A mum has become pretty nervous ahead of her sister-in-law's extravagant baby shower and feels the family should instead opt for something a little more cost-effective. After voicing her thoughts to her husband he expressed shock that she didn't "love his sister enough" to pay up.
This will be the sister-in-law's sixth baby, causing some concern among family members, as she is unfortunately already struggling financially. Her eldest daughter, who is 15, is the one organising the surprise baby shower and sent guests a message detailing the glamorous itinerary.
According to the worried mum, costs included £120 ($150) for a posh dinner out at a five-star restaurant and £80 ($100) for a post-dinner manicure. Guests were also expected to pay upwards of £120 ($150) for presents.
Taking to Reddit, the stunned woman, who goes by the username u/Most-Tea-656, wrote: "With six days notice, also two weeks before Christmas, my own son's birthday party, emergency pet vet bill, my son's delivery medical charges, hosting the family Christmas dinner and no bonuses from either of our jobs….we’re stressed.
"I talked to my husband and told him how I thought this was getting out of hand. [...] He said that we need to do everything we can to make it nice for my sister-in-law. It is not my place to change plans or influence them to do something cheaper.
"He’s shocked I don’t love his sister enough because she has a hard life. We will eat top ramen to make everything work for as many nights as needed. He will even sell his collectibles to help make ends meet."
A number of Reddit users agreed that, although a baby shower is certainly a special occasion, it shouldn't get to the point where guests are getting so overly stressed about the money they end up selling their own possessions.
One person commented: "It would not make me feel better or less stressed to have my brother and sister-in-law eat ramen and sell things to give me a big day. It sounds like a rather clueless 15-year-old is coming up with this with no sense of money or adult obligations. Does the pregnant sister-in-law know how this is going down?"
Another advised: "Where I'm from, you only get one baby shower - for the first one. By now she should have enough baby gear, and it's just her wanting people to pamper her.
"If it's about love - how come your sister-in-law isn't eating ramen to pay for your vet bills etc to show her love for you? Honestly, if I were you, I'd decline the invite, get a small gift as a token, and avoid the whole debacle."
Do you have a baby shower story to share? Email us at julia.banim@reachplc.com
