Am I a Total Jerk?

OK - tell me the truth. Am I a total Jerk. My FMIL just offered (for the first time) to host the rehersal dinner (Yay!) But then she told me she was thinking about having it at Olive Garden! I don't want it at Olive Garden
Should I just be happy with what they offered or should I push the issue? I gave in and said I would allow kids 12 and over for them (adding 6 more to the guest list)
(PS it is not a money issue, cause they have some - I dont want something crazy - I was thinking brickhouse brewery in Patch for 24 pp)

Hm.. I don't think you're being a jerk at all. But since it is tradition for the grooms parents to give the rehearsal dinner, it becomes their decision as to where to have it. It's as if somebody wanted to throw you a b-day party, you wouldn't say 'thats nice of you, but have it here, not there'.

If you have a good relationship with them, maybe you could gently suggest the Brickhouse instead.

I understand how you feel, we just went through this with my in laws. UH!

I would just flat out tell her that you had something else in mind. Of course thank her for wanting to help out with the cost.

If you are really bold, say: Thank you that very thoughtful of you; but I would rather you put the money you were planning to contribute to the cost of the additional guests you had me invite.

Sorry if I sound harsh... I'm having many an issue with my FMIL right now.

Not a fan of Olive Garden so I would just tell her that you really apprecaite the offer but would she mind hosting it at XX. And if she says No, I want it at Olive Garden, then just say that you really appreciate the offer by you have a different place in mind. Also, you can say That is so nice of you. We will pay an additional cost since we would like it hosted at XX. How does that sound?

I cannot imagine she NEEDS to host it at Olive Garden so I am sure she would be okay with a different venue.