be having “no plus 1” weddings? Spouse stays at home so we can really let loose? |
If you want a family reunion then plan a family reunion. The bride/groom decide and don’t want your kids there. People use the word “tradition” to try to manipulate others into doing what they want. Sometimes you have to look beyond your own family and see that others want to do different things. If you get upset then that is your problem to deal with. |
Google is your friend. Bride is busy as it is. |
| Dear lord people. Just get a damn babysitter. Tired kids staying up late is not fun for anyone. If it’s during the day, and your kids aren’t old enough to be quiet at the ceremony and behaved at the event, they aren’t making the wedding more “fun”. And I’ve been to both kids of weddings. You don’t get to put your views on the bride and groom, or the brides family if they are hosting. So selfish. |
Uh huh. |
Nobody actually cares if you don't attend. REALLY. |
The only time I’ve seen a bride IRL be upset that someone couldn’t attend was when that someone basically arranged a boycott of the wedding because her precious children weren’t invited. It caused a rift in the family for years. Other than that, most brides are pretty much good as long as the groom shows up. |