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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

WIBU to not have DP’s nieces as my bridesmaids?

329 replies

StrawberryAndRaspberryTea · 18/07/2019 16:48

Starting to plan our wedding, albeit roughly at the mo as still saving up, but whilst we were looking at wedding related bits and pieces online together last night, I asked DP if he thinks his sister will expect to be my bridesmaid.
He said no, but he reckons she’ll expect her daughters to be. The thing is, I’m really not that close with DP’s sister, and even less so with her children who we only really see at special occasions such as birthdays, Christmas etc.

I was only planning on having my step sister (who’s also my best friend) as my maid of honour, and her daughter as a bridesmaid or flower girl, and that’s it. It’s going to be a small wedding on a small budget, and I can’t shake this feeling that the bridesmaids should be my choice?
For instance, I wouldn’t hint at or tell DP who he should have as his groomsmen or his best man, because I feel that’s his decision to make and not mine, likewise, I think the bridesmaids should be down to the bride..

FWIW, DP isn’t fussed whether his nieces are bridesmaids or not - don’t know whether that makes any difference here!

WIBU to not have DP’s nieces as my bridesmaids? (Future) SIL is very upfront, opinionated and can be brutal at times (as can future MIL who I'm also wary of pissing off regarding this) so I’m worried she will be pushy and try and get her daughters to be involved, and if I say no - which I think I’m within my rights to, but not sure! - I’m anxious that she’ll hold it against me. I don't want to cause drama within his family before I've even become a proper part of it, but at the same time, I don't want to find myself in a position where I feel pressured in to having people involved in my wedding that I simply wouldn't choose myself, and that DP isn't bothered about either!

WWYD?

OP posts:
Rachel1874 · 19/07/2019 19:54

Just ask who you want. It's your day, and if they don't like it oh well.

picklemepopcorn · 19/07/2019 20:08

Tell them you aren't having bridesmaids. You are having a best woman/maid of honour and a flower girl. Simples.

Kath246 · 19/07/2019 20:22

I think you should ask but I think only the 8 and 10 year olds will be interested which won't set you back that much and there's nothing wrong with having two extra bridesmaids.

If they really want to be a part of their uncle's wedding you shouldn't get in the way. That will set you back with the SIL, MIL and the children forever.

Learn to choose your battles, this isn't worth souring your relationship with your partner's family over.

YoThePussy · 19/07/2019 20:36

I am 58 years old and have never been a bridesmaid, maybe I should go into therapy for the woe of it all. I couldn’t care less. The few weddings I went to as a child and teenager I was thrilled just to be invited, I can just about remember the first one when I was 2.

These girls should be pleased just to be guests and part of helping you celebrate your day.

StrawberryAndRaspberryTea · 19/07/2019 20:38

But I don't want two extra bridesmaids! Im having a MOH and a flower girl... I wouldn't tell DP to suck it up and have two extra groomsmen if he didn't want them, so why should I have to?

I don't think the responsibility lies with me to 'unite' the families either. As I've said before, SIL didn't even invite her brother to her wedding ceremony.. so surely that speaks volumes of the bond and unity that currently stands, and why I don't think it's my 'job' to rectify things at my wedding.

I'm not sure I agree that it's selfish for the wedding day to be about the bride and groom.. that's exactly who it's about. And FWIW, it's DP that wanted a 'proper' wedding day, I suggested a registry office type do, but he wants a 'real' wedding so that's what we're doing - which I'm of course more than happy with, but just pointing out that it's because of him that all of this is even happening!

OP posts:
Wally1983 · 19/07/2019 20:52

I actually think it’s courteous to ask at least someone from grooms side of there is a female! I would prob ask the eldest only..you’re keeping it small, she’s the eldest as an explanation. But thats maybe just me!
I had my two best friends, the eldest of my cousins (3 of) and my step daughter. My husband did have a sis and niece but as I was having his daughter as part of the wedding party that was that counted for on his side.
I do however stand by the it’s your wedding so do what you want too 😁 enjoy the wedding planning, I loved every minute of it!

StrawberryAndRaspberryTea · 19/07/2019 20:55

DP is having no one from his family or mine as part of his groomsmen or best men, so again, just another reason why I don't feel the onus should be purely on me to include his family. I feel like there's a lot of pressure on the bride to include everyone and the groom seems to get away Scott free.

OP posts:
greenwaterbottle · 19/07/2019 20:59

Not everyone will agree with you. I do, but you're expecting everyone else to. Not gonna happen.

greenwaterbottle · 19/07/2019 21:00

Just announce how the day is going to run to mil, rip the plaster off quickly. She'll pass it on then they'll know.

SneakySlinkieSiamezee · 19/07/2019 21:01

Just state that you are having bestie and her dd as your bridal party. Don’t be nice and disadvantage yourself. We are too conditioned to be nice at expense of our desires.

saraclara · 19/07/2019 21:05

If only 25 people are invited to the wedding, having five bridesmaids would be nuts! By the time you add in the best man and groomsmen, there'd be hardly anyone left to be ordinary guests!

Stick to your guns, OP. If anyone says anything, you're having a tiny wedding and don't want a bridal party that almost outweighs the guests!

