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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

About DD as "best woman" at DS' wedding

102 replies

MyMagicStars · 03/01/2018 17:22

My DS is 27, DD is 19. We have other children, and are a big, close and happy family. DS is due to get married in a few days time.
He and DD are incredibly close. DS was adopted as a teenager, so I think their bond is because some of my older sons struggle to see him as a "brother" in the way DD does- they are all civil and very friendly, but I think the older boys did struggle slightly with jealousy. We never planned to adopt, but DS was a family friend's son, and had nobody else when his mum died when he was 13. I love him as I love all of my children, and he calls me "mum" and is every bit my wonderful son.
However, in planning the wedding, I'm beginning to think that the older boys could do with being involved more. Instead of a best man, DD is the "best girl". I suggested that she should be a bridesmaid, but she claims that she's her brother's best woman, and isn't nearly as close with his fiancée, although they like each other very much. DD's dress was chosen today (thanks DS for leaving it so late) and it's gorgeous, but very much a bridesmaid dress. The boys all have matching suits, and I feel it would be so much more suitable if they were DS' ushers.
DD has written a lovely speech and talks about the three families coming together, which is a very special touch. She and DS are currently out riding together, and are due to come in absolutely filthy any minute, and then put together some table favours.
I'm very excited for the wedding, but I do feel a bit odd about DDs role- am I just old fashioned? I have other DDs, and am not sure how I'd feel about this either. DS does have lots of male friends, but they're in the army, and it was difficult to find anyone who could be guaranteed to be free.

OP posts:
ButtonLoon · 03/01/2018 17:30

Yes YABU, why does it matter? Would it be different if she was wearing a suit?Confused

Fekko · 03/01/2018 17:30

Wouldn't a 'brides boy' just be a page boy?

Regularsizedrudy · 03/01/2018 17:30

It’s not your bloody wedding! Your feelings about who should do what are irrelevant.

DaisysStew · 03/01/2018 17:30

I have 2 brothers and 1 sister, all biologically related. Me and my sister had a special bond that wasn't there with the others, and it sounds like your DS and DD feel the same. Doesn't mean I don't love my brothers, but it's a different type of relationship.

It's his wedding so it's for him to choose who plays what role, you don't get a say. You've said yourself that your older boys don't see him as a brother, so why would he want them supporting him over his sister on his special day?

TheVoiceOfTreason · 03/01/2018 17:30

I think it sounds bloody marvellous!

If they were my kids I'd be joyous. You've clearly raised an awesome son. He's progressive, he views men and women equally, and he's more bothered about the people who really mean the most to him than he is about convention and tradition. I'd take that as a compliment to my parenting if I raised a son with that attitude.

I'd say sod tradition, and just enjoy the day! Smile

SnowFairyDust · 03/01/2018 17:30

It sounds great, just leave it as it is.

Hairgician · 03/01/2018 17:31

Not your wedding. Not your business. Seems to me the only one with a problem here is you. Back off and keep quiet. Let your ds do what he wants.

MrsDc7 · 03/01/2018 17:31

You really need to stay out of it and let him do what makes him happy... otherwise they will both feel resentment towards you for interfering

Sn0tnose · 03/01/2018 17:31

I think you need to take a step back and accept that this is not an area where you get any say. It's your son's wedding and he wants the support of your daughter, who he's had support from since he came into the family.

To push your DD into being a bridesmaid would be to belittle their relationship. To push one of your other sons into being best man would be outrageous. He'll want someone next to him who really means something to him. Not someone he's not particularly close to. I do hope you've kept this opinion to yourself.

Wolfiefan · 03/01/2018 17:32

It's not your wedding.
You need to keep out of it. Or expect your future DIL to join soon to moan about her controlling and interfering MIL!

greatpumpkin · 03/01/2018 17:32

Yes you’re just being old fashioned. I don’t really understand why you have any issues with this plan - are you possibly worried about the reaction of older relatives on the day? There is a chance of the odd person being sniffy about it I suppose but why would you care?

In the end it’s not your choice so i’d keep quiet about your reservations and focus on the joy. Sounds like there is plenty.

eurochick · 03/01/2018 17:32

Yabu. It sounds like they have a lovely bond and that this is a lovely reflection of it.

Atalune · 03/01/2018 17:32

I think it sounds very very beautiful and incredible! You’re lucky they are so close.

Give them your best wishes and enjoy the day.

Flowers
LetsSplashMummy · 03/01/2018 17:32

YAB old fashioned, I'd be careful not to voice these opinions to your other DSs - they probably won't feel snubbed unless you point it out! I'm in my 30s and have been to more weddings with a best-woman, two grooms, dog as a ring bearer etc. than I have traditional church weddings with all the boxes ticked. Your DCs are younger so that is probably even more true for them.

It sounds like you have a lovely, happy family which is a credit to you - just enjoy the wedding and forget about all the "shoulds" they don't help.

HumpHumpWhale · 03/01/2018 17:33

I agree with everyone else. The person you choose to stand next to you at your wedding should be someone you love, basically, whether that's a best friend or a sibling. Just be happy they have such a good relationship. It's 2017, nobody who isn't a bit of a fuddy duddy will care that the wedding doesn't conform to the old fashioned idea that men and women can't be friends. Don't be one of those fuddy duddies!

Scribblegirl · 03/01/2018 17:33

YABU. I'm getting married this year and DFiance is having his best friend as a grooms woman. She's a lovely girl but she's not my mate in the same way she is his, and I have sisters/best friends as my bridesmaids, it would be really strange for her to be a BM for me.

On the point about his brothers, are his brothers happy not to be involved? Obviously it would be nice for you if they were all involved. But at the end of the day it's his wedding and it sounds lovely. I'm sure you don't mean it to but it does sound a bit like you are trying to interfere so the day is perfect for you, as opposed to him.

ToffeeAteMyDinner · 03/01/2018 17:33

I was best woman at my friends wedding, went on his stag do as well. We've known each other a long time and I get on very well with his wife and we're all god parents to each others DC's.
I don't find it odd at all, it's lovely.

mewkins · 03/01/2018 17:34

My friend (a woman) had her brother as a sort of best man rather than any bridesmaids. Anything goes. I think it's great that we're doing away with all the gendered roles involved in weddings. Best to choose the people closest to you rather than assign roles based on sex.

milliemolliemou · 03/01/2018 17:34

You choose someone to be your best man/woman because they're your best friend and your daughter's his choice. She's also written a cracking and appropriate speech. What's not to like? I think you are being a tad old-fashioned. And while it's worth suggesting the boys be ushers, it isn't your wedding so not worth pressing for.

FrancisCrawford · 03/01/2018 17:35

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

FadedRed · 03/01/2018 17:35

Very gently but yes YABU.
Relax, keep your opinion to yourself and enjoy your son's wedding.

INeedABiggerBoat · 03/01/2018 17:36

YABVU and old fashioned. I had a man of honour and my DH had a best woman. If there were any raised eyebrows from our old fashioned families they at least had the grace to keep their mouths shut. This is not your wedding so let them get on with what makes them happy.

19lottie82 · 03/01/2018 17:36

None of your business and I don’t understand what your problem is? I think it’s lovely.

Scribblegirl · 03/01/2018 17:36

fekkoHappy to be corrected but page boy to me implies a child and I think PP meant an adult male attendant to the bride (so maybe a 'brides man' except that maybe doesn't scan so well!)

ilovesooty · 03/01/2018 17:37

It's what he wants. Please let him get on with it.