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M
Beginner July 2018

Grooms family throwing shower and don’t want to invite groom

Maria, on April 8, 2018 at 9:41 PM Posted in Etiquette and Advice 0 7
Hello everyone - I’m looking for some advice and help.

Because of geographic distance between my family and my fiancé’s family, my FMIL and FSIL suggested they throw a second shower so as to include more guests from my fiancé’s side of the family.

While I don’t love the attention, I thought this was nice and agreed.

Flash forward several months, and I’m realizing I’m not sure what I agreed to. In my circle of family and friends, the groom attends the shower to open gifts with the bride. I’m being told now that this would be outrageous for my fiancé’s family - it’s a “hen party” and he is not allowed even close to the party. Meanwhile, I don’t know his extended family all too well and already bought flights for both of us to travel there.

I’ve stated nicely a few times that I would love if he could join at least for opening presents. That I would feel more comfortable. The responses I’ve received are continued incredulity and that this would make the women attending “feel uncomfortable.”

I cant help feeling that my wishes don’t matter. Maybe that’s self-centered, but I’d think they would care about my feelings Smiley sad

thanks for the help help and support. Please be kind to me! I’m feeling pretty down about this.

7 Comments

Latest activity by Kansas , on April 8, 2018 at 11:39 PM
  • M
    Super October 2018
    Michelle ·
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    I agree with you, but I am not much for proper ettiquette. It's his wedding and marriage too, he should be there. And why would his female family members be uncomfortable with him being there? That is very bizarre to me. He is family, they should be most comfortable with him.

    Are they old fashioned and think that women belong in the home?
    • Reply
  • Kelli
    Expert August 2018
    Kelli ·
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    Well to start I'd say he should still be able to travel with you and just not go to the shower. While in your circle it's normal for the groom to be there its traditionally just the women that attend. Unless they're being ignorant about it, I would personally just accept that this is how they do things. They are generously throwing you a shower and probably want to spend that time getting to know you. I think most people are more comfortable having someone with them in a situation like this but I think you should respect their wishes and push yourself out of your comfort zone. It's good to do that and will help you to be able to get to know them better without hiding behind your fiance.
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  • Going to the chapel
    Master July 2017
    Going to the chapel ·
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    I've never been to a shower other than a couples shower where the groom attended. He did, however, usually showed up at the end to help load the present into the car. Your hosts get to set the tone for the shower they are hosting. If it's not traditional for the groom to not attend in their area, I wouldn't make a big deal about it.

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  • magnolia5
    VIP June 2019
    magnolia5 ·
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    If you truly are so uncomfortable you cou ldnt bear it, I would decline the shower if it's not too late. You can use the plane tickets to have a normal visit with them. Or maybe you can suggest a couples shower instead?

    If bridal shower invites have already been sent, I would do it their way. Traditionally, it was the bride only who attended the shower. Even though times are changing, that could explain why they don't want your FH there. I don't think they're intentionally trying to ignore your feelings.

    In my circle, it's very normal for the shower to be women only. Most times, the groom will show up at the end to help load gifts in the car. Maybe that can be an option for you?
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  • K
    Devoted October 2018
    Kimberly ·
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    Can your FH straighten out his family on this? I make mine deal with the stuff with his family. Like today when his mom was talking about inviting 3 people that she did not tell us about before. I understand the not feeling comfortable opening stuff in front of people. I told my sister that is not happening at mine and the FH is in agreement on that.
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  • muriel
    Champion June 2018
    muriel ·
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    I think you should let the hosts determine the guest list. At the same time as you say they are ignoring your feelings, you want to ignore theirs. You are marrying into his family and need to be able to adapt to their traditions just as your FH does with your family.

    The two of you can travel together. Share one suitcase and use the empty one to bring back your gifts. I am sure that they will be fine with your FH arriving close to the end of the shower to mix and mingle a bit and help pack up the gifts.

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  • K
    Dedicated June 2018
    Kansas ·
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    Have your phone to text him while your there when your most uncomfortable?? And just think your supporting your man's family doing this?
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