My Aunt said she wouldnt come if we didnt invite her children and there are no children invited. HELP!!

Hi Sheena. I would just politely tell her that you have limited space/budget and unfortunately cannot invite children as there are too many of them in your family/friends. Let her know that you are terribly sorry and that you would be honored to have her at the wedding. Good luck!

Then I guess she isn't coming. She is being unreasonable. This is your wedding and not hers. She can't dictate how you do things. She is hurting YOUR feelings by doing this. Stay strong. I too am having a kid free wedding. If it is what you want, then too bad for her.

Wow what a discussion!

As most others have said, just explain to her that in order to invite her kids - you would have to invite all your families children aswell and that there is no possible way you can accommodate them as you have already made your preparations and paid for a certain amount of people to attend.

She shouldnt see this as rude, and she definitely should not take it personally. If she does, well unfortunately I guess she might make a decision not to go. That is not your problem and should not feel guilty about it in any way. Your wedding is in 5 months - plenty of time for her to find a babysitter if needed.

I have run across this situation and proposed a solution in my clients. IF MONEY IS NOT AN ISSUE; have the DJ bring in a separate sound system and 2nd DJ & assistant to run a fun party in a separate room for the kids. The kids will have a great time and be supervised, have their own meal, etc. while the parents can look in on them. Out of town families will rest easier in this scenario and everyone is happier.

Dear Sheena,

It is your wedding. And you already told her no children. It is really her choice if she wants to come or not. You don't want your wedding to become a zoo. Trust me on this one. I went to one of my friend's wedding. They had children from babies to 10 years old and 12 of them. A group were cousins so those children just ran around and in and out.

You have to think about your feelings. You only have this one wedding and you want it to be perfect or most perfect.

And I just personally think that weddings are not for children anyways. I have a 17 months old and a 3 year old ... I never took them to any weddings and they were invited, first as parents we wouldn't enjoy it and we have to take care of the children.

I do hope everything works out.

Best,

Yvonne

UPDATE!!

First off Thank you all for the support I needed to stand up for this. If it weren't for you guys I most likely let her bring them.

I spoke with My aunt last night and after a LONG conversation she understands my decision. (although she things her "babies" aren't kids any more since they are 11 and 12) Heres the plan..

She is coming down from Washington and will bring the kids. A day or two before the wedding we will do a child friendly dinner so i can spend time with them. One of my sisters friends will be watching the kids at my moms house during the ceremony and reception. Since they will be staying for a week I have time to see the kids after and what not. So she seemed happy that I wanted to see them and that she could at least bring them down to Cali.

So again!! Thank you all for the support! it REALLY helped me!!!!

Fantastic! I'm glad it worked out for you. Good luck with your wedding planning!

Sheena, that sounds like a perfect plan and that way you'll be at ease they won't be at your wedding, they'll be in good hands, you can still spend time with them, and Aunt is willing to come. Would a wonderful solution! I'm glad things are working out in your favor for you! Good luck!