Wedding Etiquette Forum

Wedding Week Memorial Luncheon?!?!

We're 6 weeks away from the wedding.  Its a very casual wedding due to budget and our own personal low key existence, but to be honest, all I care about is marrying the man of my dreams..  However, there is a little etiquette issue on his side of the family, that I am feeling a bit put off by, and I know that I shouldn't, but can't seem to shake the feeling, so I thought I would ask everyone here for a good dose of reality!

So my fiance's grandfather (FFIL's dad) died after the invitations went out. (Mind you, I have only met these grandparents 1 time in the 7 yrs we have been together, and my fiance was not particularly close with him) Now his step-grandmother is planning to hold a memorial luncheon the Thursday before our Sat wedding.  We have suggested to them that it would be much easier for us to attend (as well as my FMIL) if they held the lunch on Sunday or Monday after the wedding, given that we're doing most of the wedding DIY (as in: the flowers are being delivered Thursday so that I can make our own fresh flower bouquets! Oh, and I will be making side dishes up a storm with my FMIL that day Friday is for finishing bouquest and bout's to make sure we got everything together *was hoping for a mani but thats unlikely..* and get whatever we can packed into cars so I can go to my hair appt Sat am without feeling too too rushed).  For some reason, the family (mostly the out of town relatives who my fiance has not seen them/talked with them in over a decade) thinks that doing it right before the wedding is just the best idea. 

I admit, I was a little bummed that the whole memorial lunch was putting a sense of grief into our happy occasion, but I'm sensible enough to have gotten over that pretty quickly due to my love for logic. And while I get that it makes (totally logical!!!) sense for all of the out of town family, including the step grandmother, to have this luncheon while everyone is in town, I cannot help feeling that they are being inconsiderate in not taking into consideration that we would like to be included, but they are planning it in a way in which we can't!! 

My inclination is to go if they schedule it so that I can go, but not to try and straess myself out too much in the days leading up to the wedding.  The hardest part for me is that I want to get to know this side of the family so that perhaps we can form some stronger bonds, but i am very put off at they way they are going about this.. Not to mention that they have not even so much as called myself or my fiance (our phone number is on the map w directions to the venue) but they have been communicating only through my FMIL.

You know, I'm not sure how much of thispost is to vent or to ask general thoughts, but I feel much better having shared this question with all of you lovely brides out there and I look forward to reading your thoughts!!  How would you feel about/ handle this situation?  

Re: Wedding Week Memorial Luncheon?!?!

  • I guess I wouldn't personally see the difference in holding it the Thurs. prior or the Sunday/Monday after in terms of you feeling like they're "adding grief" to your happy time. It's still close to the wedding, so either way, I don't see a difference. And because it's two days away from the wedding and not associated with it, I guess I wouldn't be offended by it. They probably figured they had the most chance of having OOT guests able to attend if they'd already be in town for the wedding.

    As to whether or not to go, what does FI think since it's his grandfather? If he was going, I would probably go with him, especially if you want to get to know that side of the family. It's a luncheon so it will probably be 2, maybe 3 hours out of your day.


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  • edited July 2012
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_wedding-week-memorial-luncheon?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:e4ab59b8-9c74-4640-9d1b-120bd80fcb7ePost:29aa61f6-7193-4264-a582-783eeadcd73d">Re: Wedding Week Memorial Luncheon?!?!</a>:
    [QUOTE]I guess I wouldn't personally see the difference in holding it the Thurs. prior or the Sunday/Monday after in terms of you feeling like they're "adding grief" to your happy time. It's still close to the wedding, so either way, I don't see a difference. And because it's two days away from the wedding and not associated with it, I guess I wouldn't be offended by it. They probably figured they had the most chance of having OOT guests able to attend if they'd already be in town for the wedding. As to whether or not to go, what does FI think since it's his grandfather? If he was going, I would probably go with him, especially if you want to get to know that side of the family. It's a luncheon so it will probably be 2, maybe 3 hours out of your day.
    Posted by Summer2011Bride[/QUOTE]

