Should a guest bring their children to a baby shower without asking? And how to handle it now?
914247
Tell the woman that the person who is having the shower was not expecting small children to be attending and to please make other arrangements. I never have been to or hosted a baby shower where young children attended. From reading some of these answers, these are the people who show up with their children in tow. Not everyone enjoys your children at gatherings like this. It is very stressful for everyone that attends.
587492
Yes! Let it go.  They want you to react to their pissing and moaning. Who cares if they sigh, as long as they're doing what you've asked them to do? They're playing their role and the children. You should stay strong and continue be the parent.
591489
Bring them an invitation to work. Hand-deliver it and tell them that you'ld like to have them attend your big day, but its totally understandable if they have prior plans or would be uncomfortable. It gives them a chance to accept or choose an easy out without hurting feelings. Don't give any of the details of the day or time, so they can open it and check calendars later. As soon as you say it, don't wait for a verbal acceptance, just change the subject and talk about a work project or something. That way they have the information and don't feel pressured to give you a reply right that second. At least that's how I'd try it.
246275
I do not even know that you can invite someone to wedding receptrion ONLY. I never heard anyone doing this. And honestly, I find it rude.\n\nBut, if indeed this happen, it would also be rude on the part of the invited guest not to come.\n\nI think its a good gesture for the guest to bring a gift but one should never expect a guest to bring a gift.
1187090
From an etiquette point of view, it is not allowed to ask for anything other than the presence of the invitee. If you can't afford the party, you should downsize it, maybe just rent a waterslide.\n\nYou can, of course, go through the guests' pockets which they will conveniently leave somewhere, but as Nixon once said, that would be wrong.
1179673
Do this tell him Okay !!!!\n\nIf we or bringing your child then we will bring them all and then he may look for a babysitter.\n\nIts not fair to the other kids as well...
762131
no!  I totally wouldn't....you already got her a gift, which should totally sufice.  I absolutly detest it when people invite people to showers and not weddings....its like saying "hey, we'll sponge a gift off ya, but your not good enough to come to the wedding!"  How tacky!  I don't understand what the logic is when she can invite you to a shower to give her presents when she hasn't seen ya, but is gonna use the very same excuse not to invite you to the reception.  not cool at all.  You've done your share, let this one go!
729
Are both parents going to participate in the shower? If it's just going to be the mother, only her name needs to be on the invitation.  Don't assume, though-- ask the father and see if he wants to be involved.
481993
Just tell'em! Just drop by and tell'em, but make sure they won't harrass the child afterwards.
423935
Absolutely not! It's a big etiquette faux-pas and considered gift-grabby. Whether you write it on the invitation or use a card to put with the invitation, it's tacky and a big no-no. Registration information should only be provided when requested by a guest, and only then. \nPeople are smart enough to know that they can ask for the information. \n\nIf you have other etiquette related questions I recommend the site http://www.etiquettehell.com\n\nThey have a forum where people will answer any and all questions.
372181
bridal showers for the family, yes\n\nbridal showers for friends, no\n\nand definitely not to the stagette
138645
Yes and no...traditionally, as you already know, the groom's parents throw a party in honor of the engaged couple as a chance to signal their approval of the match and to introduce the prospective bride to their friends and family she hasn't yet met....not having that, in some areas, might give rise to whispers that there is some reluctance on the part of your prospective in-laws....so if his folks want to give you a party, for heaven's sake, let them!\nThere is nothing stopping you from arranging another celebration of the engagement, but I'd ask a few close friends to put the word around that presents are not expected because it's considered tacky to appear to be throwing a party to get more gifts...same reason you can't throw your own shower.\nGood luck and best wishes for a lovely wedding and a happy marriage.
149894
Go to your local Babies "R" Us store...there should be a free Baby Shower Guide full of fun shower games and ideas... ask for the store promotional coordinator... she/he should be able to give you one... Good Luck!
574547
Well, why do you need to? Isn't that a private matter?\n\nThere's some stuff that parents really don't need to know, and I'm not joking. If she doesn't ask (which she really has no right to), then she doesn't need to know. It's that simple.
359592
Please don't.\nEven if your kid is the best in the world, that is asking a lot from a toddler.\nDo you have a relative that can baby sit?\nWhat about a professional sitter at the wedding or near the wedding location?
141487
I'd say that you'll have to be strong on this one with your grandmother. If it's too hard to say that you only want to invite certain people and not all the extended family, see if you can pin it on the place where you're at (room to small, already committed to the head-count). There used to be a time when you could invite some people and not others and no one took offense to it. But nowadays in this "please me" society we are ever more careful not to offend. If questioned by relatives as to why they weren't invited to the party you can respond "I regret that we weren't able to invite every person we thought of!" and leave it at that. You owe no explanation beyond that. Hope that helps - have a great party!
854926
Post what their ages are in your additional details and i'll be able to give better advice. BLESS YOU WOMAN. You are one brave soul! My children are 9 and 10 so I'll have to go with what I would want to do. BOWLING. Both sexes like it and you don't have to do much entertaining. Start making our a guest list now. The party is going to be in February but start organizing the details now. I'd make sure to buy canned pop. It's less of a mess and it will save you time. Ask your child what they want as far as cake and ice cream is concerned. Also, I always recruit a mother to help me out. It's usually my sister and my aunt.