I’m planning with the help of my sister in law, a surprise birthday party for my husbands 60th birthday, to be held next month.
Our two kids who live and work out of the area, have planned to be there- just for one night.
However, today, I recieved an invitation to the wedding reception of my niece- which of course is the same day.
It’s possible, I could attend the tail end of the reception, if I have my husband go back to Seattle with his parents, but I had no idea that I would have a conflict.
( I also do not know why that I only recieved it a month ahead, I kinda feel if you want people to be there, you give more notice)
So guys, what would you do?
Probably just H & I.
The niece is my sisters daughter.
They are having two receptions, one at a nearby city, the other at his parents home in another state.
They must be getting married here, but maybe have relatives that can’t travel.
Both things are out of town, ( but all that means is not in Seattle- they are both within 30 miles) I’m the planner behind Hs birthday, so I have to attend that, especially since our kids will be there. It doesn’t sound like cousins are invited to the reception, which makes it simpler.
Since the girls are driving in from out of state, that day, the earliest we could have it is late afternoon.
It sounds like it won’t be that noticeable if I am not at the reception.
I did ask my sister if there is something I could get them off the registry, since I thought the registry seemed designed for things their friends could afford. ( I didn’t say, that I wanted to get her something nice, not something that would break in a couple years-I do have a little tact, not much, but it is kind of funny that I can go years without a schedule conflict, but when I decide to have a party, something else happens!)
I would say you have planned this big surprise party for DH, and you are so sorry to miss the reception. Buy them something lovely , and enjoy the party. Your presence can’t be all that vital to the bride/groom or you would have been invited months ago to the wedding, I would think! And it’s not as if you are just arbitrarily not going to the reception, you have an honest conflict.
Wedding invitations should be sent out 6-8 weeks minimum beforehand and often, save-the-date cards are sent out before that. As you received yours 4 weeks before the date, I would have no problem expressing my regrets due to a previous obligation and sending a nice gift.
Especially since you have been planning this big party for your H and getting your kids to attend, as well as friends, I’d proceed with that and send regrets and a gift. You really relish the time you spend with your Ds–why shortchange yourself and your party?
I would not go to the reception. You have a very valid reason and to be honest even if an invitation is sent late, this is your sister’s daughter, surely a heads up (by phone or email) the minute they knew the date of the wedding would have been appropriate.
Yes, our sister let everyone know about niece’s wedding date as soon as the happy couple chose the date. It is 8/15 and most of the out of town relatives have booked flights already, as airfares are high and getting higher. Rushing to end your party so you can attend a reception will just make both events unenjoyable for you and your nuclear family. If you and spouse want, you can entertain the happy newlyweds and sis at a future date.