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Wedding Party

Pressure from future sister in law to be bridesmaid..

So here is my dilemna. My fiance has one brother and one sister. Since the beginning of our relationship I have always made it a point to be friends with his sister. Over the years we have had this sort of one way friendship where she only comes to me when she wants me to hear all the drama going on in her life or talk about a new guy she has met. She never calls to say hello or simply just see how I am doing. She has not had a job for the last year and is living at home with her parents. She also has this very special way of always trying to make everything about herself, to be honest I have never known a more selfish human being in my life. Example, when we announced that we had gotten engaged her response to my fiance (her brother) "it is such a shame you had to plan this during a time where all of us are struggling financially." We live in California and had 20 of our closest friends and family come out for our engagement celebration/dinner. She was the only family member that did not show up. She said she could not afford gas to drive out and she could not afford to spend money on the dinner. She also told us that she read online that it is the future groom's responsibility to pay for the engagement dinner and did not understand why she would have to pay for dinner. I even told my fiance I would front the money to her so she could come because if it meant that much to him we would make it work. She had three months to plan for it and she has a difficulty holding down a job because partying seems to have always been more of a priority that anything. He said he did not want to condone her behavior and help her out like everyone always does, that she needed to realize that life isn't always about her.

Our engagement dinner came and went. The about a month ago she just came right out and asked who we had picked for our wedding parties. I told her who my finace had chose and vice versa. When she obviously realized I was not going to ask her to be in the party things got bad quickly. I explained to her it would not be fair to put the financial burden on her since she was not working and made it very clear how tough things were prior to our engagement dinner. She basically said to me that the future sister in law is always supposed to be in the wedding party, that our sides are not even, and that all she would have to pay for would be the dress. That my mother is supposed to pay for the hair and makeup. She also mentioned that their other brother was going to be the best man and it would be unfair that she was left out. (This is mildly putting it compared to the way she blew up on me)

Not a single mention of how important it was for her to be standing up with us on that day to celebrate or how much she loved us and wanted to participate in everything. She simply went on and on about all the reasons why it was wrong that I had not asked her.

She has never gotten along with any of my girlfriends (and makes it very known), and to be honest I would be so concerned throughout everything of how difficult she would be making things for my other bridesmaids...Complaining about finances, not getting a long with the girls, and more importantly venting to me about drama when that is just not the way I want it to be. Of course I stood my ground on the issue and just made it clear why I felt I could not ask her. Of course her response was, "great, have fun planning the wedding. see you next year."

At my wedding I want the most important people standing up there with me. The girls that I love the most, the ones who I know will be there forever. The ones who whole heartedly support me to the moon and back. I just want to make sure that I am not doing the wrong thing by not asking her because she will be my future sister in law..Am I supposed to ignore my gut and ask her to be in the wedding just because it is "the right" thing to do? 

Re: Pressure from future sister in law to be bridesmaid..

  • Engagement Dinner: you do not invite people to a dinner like that and have them pay. You also shouldn't have thrown it for yourselves. To the question, if you don't want her in the WP don't have her in the WP.
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  • My fiance had plans to propose in our hotel suite and then take me to dinner at the hotel with all of our friends and family standing there as a suprise, so they could all be there to celebrate with us. He proposed two days early so it was a little late to cancel travel plans which then it just turned into a dinner. I also read tons of different things on who pays for what and who throws the enagament dinner.party...Everyone does it differently. 
  • Holy shiiit, you invited people to an engagement dinner for yourself and then asked THEM to pay for their own meals? Wow. That's so incredibly rude. You are the LAST person who should be complaining that your FSIL is selfish and illmannered. You owe all those guests a gigantic apology.
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  • mbcdefgmbcdefg member
    10000 Comments 5 Love Its Combo Breaker
    edited June 2012
    In Response to Re:Pressure from future sister in law to be bridesmaid..:[QUOTE]My fiance had plans to propose in our hotel suite and then take me to dinner at the hotel with all of our friends and family standing there as a suprise, so they could all be there to celebrate with us. He proposed two days early so it was a little late to cancel travel plans which then it just turned into a dinner. I also read tons of different things on who pays for what and who throws the enagament dinner.party...Everyone does it differently.nbsp; Posted by dmlarso1[/QUOTE]

    Yeah. The rude people are the ones who do it differently.