    <div>
    </div><div>The main difference is that if they do it before, there will be no way for me, my FI or FMIL to attend, and I am more upset that they don't seem willing to change it to even the day after so it would take one thing off our plates for right before, with everything else that we're doing.  The adding grief part was a little bumming, but I quickly got over that.  I was more concerned about the scheduling..</div>
  • pkontkpkontk member
    500 Comments
    I also think this should be up to your FI.  They are his family, and if he wants to go, and wants your support, you should go with him.  DIY can wait.  If you are 6 weeks away now, you do have some time to complete the projects and still be able to attend the luncheon.
  • LoopysevenLoopyseven member
    5000 Comments Fifth Anniversary 5 Love Its
    edited July 2012
    My sympathies to your FI.  My thoughts are this:

    You made your request to have the memorial reception after the wedding known and they are still planning it for before the wedding.  They are planning it this way knowing how busy you will be getting things ready.  
    So, I would let them make their plans and make an appearance if you can (even if it's a token appearance for 30 minutes or so, which I would do my best to make).  I would try hard to free up your FI to go for a longer period of time seeing as how it's for his grandfather.  

    It may be that they are communicating through FMIL because they don't really expect that you'll be able to make it, not because it's intended as any slight towards you.  When my grandparents died (the two that have died) all of the information about funerals, memorials, burials, etc (burials were held months afterwards due to winter in MN) was funneled to me through my parents.  We went for the funerals directly after they died, but did not make the trip for the burial/memorial later on. 

    It's awesome that you want to spend more time with them and strengthen the family bond!  I hope you get many other happier opportunities to do so in the future.
  • edited July 2012
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_wedding-week-memorial-luncheon?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:e4ab59b8-9c74-4640-9d1b-120bd80fcb7ePost:81103d73-38e9-44c8-be8b-35bc5c0d5fb0">Re: Wedding Week Memorial Luncheon?!?!</a>:
    [QUOTE]In Response to Re: Wedding Week Memorial Luncheon?!?! : The main difference is that if they do it before, there will be no way for me, my FI or FMIL to attend, and I am more upset that they don't seem willing to change it to even the day after so it would take one thing off our plates for right before, with everything else that we're doing.  The adding grief part was a little bumming, but I quickly got over that.  I was more concerned about the scheduling..
    Posted by ILoveDanimal8182012[/QUOTE]

    Can you go even just for a short amount of time? You mentioned making side dishes and having flowers delivered that day. Can you call up whoever is delivering flowers and have them deliver earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon? Can you and FMIL plan to make the side dishes after the luncheon? I guess if it's important to FI to go, I would try to go for at least a little bit.

    I don't think it's meant as a slight to you. Perhaps they already booked the venue for this? Or some relatives might be leaving right away on Sunday and on Thurs., the vast majority could attend.


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  • In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_wedding-week-memorial-luncheon?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:e4ab59b8-9c74-4640-9d1b-120bd80fcb7ePost:02ec8dae-5af8-45da-9ad4-42655f89fd45">Re: Wedding Week Memorial Luncheon?!?!</a>:
    [QUOTE]I also think this should be up to your FI.  They are his family, and if he wants to go, and wants your support, you should go with him.  DIY can wait.  If you are 6 weeks away now, you do have some time to complete the projects and still be able to attend the luncheon.
    Posted by pkontk[/QUOTE]<div>
    </div><div>
    </div><div>I am doing all the major DIY before.. the Thurs and Fri we'll be working with the FRESH foods/flowers, which have to be done right before.. I've even delegated a few of those tasks out just in case it does wind up that we have to go.. 

