Should I invite my son’s friends?  

No no, no question of alcohol. None of us consume alcohol at home or at parties. And such young children don’t come to parties alone. They are always accompanied by some adult.

I don't understand, why can't the children come alone? They would be with you right? My children have gone with their friends and their friends have gone with us to special occasions... It would be like you have three kids instead of one..

No, how can they come alone? Who will bring them and drop them home after the ceremony? Since I am a part of the host family, I cant possibly leave the ceremonial venue and go and bring the children and then drop them back. So I would have to invite the parents too! That’s OK its just that I have never interacted with the parents before so I am kind of shaky on calling on them.

carmelanirel.....indian weddings are huge affairs...and you can't keep an eye on one child..let alone three!
And anyways, there's always something that has to be done by the family memebers who are hosting the wedding...and they might not be able to keep an eye on active kids. When it's your own child running around, you can always ask someone about him/her. But when you are responsible for another child, then it's difficult to be watchful.
In my family, one of the teenagers are assigned the duty of watching over the younger kids for big functions.

Yeah, wish me luck. Its just that I am always shaky when I have to meet completely unknown people for the first time. Even last night I had a final showdown with everybody and finally its decided that I will have to go with the brat to his friend's home to hand over the cards. Oh the responsibilites of a married woman!

Yes, kwenge, I am going to their house (much to my consternation). I will make it maybe next Sunday and then the wedding preparations are to start in full swing. Indian weddings are very family affairs and a lot is expected by the elders from the daughter-in-law of the house (me, in this case). I have already started developing cold feet.

Yes, i am going next sunday to invite them.

Yes, it has been decided. I am going with my son most probably this Sunday to invite them personally. They wont mind na??? Me just barging in like that! Actually this is what was stopping me. I will have to call them up before ofcourse and let them know that I would be dropping in. and yes, even if they don’t come I wont mind, but my poor darling will definitely be heart-broken.
It is wonderful to know that you would have come if invited and it was really nice of your sister to invite all the little darlings.

Of course, they won't mind! They would probably love the chance to meet you (especially with their kids being your son's friends).
And for my sister, I made separate cards and envelopes for the little kids and sent them across. There are only 12 kids in her class and they are so cute...one of them told their mother after the wedding '--- Miss looks like a Star' (lol...probably some reference to a christams tree)
You can also tell the parents that your son will be disappointed if their kids don't turn up...so please come and they can have a good time too. This is how relationships are forged and don't worry. I think the problem here is you are shy and hesitant to take the first step. I'm sure they'll make you comfortable because you will be meeting them at their place.
All the best:)
I would have loved to come if I could:) Btw..where is it at?

‘you are shy and hesitant to take the first step’…at 35, I really don’t know when I will grow up lol! But you are bang correct.
The ceremony is to be held at Calcutta, where we reside.

Being bold has nothing to do with growing up. It's the person that you are that is more important.
lol...and don't worry...our kids will give us enough opportunities to stand up for ourself and be bold (as you can see for yourself..lol)

Yes, I am going this Sunday. But I would like to ask you something else…do such friendships really work over the years. My son is only 8+ and I feel this is too early to look forward to a continuous friendship. And then he commutes by the school bus so I have never really had a chance to meet the moms personally. I will try and make a beginning this Sunday but I am not very hopeful as I find that as adults, most of us have become very artificial and superficial these days.

Actually, my oldest son is still best friends with one of the boys from when he was about 9 years old. So, yes, it is possible to make friends that will last through adulthood.