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Wedding Party

Parents and Future In-Laws think FI's sister should be a BM

So I know that I have a lot of time before I need to worry about this, but just a little background on where I'm at now.  My sister is my MOH, that's a given, we are very close and even though we don't always get along and see eye-to-eye, I couldn't imagine anyone else in that role.  I made sure that she was ok with that role as soon as we set a date.  I did ask my best girl friend, whom I've known for over 7 years.  The only reason why I asked her is because of her financial situation.  She knows that FI and I are willing to help if anything I chose is out of her budget, but obviously we can't afford to do everything seeing as how we are paying for the wedding ourselves.  She appreciated the heads up.

Now today, FI and I were chit-chatting about how I might want more BMs to even out with his GM.  His GM are his best friends from high school and there was no question that they wouldn't be involved in the bridal party.  My FMIL heard us talking and she asked if I asked FIs sister, her daughter.  I said no with the deer in head-lights look.  She seemed to be upset that I hadn't asked her and thinks that I should extend the offer.  She thinks that her daughter will decline if she doesn't want to do it; whereas FI apparently talked to his sister about the possibility of her wanting to be in the bridal party and she basically said that she would feel obligated to say yes if I asked her to be a BM, even though she wouldn't really want to be one.

To make matters worse, my parents also believe that siblings of each others should be in the bridal party.  They agree that his sister should be asked, but she doesn't want to be in bridal party.  My parents think that its rude that she said that to my FI and they feel that she should be honored to be asked.  

What's the "etiquette" here?  I'm so confused and so torn about it.  I thought it was up to me who I wanted to be a BM, just as he would be able to chose his GM.

Sorry if this was song long!
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Re: Parents and Future In-Laws think FI's sister should be a BM

  • it is up to you.  But I'm confused, b/c it sounds like your FI did approach his sister and she said no?  I might just clarify with her (since you said you would like her to be a BM if she wanted to) and then you can tell your FILs and parents that she doesn't want to.
  • I know that FI spoke to her after his mom talked to him about it.  He wanted to see how she would feel if I did ask her because he believes that I should be able to ask who I want to and not because I feel obligated to ask someone.  It's not that I don't want her to be a BM, but I don't want to ask her because I feel like I'm supposed to and I don't want her to say yes because she, as well, feels obligated.  

    I don't really see FSIL that often because of work schedules, so it's not like we have much of a relationship to begin with so it wouldn't bother me if she wasn't a BM.
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  • You defintiely don't need an even wedding party. FI and I, along with many other girls on this site, are not having even sides. So, I wouldn't add anyone to just even it out.

    With that being said, I wouldn't ask FSIL if you weren't going to ask her anyway. I wouldn't worry about what your FMIL or mother think.
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  • aerinpegadrakaerinpegadrak member
    10000 Comments 5 Love Its Combo Breaker
    edited August 2012
    Tell your parents to butt out.  It's not their business.  If they threaten to withhold financial support unless you arrange the WP to their liking, plan on paying for it yourself.

    Your FI's sister's involvement should really be up to him.  If he's already asked and she declined (remember, she can and probably should stand on his side if she's in it), then that's what it is.  If your parents bring it up again, you can just tell them that she was asked and declined, and you won't force her to do something she's not interested in doing.

    Also, don't try to scrounge up more BMs just to even out the sides.  No one wants to be a space filler, and if you ask people you're not particularly close to, they'll know exactly why you did.  Uneven sides are fine.
    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
  • It's your wedding and you're paying. Don't let anyone pressure you into doing something you don't feel comfortable doing. As said above, uneven sides are absolutely fine!
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  • I don't really have a problem with uneven sides.  I'm getting used to the idea and its def comforting to know that alot of brides do the uneven sides with their bridal party.  
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  • I don't think siblings *need* to be involved. But it's a very nice gesture.
    I'm having my FSIL stand up with me, we're friends though, and I've been with my FI for almost 9 years, so we're pretty close. But I couldn't imagine not involving her.
  • Thanks ladies for all your help!  I've decided to keep just my sister and my best girl friend.  I mean obviously things can change, but I'm more comfortable for right now with the two people that mean the most to me.

    Again, thanks for the advice ladies!!  It was really appreciated!
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