A high-profile celebration at Mar-a-Lago brought together several members of the Trump family over the weekend, but one notable absence quickly became a focal point.
Bettina Anderson marked her upcoming wedding to Donald Trump Jr. with a lavish bridal shower on Sunday, April 12. According to PEOPLE, the event featured an elegant indoor setting with guests also gathering outside at times, surrounded by elaborate floral arrangements and a carefully curated menu.
Despite the large family turnout, first lady Melania Trump was not in attendance, a detail confirmed by a Palm Beach source to PEOPLE.
Family gathering without the first lady
The guest list included several prominent members of the Trump family. Ivanka Trump and Tiffany Trump, who will become Anderson’s sisters-in-law, were both present. Marla Maples, Tiffany’s mother and former wife of Donald Trump, also attended the event.
Video shared on social media showed Donald Trump Jr. arriving with roses, adding to the celebratory atmosphere of the occasion.
However, Melania Trump’s absence stood out, particularly as it follows another recent instance in which she did not attend a family celebration. As reported, she also skipped Tiffany Trump’s baby shower the previous week in Miami.
PEOPLE previously noted she was occupied with her son, Barron Trump, at that time.
No official explanation was provided for her absence from the Mar-a-Lago event, and representatives for the first lady did not immediately respond to requests for comment, according to HuffPost.
Lavish celebration highlights upcoming wedding
The bridal shower itself reflected a highly curated and upscale gathering. Guests were served a menu that included burrata salad, chicken roulade, and mixed berries for dessert, while a large mint-green cake with white detailing served as the centerpiece.
Attendees also received luxury gift bags filled with high-end items, including skincare products and clothing.
Anderson, 39, and Donald Trump Jr., 48, announced their engagement at a White House event in December. According to PEOPLE, discussions about the wedding venue have included both Mar-a-Lago and the White House.
A political source told PEOPLE that hosting the ceremony at the White House has been considered, noting it could align with future political ambitions. However, the feasibility of that option may depend on the completion of a planned ballroom project.
Construction on the East Wing began in October 2025 but was temporarily halted on March 31 after a federal judge ruled that congressional approval may be required to proceed.
While the final wedding location remains undecided, sources told PEOPLE that Anderson is expected to adapt seamlessly to her role within the Trump family.
“She is stunning, graceful, gracious, and eager to please,” one source said. “She will follow Don to the ends of the earth. That is their dynamic.”
