Ask Claire; Should the Mother in Law be Invited?

This week’s query comes in from Geraldine, who’s the bride. She doesn’t know whether to ask her future husband's mother on her hen.

“Hi Claire, my name is Geraldine, I’m getting married next year. My lovely bridesmaids are starting to plan my hen do and have asked me for my guest list. I don’t know whether to invite my future hubby’s mam or not?“

Hi Geraldine, thanks a mill for the great question!

This is an all too common question that doesn’t have one simple answer. First of all, I would ask if you are close to your finance’s mam at the moment? If you are close with them I would definitely consider it.

If you are not inviting your own mother, then there’s no need to have your fiance’s. I would say talk to your fiancé, he will know mother best and will be able to figure out if she is expecting an invite. When it comes to your hen party it’s your big send-off so make sure that it is what you want.

Another option would be to invite your mother in law to just one part of the hen party, chances are that she won’t want to go to the full thing anyway so inviting her to the activity and meal is a happy medium.


If you have hen queries, Ask Claire at askclaire@henparty.ie