Trying to do something nice, but people are making it difficult.

So I am planning this surprise for DH's 30th birthday in January (yes I know I am early but I like to do things in advance)
The surprise is going to take a lot to pull off, I am going to book a cruise, pay for it, pack him and ask his boss for the days off...all the while never telling him. The day of the cruise, we are going to drive to the port and only when we get there will I tell him he is going away for his birthday. I am so excited about this because how could you not love this, it's a cruise which he always has wanted to do plus a birthday present!
Anyway, I took it a step further and decided to add an additional suprise. I thought to myself:
'self, how cool would it be to invite his family? Just as he is getting over the surprise of the trip itself, we get ready to go to dinner and as he walks in, his whole family is sitting at our table?'
'self replied: self, that is an awesome idea'
So I started calling his family, now everyone is trying to throw their two cents in!
How do I tell them in a nice way that I don't give a crap what port they think we should leave out of, what islands they think we should go to, ect.
Is this my fault for talking to them before the plans became more concrete?
I just want to throw in the towel because they are making it so much work, but I fear its too late.

I wouild try to gently tell them, that this is the trip I have chosen. Perhaps at another time, you can do another trip.

Kudos to you, I would never be able to pull off a surprise that big.

Thanks! I hope I can pull off the surprise..in almost 9 years of us being together, I think I have pulled off a suprise once but it was for something tiny. In fact, last night I had a dream that I already told him about it!

Any tips on how to keep a surprise?

say:

I don't give a crap what port you think we should leave out of, what islands they think we should go to, ect.

This is what we're doing - -you don't like it -- don't come

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Posted by don424

say:

I don't give a crap what port you think we should leave out of, what islands they think we should go to, ect.

This is what we're doing - -you don't like it -- don't come

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is that how you speak to your in-law's?

Anyone have a more tactful suggestion?

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Posted by lilmrs

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Posted by don424

say:

I don't give a crap what port you think we should leave out of, what islands they think we should go to, ect.

This is what we're doing - -you don't like it -- don't come

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is that how you speak to your in-law's?

Anyone have a more tactful suggestion?

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actually, yes it is

and we are very close

or tell them you'll consider their idea just to buy yourself time& then when you pick what you want, tell then this was the best solution, not everybody's needs could be met. Are you coming, yes or no?
end of story.

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Posted by tourist

or tell them you'll consider their idea just to buy yourself time& then when you pick what you want, tell then this was the best solution, not everybody's needs could be met. Are you coming, yes or no?
end of story.

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I like this one, thank you

I'd also say that you did a lot of research & that your selection was based on DH's likes & your likes & you picked this cruise for this....this.....and this reason...

I'd also set a deadline date saying on ______1 you are booking & please let you know b4 then if you intend to go.

Now that family knows it may be tougher to keep it a secret, but best of luck.

That is such a great idea!!!!!!

Cindy