Fishfingersandwichplease · 19/07/2019 21:27

Absolutely not BU it is your wedding so that means your choice. Just get in there first telling them you are only have stepsister and her DD before they start getting any ideas! I had to do this to a friend who ever since her daughter was born decided if l was to get married her DD would be my bridesmaid. And piss all my other friends with daughters off?? No thanks lol!! Don't feel bad and certainly don't get railroaded into having people you don't want in your bridal party.

JellyBaby666 · 19/07/2019 21:43

My SIL didn’t involve me or my family in their wedding. YANBU, have who you want with you! I can’t imagine DP’s sister will care all that much if you hardly speak/see each other and she didn’t invite DP to her wedding!

MaxNormal · 19/07/2019 21:55

I'm completely baffled at people saying you should have them tbh.
Or insisting that they are your nieces when you've met them only a handful of times.

Kath246 · 19/07/2019 22:42

Nothing in family matters is ever 'simples'.

If those girls want to be bridesmaids at their uncle's wedding and you don't let them to save a few hundred pounds, their family will rightly think you're mean and will take it out on you.

You will be blanked at the wedding and they will spend the rest of your marriage making it as miserable for you as possible.

They will tell your husband you're a mean bitch as justification for their behaviour and will feel morally justified in doing so.

Is saving a few hundred pounds worth the hassle - not to mention the effect it will have on your relationship with your husband?

BTW, you are being mean and petty!

StrawberryAndRaspberryTea · 19/07/2019 22:45

Wow. It won't affect my relationship with DP whatsoever. He doesn't give two shiny shits whether his nieces are involved or not Hmm

OP posts:
RiddleMeThis3 · 19/07/2019 22:50

It's your wedding, your special day. Have your Maid of Honour and Flower Girl like you want to have. It's not about these nieces, it's about you and who you'd like standing beside you. I'm only having a Maid of Honour and I just told everyone that that was all I wanted. No room for questions or comments. I hope you have an amazing day Smile

irrate · 19/07/2019 22:51

I had no choice in having dp's niece as flower girl as her mum (dp's sis in law) decided that for me and told her she was flower girl as soon as we announced our engagement, in front of ALL his relations. It was a nightmare she changed shoes I bought her, her hair piece and her flowers behind my back just so her spoilt little brat (harsh but true, before I get flamed) could look better than the other flower girl, my daughter. She also didnt smile once in all the photos, ate half her dinner then went to the hotel room with her mum to watch tv! Cost me a small fortune to get another dress for her too. My advice no matter what you do or don't do, someone will always complain. It's your wedding your decision 😊.

pollymere · 19/07/2019 23:00

I planned to only have one bridesmaid but my Mum got worried so I had two. I don't get why people want multitudinous bridesmaids. Say you are having just a Maid of Honour and one flower girl and are not planning on any bridesmaids, sorry. Dress flower girl in white with sash to match MoB dress. Keep colour top secret.

Alternatively, SIL can have her kids as bridesmaids if she pays for ludicrously priced dress with matching shoes for each of them. Or, do what my BIL did in this situation. All the kids came up the aisle. The girls wore pretty pink or white dresses and boys shirts with matching blue ties. Paid for by parents with no set dress scheme but all the kids were involved. I think the girls carried flowers. They then sat back next to their parents. They all felt included and no one was singled out (so your SIL can't moan but all kids get treated the same!). You can still have your MoB and flowergirl. They come up just before or after the bride, but after the other kids...

notoafternoontea · 19/07/2019 23:09

Yanbu- you’re really not. DH had four nieces when we got married. They were 19, 7, 5 and a toddler. The 5 & 7 year olds were in the wedding. That was because I knew them, loved them, and they wanted to. Everyone was fine about it!

Auty123 · 19/07/2019 23:16

Your looking far too deep into this. Bridesmaids don't actually do anything esp kids except wear matching dresses and maybe walk behind the bride or stand to one side and that's the end of the matter. During dinner they will prob change into something more comfy and that's the end of it. Theyre your other half's neices and his immediate family and soon to be yours. You are going to be their aunt. Just ask your other half to buy them matching dresses from Debenhams or even amazon or even adk his sister to chip in you can even6get them for a tenner and that's it let the girls wear them I don't see how it will affect you at your wedding a few girls walking around wearing matching dresses. Maybe get to know them a bit more. Ain't the kids fault you guys don't meet up

Auty123 · 19/07/2019 23:20

@MaxNormal they will be her neices when she is married regardless of how many times she has met them

Auty123 · 19/07/2019 23:25

Read your replies and it seems you are dead set on not having extra bridesmaids esp as his sister never invited your fiancé to her wedding. His sister hasn't requested her kids be bridesmaids going by your post and u made your mind up which is good so not sure why you are posting this then if you already know what to do then getting annoyed at people who are giving their opinions. Just don't have them. That's it

Cryalot2 · 19/07/2019 23:29

Op do your own thing . Over 30 years ago we had family interfere and we were paying it all ourselves and I still regret at feeling pushed against my wishes.
Could the older girl do a reading . That way her mum buys her dress and she has a role .
Is there some way some could be involved in a background way if you get my drift .
Good wishes .

myrtleWilson · 19/07/2019 23:34

OP - i'd ignore @Kath246 - they're a GF - on this thread you're mean and petty... on another a cancer sufferer whose MIL entered their home (via key lock) expressly against their wishes as they were feeling ill after chemo and wanting a nap is 'not picking the right battles and poor MIL just wanted to do a good thing'

and fwiw - I'd stick to your guns on your choice of MoH and flower girl and no more

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