    </div>
  • I disagree with Summer. I do think this whole thing is pretty inconsiderate, and 2-3 hours out of the day is a lot when you're maiking food. Can FI call his stepgrandmother directly and gently tell her that while he's happy for her to have this luncheon, he would really like for he and his mother to be able to attend?As long as he's careful to not sound groomzillaish, that might work.  Perhaps she doesn't understand that you're self-catering, or the work and time this takes.
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  • edited July 2012
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_wedding-week-memorial-luncheon?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:e4ab59b8-9c74-4640-9d1b-120bd80fcb7ePost:b3493feb-6075-478a-b3dd-96346f951d64">Re: Wedding Week Memorial Luncheon?!?!</a>:
    [QUOTE]In Response to Re: Wedding Week Memorial Luncheon?!?! : What food are you DIYing?
    Posted by edielaura[/QUOTE]<div>
    </div><div>We are DIYing everything but the main dishes (chicken and beef).. Which means a handful of dips, etc for appetizers, fruit and veggie platters, several pasta/potato/coleslaw salads and the dessert table.  I know it doesn't sound like much, but its for 120 people, so quantity becomes fun here!

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  • edited July 2012
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_wedding-week-memorial-luncheon?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:e4ab59b8-9c74-4640-9d1b-120bd80fcb7ePost:d6f4d3a0-2552-4fbb-90d8-7b99852d224b">Re: Wedding Week Memorial Luncheon?!?!</a>:
    [QUOTE]I disagree with Summer.<strong> I do think this whole thing is pretty inconsiderate</strong>, and 2-3 hours out of the day is a lot when you're maiking food. Can FI call his stepgrandmother directly and gently tell her that while he's happy for her to have this luncheon, he would really like for he and his mother to be able to attend?As long as he's careful to not sound groomzillaish, that might work.  Perhaps she doesn't understand that you're self-catering, or the work and time this takes.
    Posted by zizibet[/QUOTE]

    But you have to understand that from her OP, it sounds like this is for a LOT of family, most of whom are coming from OOT and may only be able to make it prior to the wedding. I think it's a little inconsiderate to expect the whole family to change their plans for two or three people. If OP knows this far out, then she has time to rearrange some things. It's not like it's next week. And she also has the option of not going since she doesn't sound like she wants to and wasn't close with FI's grandfather. If FMIL/FI want to say something to those throwing this luncheon about moving it, I think that's fine, but I also think that if I really wanted to attend my grandfather's memorial luncheon, i would rearrange things to make it work, and I have given her some suggestions for that.


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  • In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_wedding-week-memorial-luncheon?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:e4ab59b8-9c74-4640-9d1b-120bd80fcb7ePost:11ff83d0-0c7e-446b-acfa-9d7ae0ec0139">Re: Wedding Week Memorial Luncheon?!?!</a>:
    [QUOTE]In Response to Re: Wedding Week Memorial Luncheon?!?! : I don't know how much time this would save you but all that stuff could easily be picked up at Costco or something.  
    Posted by edielaura[/QUOTE]<div>
    </div><div>I know, and while for some people, that's ok but i have a few probs there: 1) While Costco does have some of those, they still charge $15 for $3 worth of veggies.  2) I have severe food sensitivities and was hoping to be able to eat at my wedding and 3) we really wanted to use the family recipes at the wedding.

    </div>
  • In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_wedding-week-memorial-luncheon?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:e4ab59b8-9c74-4640-9d1b-120bd80fcb7ePost:26e03b74-1daf-41fa-b590-dc36d2dbbdbe">Re: Wedding Week Memorial Luncheon?!?!</a>:
    [QUOTE]In Response to Re: Wedding Week Memorial Luncheon?!?! : But you have to understand that from her OP, it sounds like this is for a LOT of family, most of whom are coming from OOT and may only be able to make it prior to the wedding. I think it's a little inconsiderate to expect the whole family to change their plans for two or three people. If OP knows this far out, then she has time to rearrange some things. It's not like it's next week. And she also has the option of not going since she doesn't sound like she wants to and wasn't close with FI's grandfather. If FMIL/FI want to say something to those throwing this luncheon about moving it, I think that's fine, but I also think that if I really wanted to attend my grandfather's memorial luncheon, i would rearrange things to make it work, and I have given her some suggestions for that.
    Posted by Summer2011Bride[/QUOTE]

