@Singersmom07 what does your DD want you to do?
@bajajma She is undecided, too. So I suggested they talk about it and look at the choice together. They will probably FaceTime tonight. I am still torn, though. She is my youngest and only girl. I hate not being there but I can stay here if that is what they decide and not make her feel guilty.
Lots of challenging situations.
@Mom22039 - I strongly agree that the more important thing is the relationship you have with your S and FDIL, not about the wedding weekend itself. Agree that the budget is an important early discussion (just like with college) and yes, DC is expensive. Maybe they will consider the suburbs, or a Sunday wedding to save some money, or revisit the length of the guest list. At younger s’s wedding, the vast majority of attendees were their college and current friends (they met in college and had a tight circle of friends). We gave them a comfortable budget, and did make suggestions (some of which we may have quietly had stronger feelings about than others) but were careful to never to tie payment to their doing what we wanted. That would have backfired big time.
@Singersmom07 - have you let your dau know you’d really like to be there?Absolutely respect her wishes, but do let her know your feelings. Good luck!
@Singersmom07 The Dominican Republic is really nice at that time of year. Just sayin… 
My daughter’s wedding is 9 days away scheduled at Cabrillo National Monument. She got a call today that if the government shuts down the monument MAY be closed. How do we change wedding venues at short notice over a major holiday for something that MAY happen?
Oh my, @bajamm, that stinks!!
Oh jeez bajamm. Sucks. Can I write that here? I will be praying for you
I can’t imagine the stress that you and your daughter are under right now. I truly hope everything turns out ok and your daughter has the wedding she has dreamed and planned of.
Oh no!! Fingers crossed this gets resolved!!
Is there another lovely park that allows weddings?
@bajamm - sorry that you have this possibility looming. Hope you can put it behind you ASAP.
On no @bagamm. There’s no way you could have seen this coming. I would start checking on local or state parks that might work. I hope you get things get resolved quickly.
This has been one of my fav threads for years. Excited that I’m joining this crowd as MOG. The couple are looking at venues while at home next week and we are flying out for an engagement party the weekend after Christmas. We love FDIL and her family and feel good all will go well.
@bajamm oh my. So stressful! Really feel for you.
Welcome @rom828. Sounds like things are off to a good start.
The venue just called and said they will be closed for sure. I think we may have a church lined up. Not what she wanted but this is about a marriage more than a wedding.
Well at least you have something. Can you bring your vendors to the church?
We will go to a restaurant’s private dining room for the dinner/reception portion of it. They are having a second, bigger reception in June for those people not able to travel to the wedding now. Most are travelling from the midwest to California for the wedding, so the June reception will be in Chicago to catch those that couldn’t travel now.
Glad you’re close to a fix.
Best wishes to all of you, bajamm.