Hi Everyone!
I just needed to vent/maybe ask for advice. Every time FH and I bring up the wedding to my FMIL, the conversation turns to the fact that we don't have room for all of her friends on the guest list. We have FH's entire extended family on the list already, and have offered for FMIL to be able to add maybe 2 of her friends and their husbands. She always responds with "well if we were to invite this person, then we would have to invite this person", and has basically stated that she would need at least 4 of her friends and their husbands on the list. My parents have been gracious enough to pay for the ceremony and reception themselves, and so I really don't feel as though I should be asking them to go over budget to accommodate all of FMIL's friends. FMIL is now set on throwing us a "second" reception. Which would actually take place this summer, before our actual wedding. I find this to be offensive as she has not offered to throw an engagement party, or bridal shower. While I know that she is absolutely not required to throw either of these events, it feels like her motivation for throwing us any kind of a celebration at all is for her friends, rather than our benefit. In addition, we know that it is against etiquette for us to have a celebration with people other than those invited to the wedding. FH has tried to bring this up to his family, but they have all acted as though we are ridiculous for being concerned about this. Any advice on how to address this and still keep a good relationship with FMIL would be appreciated! Thanks in advance!
