My future MIL/FIL really want to pay for it. We were determined to pay for our entire wedding, but people have been helping here and there against our will (I mean I can't complain, it really is a big help and I'm so so grateful...it just makes me uncomfortable that people are spending money like this on us). They are very set on paying, and when FH explained mom we are taking care of it, she just about cried. We have agreed to let them I just feel so bad about them having to spend all this $$. I want to keep the rehearsal dinner small so they don't have to spend as much (also because I don't want half my wedding to attend), but idk how. Are you supposed to invite your siblings that aren't in the bridal party? Do you invite the ring bearer and flower girl/their parents? What about BM/GM significant others? Who comes?
1 BM - has a SO that is not in the wedding, does he come?
2 GM's - has SO that are not in the wedding, do they come?
The Best Mans son is the ring bear (he's 7), does he come?
Stepbrother - not in the wedding (his sister is), does he come?
Step Sister her SO and their 2 kids who are flower girls - do they come?
Half sister and her son - do they come?
If i just did parents and bridal party it would be 20 guests, if I include all of the above it's 31. That's almost half of my wedding.....and it's going to be way too expensive. His mom wants answer now though about guest count, and idk what to say. Please help
*Also, I suggested we do it at the venue (we are renting the estate for the entire weekend), and just BBQ and set up some nice tables. His mom is dead set on doing it at a nice restaurant (which honestly is what I want, but only if I'm the one spending the money). I hope I don't sound ungrateful, I totally am, it just stresses me out thinking she'll be spending a few thousand dollars on this.