Random shower invite

[WebLady]

So I got an invitation to a baby shower for one of DH's cousins. I think I have only ever met this person once and more than 5 years ago! We are not a part of each others lives, I don't even think we send Christmas cards to each other.

And they live 2 hours away!

I got an invite to the bridal shower and the wedding too; didn't go to those, do they really think I am going to the baby shower?!

On one hand I sort of think it is rude to invite people to showers that you don't really know and don't normally keep in touch with; it is like fishing for gifts.

But then I am sure some people just love parties and weddings and babies and would love to go even if it is far or for someone they hardly know.

I am sure (at least I hope) they are not really just fishing for gifts, but it still sort of bugs me.

Now I am sitting her trying to decide if I should be nice and send a card or just toss the invite and leave it at that.

I am probably not going to RSVP either; they didn't send a response card, there is just a phone number and an email. Like I said, I don't know these people and really don't want to have to explain why I am not going.

[Danielle9608]

Maybe they were worried that you would be offended if they didn't invite you. But I don't think you should feel obligated to go or send a gift.

[WebLady]

LOL - I wouldn't even had known that is how little we know of these people.

I am definatly not going or sending a gift. I may sent a card just to be nice.

DH said "You want me to tell them to take you off their mailing list" being a smart @$$ :p

[SerendipityCrafts]

I would send a simple email (just because we all know how frustrating it is to be counting on RSVP's). You don't have to give an explanation ... a simple,

Sorry, but I will not be able to attend Sally's shower March 12th. DH & I wish Mom & baby the best!

[scarymary48]

I've a friend who does this all the time. In her case, she is not fishing for gifts- she just feels really obligated to invite every single person that is related to her by blood or marriage. I don't think I would send a card either.

It's a bit strange that she's doing it when you've only met her once though! You must have made quite an impression all those years ago!

[WebLady]

I've a friend who does this all the time. In her case, she is not fishing for gifts- she just feels really obligated to invite every single person that is related to her by blood or marriage. I don't think I would send a card either.

It's a bit strange that she's doing it when you've only met her once though! You must have made quite an impression all those years ago!
I think she must just feel obligated to invite everyone.

[SerendipityCrafts]

But then I am sure some people just love parties and weddings and babies and would love to go even if it is far or for someone they hardly know.

FMIL is like that. She likes the social aspect of it.

She also goes to funerals of people she doesn't or hardly knows! :rofl: We tell her that she's turning into a professional funeral guest.

[gwenshack]

I'd just send an e-mail to the host saying you'll be unable to make it and leave it at that. I don't think you need to send a card unless you really want to! :)

[HisDelightfulFaerie]

If you invited her to your wedding because she was family she's most likely doing the same.

[WebLady]

If you invited her to your wedding because she was family she's most likely doing the same.
Nope; we just had our parents at our wedding ... I wouldn't have invited someone I barely knew though ;)

[HisDelightfulFaerie]

Nope; we just had our parents at our wedding ... I wouldn't have invited someone I barely knew though ;)

Then it's most likely she just feels obligated to invite EVERYONE she knows.

[WebLady]

Then it's most likely she just feels obligated to invite EVERYONE she knows.
Yeah I guess that is what it is.

[sandy03]

I would guess she probably feels obligated. FMIL and I are both getting grief from somewhat distant family because they aren't being invited to EVERY pre-wedding parties we are having! I thought I was doing them a favor by only inviting them to one party and they are offended!! It sounds like this cousin may be trying to cover her rear and not offend anyone by inviting everyone.

I would just send a card but not a gift, but I would RSVP with a simple "sorry I can't attend" e-mail.

[Karyanne20]

I would send a simple email. Just say that you can't make it and leave it at that.