    Dude, you dont invite people to a party in your honor and then tell them that they're buying their own food. That's common freaking sense, not a "to each their own"/"Times are changing"/"other b.s. excuse to calidate your rudeness" thing.
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  • mbcdefgmbcdefg member
    10000 Comments 5 Love Its Combo Breaker
    edited June 2012
    In Response to Re:Pressure from future sister in law to be bridesmaid..:My fiance had plans to propose in our hotel suite and then take me to dinner at the hotel with all of our friends and family standing there as a suprise, so they could all be there to celebrate with us. He proposed two days early so it was a little late to cancel travel plans which then it just turned into a dinner. I also read tons of different things on who pays for what and who throws the enagament dinner.party...Everyone does it differently.nbsp; Posted by dmlarso1 Yeah. The rude people are the ones who do it differently. Dude, you dont invite people to a party in your honor and then tell them that they're buying their own food. That's common freaking sense, not a "to each their own"/"Times are changing"/"other b.s. excuse to validate your rudeness" thing.
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  • You really need to grovel and try to save some face over that engagement dinner ordeal.  I would be crazy embarrassed if I were you.  That was crazy rude and AWish.  I would recommend that you start apologizing to the guests and get an etiquette book for future planning.  People will usually forgive something like this if you apologize and are careful to not do anything else.  But if you embarrass yourself with another rude attention grab, you are going to have people rethinking their opinion of you.  

    As for the FSIL, don't ask her to be a BM if you don't want to.  If your FI wants her, he can ask her to stand on his side.
  • I think PPs are losing focus. It seems the OP just wanted advice whether to ask her FSIL to be in her wedding.

    To the OP, I say choose whoever you want in your wedding, and maybe ask the FSIL to be your MC at the reception or something like that (if you want her to be that is). 
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  • Wow.  You threw a party for yourself and asked your guests to pay for it.  It doesn't matter where you are, that's bad.  If I'd finished dinner and been handed a bill, you can bet I wouldn't be hanging around you anymore.

    You don't have to have your FSIL in the wedding. You didn't have to explain anything to your SIL.  That probably just made it worse, that you told her you didn't ask because you didn't think she could afford it.  That's her call to make, not yours.  She also shouldn't have gone off on you like that.  But FWIW, you only have to pay for hair and makeup and shoes if you're requiring they do or wear specific things.  If you don't care what they do, then you're off the hook.  All she should have to pay for is the dress, and you are responsible for choosing a dress within the budget she gives you, or paying the difference. 
  • I went to a going away party that ended up being an Enagement Party. It was hosted by the Groom to be since they were moving out of town. We all already were expecting on paying, then the night before the dinner he proposed, so when we got there we found out and were so happy about it that paying for the dinner wasn't even an issue that came to mind. Maybe its all in how is was presented to the guests. On the other hand, my FI and my family put ours together and was hosted by them - guests did not pay.

    As for the WP, you get to chose, but it may be a choice thrown in your face for life it sounds like...
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  • In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_wedding-party_pressure-from-future-sister-in-law-to-be-bridesmaid?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:37Discussion:3d4a0e70-bd6c-481f-8805-1b804d5d4f6cPost:22a15f4a-ba0d-4cc5-b6e5-c3c389e3c11a">Re: Pressure from future sister in law to be bridesmaid..</a>:
    [QUOTE]<strong>I think PPs are losing focus.</strong> It seems the OP just wanted advice whether to ask her FSIL to be in her wedding. To the OP, I say choose whoever you want in your wedding, and maybe ask the FSIL to be your MC at the reception or something like that (if you want her to be that is). 
    Posted by swimmy1988[/QUOTE]

    <div>How can you expect people to not comment on something so shockingly rude?  Especially after OP had the audacity to try to make excuses for it.</div><div>
    </div><div>It does have bearing on the question she's trying to ask about.  This offensive party did upset the FSIL, and OP wants to blame the FSIL for being offended at being treated so rudely, or use it as an excuse not to invite her to be a BM.</div>
  • OP...I'm not going to come down on you about your "engagement dinner", since based on my reading you didn't plan it, you're groom-to-be did (and let's face it, not many men read Emily Post).

    As for your FSIL, you may not want her in the wedding party, but in an effort to extend the olive branch, woud you consider asking her to do a reading, prayer, or something like that?  This might make her feel included, instead of the outsider she's used to being (that's my take on your description of her behaviors and how people treat her).  And let's face it...you're the one concerned about this, so I'm going to assume that you want to make peace and don't want to become part of your groom-to-be's family with a strike against you.

    Best wishes!

