Children at Bridal Shower

ahhmunduh

I posted a awhile ago mentioning having two bridal showers. Well, we are. My family/MOH is hosting one in the MA area, and my FMIL got her way and will be hosting one for my fiances side in RI. My latest pickle is informing my FMIL that I would prefer that the shower be an adult only event. Can I even reccomend that? Or is it rude because she is the one throwing it for me? I ask because one of my bridesmaids, my FMIL daughter and fiances sister, has a two year old. She had the nerve to bring her to my bridal fitting where the little girl just ran around, tugging on other women, yelling and jumping up and down etc. If she didnt have the etiquite to not bring her there, then I am assuming she would think it was appropriate to bring her to a shower. How do I mention this to my FMIL nicely? 

mcskatcat

I feel like since this one will be with FI's side, then there's not as much to worry about.  If the girl makes a scene or something, then it reflects poorly on FSIL - not you. 

If it's just this one kid, I don't think I'd have a problem with it.  It sounds like FSIL might be taking her places without anything to do, so personally I'd spend $5 and bring a coloring book or something for the girl as a treat. 

Osterizer

There might be more distractions for a 2-year-old at a shower than at a bridal salon.  Food, other family members, and activities from home (a toy or coloring book) might keep her from running around like, well, a 2-year-old.  I wouldn't worry about it so much.  Your FSIL might have been strapped for childcare the day of your fitting and that's why she had to bring her or she just thought it was no big deal. 

Personally, I wouldn't tell my FMIL that no kids are allowed because it would be directly excluding her grandchild.  She could take offense.  And really, she's hosting, so as long as she doesn't invite people who are not invited to the wedding or people that are already going to your other shower, she can invite whomever she wants. 

MairePoppy

The host decides who is invited to the shower. It would be rude to tell your FMIL that she can't invite her own grandchild to a party she is throwing.

HobokensFury

I'm on your side- I don't think showers are a place for children.

jerzmom114

Personally, children being at parties like this don't bother me as long as they are well behaved kids  and the parents are making sure they have control of their child. (My 2 year old niece came to my shower , she is very well behaved and when she got cranky towards the end, my sister promptly removed her before annoying people with the crying)  I have 2 children of my own, and I am a preschool teacher for handicapped children, so maybe kids are easier for me  to tune out then most people! 

That being said, it sounds like when she brought her child to the dress store she was causing alot of trouble and Mom had no urge to tame her kid. That is unacceptable, but if FMIL is paying/hosting the shower, she can invite who she wants unfortunately . I would say either decline the shower, or just suck it up, be thankful for the shower, and hope for the best.