So.... I have already had my share of FMIL drama because she is DEMANDING that her 3 daughters be part of the bridal party. NOW, I am having issues with the future Step Mother..... she has 2 kids (12 and 14) and she emailed me the other day claiming that she wanted to start making travel arrangements and asking if the kids were invited. I said that everyone will be invited to the ceremony, and then I will be providing a sitter armed with more age appropriate food, movies, video games etc. so that all the kids can hang out and have fun. Well, she got nasty with me and said that I clearly do not value family since I am not including everyone because that is what she did when she got married (mind you she had 2 kids, her husband had 3 and it was their 3rd and 2nd weddings, respectively). I explained that unfortunately there are quite a few kids that will not be included from the reception for many reasons that I did not need to get into. She said my FI father would be attending alone. (real mature!)
We have made this choice because of the number of children in our immediate family (20+) will likely take over the dance floor and it is a huge financial burden for that many additions. We want this to be about our friends coming together and celebrating our time with everyone we love. There will be an open bar and I simply do not think it is appropriate for that many kids to be around for that. I feel like I have made a great plan for kids if their parents bring them to the ceremony, but I am wondering if there would be any other suggestions??