MIL assumes she is included in the event

[AutumnMood]

Advice needed please on how to let her down gently (taking her is not an option)…
DH and I have signed up for an event next year which takes place in the month of her birthday and also 3 days after our first wedding anniversary, couple of hours drive. But the event is not connected to either, it’s scheduled once a year and just happens to be that month.

We have told the family on the weekend that we have signed for it - there were my DD, BIL, SIL and MIL with us, so it was not a one-to-one conversation that may have been misinterpreted. Instantaneously, MIL clapped her hands and said “That will be my birthday outing next year then”. I was too stunned to say anything, not sure if DH even heard this. What do I do now? I am thinking to may be make it an overnight thing, book a hotel and gift to him on Valentine’s to make it a romantic getaway.

Next time you mention it call it your anniversary trip.

She wouldn't want to tag along to that would she?

Just ask mil what she's planning for her birthday. If she says the thing you've planned just say "oh sorry no, that was thing for DH and me only, it's all booked out now, maybe you should do [something well away from the event you've booked]"

I remember your previous thread. I think you need to just tell her straight that it's not an event that will be appropriate for her.

What kind of event? To be honest if you didn't want her to attend the event I'm confused as to why you even mentioned it? I'm guessing it something she can also book tickets to do I'm not actually sure you could stop her attending?

Organise something else for her birthday instead.

Then she will be focused on that, rather than wanting to go to the other event.