Ok, first, I am posting this here, because I want brutally honest opinions. If I'm out of line, tell me. If I'm right, tell me! And, if you have any suggestions, tell me! This is partially a vent and partially a need for some ideas.
My FMIL and FI's Step-dad are hosting our rehearsal dinner. FMIL is pretty much a control freak and is extremely stubborn. When she gets something in her head, that's it. FI and FMIL have had some pretty heated discussions around the idea that she's been married 4 times and now it's our turn to have our wedding. She's pretty insistant on wanting to plan every detail of our wedding. I'm greatful for the help she's given, but there are certain things that we just don't want to do her way. Not to mention, other than the rehearsal dinner, the future in-laws are not paying one single penny for the wedding. Which is fine. My parents offered to pay for part and FI and I are taking care of the rest.
Anyway, sorry about the long background...here's my dilemna. Our reception is going to have a hockey theme to the decor. Still classy, but little things like mini hockey sticks incorporated into our centerpieces and a hockey rink groom's cake, etc. And, our colors are black and white with red accents. Well, FMIL, decided to purchase black and white striped plates for the rehearsal dinner because they match the colors and they're "referee like". This is fine. I'm ok with that...no biggie.
But, she sent me a text yesterday and told me to find some cheap whistles...when I asked what they were for, she said the rehearsal dinner. ??? She wants everyone to wear a whistle so "we can be like referees". FI and I HATE this idea. It's a wedding...not an 8 year old's bday party. Today, she told me that she has games planned too! I'm trying really hard not to get b!tchy about this, but I have 2 problems with this.
1) Games are for the showers, not the rehearsal and dinner. We want to get rehearsed, eat, and get on with the evening.
2)It was FMIL's suggestion (and a good one) that after the dinner, the guys stick around and do the cleanup at the church because that's where our dinner will be. And, the ladies head over to the reception hall to decorate. So, we kind of need to eat and get over there. It's going to be a late late night the way it is.
I don't know how to tactfully tell her that the whistles are not a good idea. I told her that I didn't think many people would want to wear the whistles. And, that they could potentially get annoying. But, she said "Oh, we'll just make the men wear them". WHAT???
Am I out of line in not wanting whistles and games at the rehearsal? Do I even have a say in it? We have a large wedding party, so getting through the rehearsal is going to be tough and lengthy as it is. Let's hear it.