  • In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_wedding-party_pressure-from-future-sister-in-law-to-be-bridesmaid?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:37Discussion:3d4a0e70-bd6c-481f-8805-1b804d5d4f6cPost:c9e2a992-d363-41d1-a196-da3b9b5603b5">Re: Pressure from future sister in law to be bridesmaid..</a>:
    [QUOTE]In Response to Re: Pressure from future sister in law to be bridesmaid.. : How can you expect people to not comment on something so shockingly rude?  Especially after OP had the audacity to try to make excuses for it. It does have bearing on the question she's trying to ask about.  This offensive party did upset the FSIL, and OP wants to blame the FSIL for being offended at being treated so rudely, or use it as an excuse not to invite her to be a BM.
    Posted by MyNameIsNot[/QUOTE]

    We're also trying to keep OP from making the same mistake again, pissing off the same people, and possibly making a fool of herself at her own wedding.  She owes a bunch of people a serious apology.
  • Hmm, no one's brought up the old standby, "She doesn't have to stand on your side just because you both have boobs"?  If your FI wants her in the wedding, she can stand on his side.  If he doesn't want her in it, he can take the heat for it.

    But I think everyone just got caught up in holy shiitt you hosted a wedding event and then expected people to pay for themselves.  You really should consider your sources before taking advice online, unless you're in the habit of sending money to Nigerian princes.  I'd be surprised if ANYONE was returning your calls for a while.
    This is a neglected planning bio.
    This is a belated married bio, with no reviews yet because I'm lazy.

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    Sometimes I feel like people think that brides are delicate little flower princesses who get all dressed up and pretty for one special moment of their dreams, when really they're just normal people who just happen to be getting married. Things shouldn't have to be sugar-coated for grown-ass women. -mstar284
  • In Response to Re:Pressure from future sister in law to be bridesmaid..:[QUOTE]OP...I'm not going to come down on you about your "engagement dinner", since based on my reading you didn't plan it, you're groomtobe did and let's face it, not many men read Emily Post.As for your FSIL, you may not want her in the wedding party, but in an effort to extend the olive branch, woud you consider asking her to do a reading, prayer, or something like that?nbsp; This might make her feel included, instead of the outsider she's used to being that's my take on your description of her behaviors and how people treat her.nbsp; And let's face it...you're the one concerned about this, so I'm going to assume that you want to make peace and don't want to become part of your groomtobe's family with a strike against you.Best wishes! Posted by wegsmom[/QUOTE]

    That is an unfair "boys will be boys" attitude. My husband knows better as do most the men I know.
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  • In Response to Re:Pressure from future sister in law to be bridesmaid..:[QUOTE]Hmm, no one's brought up the old standby, "She doesn't have to stand on your side just because you both have boobs"? nbsp;If your FI wants her in the wedding, she can stand on his side. nbsp;If he doesn't want her in it, he can take the heat for it.But I think everyone just got caught up in holy shiitt you hosted a wedding event and then expected people to pay for themselves.nbsp; You really should consider your sources before taking advice online, unless you're in the habit of sending money to Nigerian princes. nbsp;I'd be surprised if ANYONE was returning your calls for a while. Posted by aerinpegadrak[/QUOTE]

    Great suggestion!
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  • In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_wedding-party_pressure-from-future-sister-in-law-to-be-bridesmaid?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:37Discussion:3d4a0e70-bd6c-481f-8805-1b804d5d4f6cPost:432b6438-e2bf-4a6c-aa65-d45576bd6dfc">Re: Pressure from future sister in law to be bridesmaid..</a>:
    [QUOTE]OP...I'm not going to come down on you about your "engagement dinner", since based on my reading you didn't plan it, you're groom-to-be did (and let's face it, not many men read Emily Post). <strong>As for your FSIL, you may not want her in the wedding party, but in an effort to extend the olive branch, woud you consider asking her to do a reading, prayer, or something like that?  </strong>This might make her feel included, instead of the outsider she's used to being (that's my take on your description of her behaviors and how people treat her).  And let's face it...you're the one concerned about this, so I'm going to assume that you want to make peace and don't want to become part of your groom-to-be's family with a strike against you. Best wishes!
    Posted by wegsmom[/QUOTE]

    This absolutely perfect idea.

    And yes, I think the Engagement Party idea being put together by the FI was sidelined. It sounds like the OP didn't even realize until it was probably too late since it was 2 days out. My FI is constantly making etiquette mistakes, I catch them when I can but I am not always there. Since it is done and over with make sure that the guests are treated especially well at the wedding itself and all etiquitte rules perfectly followed.
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  • It not sexist, there is a large difference between men and woman as it should be. I am going to take a guess that well over 80% of guys don't pick up wedding magazines or look up things online about weddings. There is nothing sexist about that. I personally prefer my men to be super manly and not know the difference between a daisy and a carnation. To each his/her own, but stating differences in habits between a man and women is not sexist.
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  • In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_wedding-party_pressure-from-future-sister-in-law-to-be-bridesmaid?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:37Discussion:3d4a0e70-bd6c-481f-8805-1b804d5d4f6cPost:432b6438-e2bf-4a6c-aa65-d45576bd6dfc">Re: Pressure from future sister in law to be bridesmaid..</a>:
    [QUOTE]OP...I'm not going to come down on you about your "engagement dinner", since based on my reading you didn't plan it, you're groom-to-be did <strong>(and let's face it, not many men read Emily Post)</strong>. 
    Posted by wegsmom[/QUOTE]

