Hellobee Boards

I wouldn't go and I wouldn't contribute any money. Chances are if it's the bride and all her friends that you don't really know, they won't be too upset. I would imagine there would be some understanding given on account of having young children as well, and in any case I find destination events to be very excluding financially.

Completely agree w what @PinkElephant: wrote! My sil, who I already was close to, didn't come from out of town for my bachelorette when she had a toddler and while she was invited I definitely didn't expect her to come. Sending something like champagne for the group to enjoy together or offering to do something special for just the two of you another time would be lovely

My SIL had a bachelorette party in Vegas when my DD was 6 months old and I wasn't able to go. It was 4 nights, in an expensive hotel, and knowing my SIL I knew everything would be expensive. It was also my anniversary weekend. My DH was my BIL's best man and between the bachelor party, out of town wedding expenses, etc., I really couldn't spend $2k on a weekend away plus leave my EBF baby. My SIL completely understood! It was NBD that I couldn't go.

So this wouldn't necessarily be cheaper, but I've done something similar for a bachelorette.

Fly your whole family out, get your own hotel room, and join in on the activities that sound fun to you. Turn the rest of the time into a little family getaway.

When I did this it was D.C. and my daughter was 11 months. I brought my Mom along and she watched my daughter while I participated in the fun. I definitely did not stay out as late as the others but I had a good time. This was a very good friend though.

@Alba4: It's funny you say the craze wasn't around 7 years ago as I had friends who got married 10+ years ago and believe me, this was going on!!!

However, as someone mentioned above, if you're not close with your future SIL, it might have been a courtesy invite and no one would be upset if you aren't able to go but they would love to have you there.

do NOT go unless you actually want to and are looking forward to it. it sounds like a hassle and too much $ for you to go just to be nice. I think a bottle of champagne in the room (or sending a round of shots to one of the dinners) will be just as appreciated, and will be a lot easier for you.

I flew in for my cousin's bachelorette party when DS was 11 months old. But I was a bridesmaid, I knew all the women going and this cousin is like a sister to me. If it was for someone else that I wasn't close to, I wouldn't have gone and just sent flowers or champagne for the bride-to-be.