    <div>Actually most of the 120 gurests are in town.  There's about a dozen or so of the out of towners, and I actually really would like to go to the lunch, but I'm feeling a bit put off that there seems to be no apparent reason as to why they cannot make their luncheon arrangements more convenient to FI and FMIL.  Personally, I would like to meet some new family members without thinking to myself "Oh crabs, its 2:30.  I gotta dash or X won't be ready in time for the wedding."  Plus after talking with FI and FMIL, they both feel like it would be better to do this after the wedding (even the morning after is fine by me!!) for the same reasons.</div>
  • edited July 2012
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_wedding-week-memorial-luncheon?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:e4ab59b8-9c74-4640-9d1b-120bd80fcb7ePost:f1e9ef7b-8cd8-44b6-a16f-c446b992c197">Re: Wedding Week Memorial Luncheon?!?!</a>:
    [QUOTE]In Response to Re: Wedding Week Memorial Luncheon?!?! : Actually most of the 120 gurests are in town.  There's about a dozen or so of the out of towners, and I actually really would like to go to the lunch, but I'm feeling a bit put off that there seems to be no apparent reason as to why they cannot make their luncheon arrangements more convenient to FI and FMIL.  Personally, I would like to meet some new family members without thinking to myself "Oh crabs, its 2:30.  I gotta dash or X won't be ready in time for the wedding."  Plus after talking with FI and FMIL, they both feel like it would be better to do this after the wedding (even the morning after is fine by me!!) for the same reasons.
    Posted by ILoveDanimal8182012[/QUOTE]

    I would frankly leave it up to FI or FMIL to handle it. If it ends up being on Thursday after all is said and done, I would go for maybe 30 min to an hour if you can't go for longer because of food prep.

    ETA: I have one grandfather I am not close to at all, as in I met him once or twice. His son (my dad) is not close with him either. I wouldn't be offended if other family members who were closer to him had a memorial lunch without consulting us first because we weren't close. Your OP made it sound like FI was not really close to his grandfather at all, so I imagined it somewhat like my situation. But if they do find it offensive, then I would have them do the talking to his relatives about it.


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  • I think I would try my hardest to find 30 minutes that day and make an apperance. It would probably mean a lot to the family and 30 minutes is really nothing. You'll be seeing a lot of these guests at the wedding anyways, where you'll be able to say hello again and spend a little more time with them. 

    If you really can't go, I think your FI could go and tell everyone you say hello.
  • We've enlisted FFIL to talk with his step-mother, esp since even if I could stop in for a half hour, it would tie up over 3 hours out of the middle part of the day given the location of the restaurant the step-grandmother would like to go to-- apparently a favorite of her late husband's, but well over an hour's drive from our home.  
  • What is a memorial luncheon? I mean, do you sit around eating sandwiches and talk about how much you miss the deceased person? This is something I'd decline, regardless of when it is. Honestly, you said you only met him once and your FI isn't close to him. if your fiance wants to go, he should go, but if you want to pass, pass. Do what you need to do and send your regards. 
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  • bongebonge member
    100 Comments
    I understand your frustration because we self-catered (had servers & the meal was flippin awesome, not one complaint from anyone) & we also had stuff to pick up in the city 1.5 hours away from our venue, we were extremely busy all day thursday & all day friday before the wedding. When you do it all DIY it is very rewarding, but a lot of work 7 a lot of last minute stuff can come up as well.

    I would have the ffil talk to them & if they are unwilling to change it then just send your regrets & move on. I wouldn't let it dampen your day at all. i do not understand why they can't do a brunch on sunday but maybe your fiance could speak to her as well to see why it has to be on the thursday?
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