    <div>I'm sorry if the men in your life lack manners, but my H and the men around me know how to behave themselves with proper manners, whether they were raised that way or have to read a book to figure out how.  We're not talking about how to correctly address an invitation.  We're talking about basic manners.</div><div>
    </div><div>Having a penis is no excuse to be so rude to family and friends, nor does it change the fact that this rude behavior reflects on both him and the OP.  </div>
  • There is no reason for her to be your BM unless you want her up there. This is not her decision, if your FI wants her in the wedding she can stand on his side, otherwise stand your ground and tell her that the wedding party has already been decided on.
  • saacjwsaacjw member
    500 Comments 100 Love Its Third Anniversary Name Dropper
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_wedding-party_pressure-from-future-sister-in-law-to-be-bridesmaid?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:37Discussion:3d4a0e70-bd6c-481f-8805-1b804d5d4f6cPost:49d9b522-40a1-4ae6-8945-e471dc6e91d5">Re: Pressure from future sister in law to be bridesmaid..</a>:
    [QUOTE]In Response to Re: Pressure from future sister in law to be bridesmaid.. : I'm sorry if the men in your life lack manners, but my H and the men around me know how to behave themselves with proper manners, whether they were raised that way or have to read a book to figure out how.  We're not talking about how to correctly address an invitation.  We're talking about basic manners. Having a penis is no excuse to be so rude to family and friends, nor does it change the fact that this rude behavior reflects on both him and the OP.  
    Posted by MyNameIsNot[/QUOTE]

    <div>True facts- my FI has never read Emily Post in his life, but has a better sense of etiqutte than anyone I know. That saying that etiquette is about making other feel comfortable is totally true and he's one of those people that is in tune enough with comfort levels to get it. Male =/= rude. </div>
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  • Yeah, you guys screwed up on the e-party. Don't pull that shizz again or people are gonna be PEEVED.

    Regarding the FSIL as BM, you totally don't have to do it. Maybe have her do a reading. I would strongly caution against having her be the MC at the reception as one PP suggested simply because I'd be VERY wary of having someone with a chip on their shoulder and a propensity for blowing up holding a live microphone at your reception. 
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  • I am including my future sisters in law in the wedding party. I'm not quite sure why some people get hung up on how it's the right thing to do because it includes your new family, but it's not always the best decision. If you know someone is going to make your life miserable as you go about planning your wedding, why include them on purpose? My FSILs have been driving my MOH and I crazy. They ignore phone calls, don't read emails, show up late to things, make annoying demands, and genuinely don't care about the wedding as much as they do their own drama. They arrived at my shower with no food and no gifts. I knew they were like this, but I talked myself into thinking they would behave differently because it's their only brother's wedding. That said, these are girls I love, who have been sisters to me (I have none of my own) in the four years I dated their brother before our engagement. So I deal. You sound like you don't want to. So don't.
  • Even though the OP made a mistake (or her FI did) by having people pay for their meals at the dinner, IMHO, the FSIL wasn't mad about having to pay because the ettiqute rules say that she shouldn't have had to pay. It seems like she was probably mad about paying because she is broke and cheap and lieks to cause drama. 

    The meal isn't the reason the OP doesn't want the FSIL in the WP. It's because they aren't close. So, OP, don't have her on your side (as PPs have said)
  • Stand your ground there is no rule saying that the future SIL or BIL have to be in the wedding party. I'm going to have my FI sisters in my wedding party, the oldest sister is my MOH and the other 2 are my bridesmaids and so is my sister. I have a great relationship with my FSILs especially my MOH, which is why I asked them to be apart of my wedding party. My fiance is going to have my brother be a groomesmen, once again they get along great. It is totally YOUR decision and no one elses. Good luck!
    He stole my heart... So I'm stealing his last name.
  • Ok for all the people jumping down the OPs throat for the engagement party. She offered to pay for her FSIL and the FSIL couldn't get things together in order to come so just drop the whole thing. Besides that she wasnt asking your opinion on her engagement party.

    OP: I would think you were crazy for having her in the WP. It doesn't seem your FI wants her in the WP either so I wouldn't worry about it. It seems she is just trying to make things about her as you said she always does.
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