Babysitter Question

cjp7211

I got an email from my cousin asking if kids were allowed at the wedding (they're not).  She also asked if there was anyone I knew well enough to trust to watch her child during the wedding.  If not, she said that her husband could stay home with the baby.  I got the impression she was just looking for me to set her up with a babysitter, and I could probably do that, I'm just wondering how to word my response.  FI really doesn't want to pay for a sitter.  Should I say "sure my friend M from high school could do it and she charges x."  To be honest, M would probably do it for $50, and I kind of wouldn't mind paying the money so that other guests wouldn't have the same issue.  I feel like $50 is a lot for one guest to pay, but if I paid it, I think other guests might bring their kids and not have to worry about finding sitters, since the guests are mostly family and the whole family will be at the wedding.  What do you ladies think is the appropriate response/action?

kcscejal

I would probably respond that I know someone and that I'd have them contact her about pricing and information.

brilibby4

I would give her a list of names I could recommend in the area and leave it at that. 

achiduck

Give her a few names and costs. That way it's clear that you're not footing the bill.

[Deleted User]

Ditto the others.

She is the parent, so she should decide who she wants to go with.

KellyRVT

I'm in a similar boat. We have so many family members coming from out of town we can either invite their children to the wedding or were thinking about providing a babysitter. I am actually going to look into both options to see which is more cost effective. I'm sure the parents would like a night off from the kids.

jessicabessica

Ditto PPs.  Just give her the name (with maybe a few others, if you have them), and say she can contact them herself about pricing and availability.  

I wouldn't offer to set up a babysitter for all your guests with children.  You'd probably need to have more than one person, and you don't really need the hassle of coordinating it for everyone.  Let parents set up childcare themselves.  

KellyRVT

Is it rude to not invite children of family coming from out of town? We aren't even having children in the wedding party.

brilibby4

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_babysitter-question?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:cd58c190-282b-493a-b276-781655da325bPost:7fc7a255-358f-460a-b302-e95d0874efa4">Re: Babysitter Question</a>:
[QUOTE]Is it rude to not invite children of family coming from out of town? We aren't even having children in the wedding party.
Posted by KellyRVT[/QUOTE]

No, it is not rude.  However, be prepared for some people to decline because of it.

elizabethjane25

ditto to the other posters. send her a list of names and contact information. 

if you were to provide a sitter at the reception for the kids, then you would be expected to pay for it, but otherwise no it is not your job. also, she will probably want the option of choosing her own sitter so that she feels more comfortable.