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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Weddings.

84 replies

aiders · 07/11/2024 13:20

My third son recently got married. I was the one who hired the hall, brought all the decorations (everything from chair covers to table cloths), brought the buffet dinner (and cooked it) I contributed to a "party bus" to take us from the town hall to the venue. I even brought my son his suit. The brides family brought her dress and went on the honeymoon with the couple. (While I babysat their children) I had recently lost my father, and was dealing with his estate (something that I am still contending with some 6 months later) so my stress levels were beyond my "norm" (though I am not making any excuses). The night before the wedding my son came to my house in the early hours of the morning (I was up to my eyeballs making sausage rolls, something that he loves). We ended up arguing, needless to say that there was alcohol involved. A certain comment from my son really hurt though. He was eating the things I was cooking and I had asked him not to. Then I said: "I am working hard here.. what has your mother in law done"
To which he replied "She gave us x (amount of money) for our honeymoon"
Up until the afternoon of the wedding I vowed I would not be attending. I was furious. Then a friend had reminded me that my daughter in law was not going to understand what had happened and with about half hour to "spare" I relented. (After all up to that point I considered that we had a very good relationship) I was not the happiest on the day though. I was tired, and deeply hurt by the comments my son had made. Things also took a turn for the worse, with the daughter in laws mother acting as though it was "her day". This did infuriate me. She had accused me of taking her phone during a sit down lunch, we were both signing as witnesses and she snatched the pen from my hand so she could "pose" and several little things left me thinking "what the hell have I done" Fast forward to the time after the wedding. I sounded off to another one of my sons and his partner afterwards. The partner was the maid of honour, and during the honeymoon was constantly on the phone to the couple. She repeated my sounding off to the bride. They returned home, and I was "summoned" to their home. My son would not talk to me.. he stormed off and his wife had gotten it into her head that I was the most awful of person, that her mother was not a bad person (therefore I must be) and basically has "cut me off". I never so much as got a thank you for everything that I had done. Fast forward. Now another one of my sons is getting married (the one that I sounded off to). His intended is the bride and the maid of honour is my daughter in law. Her mother has been invited and though I have said I will sit down and talk to her it appears as though she has not responded. In the meantime there is contentions in the family, and I am disliking it. I am not sure why she is being invited, but it is there wedding. (They have cut me out of any preparations..) I have been given a colour scheme to wear, and that is about it. I feel as though I am "just a guest" though it is my son getting married, it seems the bride is favouring the maid of honours mother. (Planning the engagement party around her, the day of the wedding in line with the days she has off of work) I keep asking my son when is he coming over to visit and it seems he keeps brushing me off.. (before the new year..!) As I have said I am willing to sit down and talk to the woman, but I will not apologise for the way that I felt, I am not being invalidated like that. Currently I feel like a "leper" Am I just being over sensitive over the whole thing?

OP posts:
Eviolle · 07/11/2024 13:24

You shouldn't have slagged off one child to another. It's never going to go in your favour.

They were ungrateful, you should have waited until after their wedding and spoken to them directly.

aiders · 07/11/2024 13:31

Eviolle · 07/11/2024 13:24

You shouldn't have slagged off one child to another. It's never going to go in your favour.

They were ungrateful, you should have waited until after their wedding and spoken to them directly.

It never happened that way. There were conversations that were being "discussed" and things that were said. I did not have the chance to even get to talk too the couple when they returned after two weeks. (And the parties involved are not innocent themselves). But your point is noted.

OP posts:
PabloTheGreat · 07/11/2024 13:53

I've someone who mouthed off at my wedding to other guests about me.

I'll never forgive them. I never did anything to deserve any of it, it was just an asshole who can't stand it when the attention isn't on them so she went looking for baseless reasons to cause ructions. It's something she almost always does at family events - milestone birthdays, weddings and even funerals.

It was one very special day my husband and I will never have again, cost us an absolute fortune, and was a once in a lifetime moment for us as a family, so as far as I am concerned I'm done with her.

I had a massive row with SIL years ago. We didn't speak for ages and I was furious with her. Yet, when it came to a family event, I called her and we agreed to be civil on the day, not mention the fight and not to put anyone else in an awkward situation. That's what you should have done.

PabloTheGreat · 07/11/2024 13:59

Specifically to your situation, threatening to not attend the wedding was manipulative and hurtful.

Then getting personally annoyed at the mother of the bride is stupid and disruptive. Her daughter didn't care, neither did your son, so why did you cause such a snit over it on the day.

The other son and DIL - they can invite who they like and demanding a sit down with another guest over something that nobody has an issue with except you is pushy - these reasons are clearly why they won't involve you in anything and why you are relegated to a guest this time around.

aiders · 07/11/2024 14:03

PabloTheGreat · 07/11/2024 13:53

I've someone who mouthed off at my wedding to other guests about me.

I'll never forgive them. I never did anything to deserve any of it, it was just an asshole who can't stand it when the attention isn't on them so she went looking for baseless reasons to cause ructions. It's something she almost always does at family events - milestone birthdays, weddings and even funerals.

It was one very special day my husband and I will never have again, cost us an absolute fortune, and was a once in a lifetime moment for us as a family, so as far as I am concerned I'm done with her.

I had a massive row with SIL years ago. We didn't speak for ages and I was furious with her. Yet, when it came to a family event, I called her and we agreed to be civil on the day, not mention the fight and not to put anyone else in an awkward situation. That's what you should have done.

So the things that were said were not said during the day at all. In fact the whole day went perfectly. I was not even aware that the brides mother was harbouring anything untoward, as I said I was the one left sitting thinking: "what the hell have I done" I just got on with trying to make the most of the day.

OP posts:
OhshutupSimonyounobhead · 07/11/2024 14:12

I would like to hear your son and DIL version of events on this.

HowToSaveAWife · 07/11/2024 14:12

aiders · 07/11/2024 14:03

So the things that were said were not said during the day at all. In fact the whole day went perfectly. I was not even aware that the brides mother was harbouring anything untoward, as I said I was the one left sitting thinking: "what the hell have I done" I just got on with trying to make the most of the day.

Well you threw an almighty strop and refused to come to the wedding until a half hour beforehand.

Emotional immaturity at best, narcissism at worst.

I can't imagine the amount of stress it caused your son's and bridal party. And you're dreaming if you think the bride didn't know. I'd keep you out of my wedding prep too, you sound very controlling.

lawlessland · 07/11/2024 14:14

From your own account it looks like you have behaved really poorly. You sound jealous and bitter and have clearly expressed this.
Maybe your son was hurtful (you haven't really explained this) but you do seem to be making the whole thing about you.

If you have concerns about your ongoing relationship with your son then you need to address this with him rather than poisoning another event for another of your children.

Mandylovescandy · 07/11/2024 14:18

I am really confused about what upset you to an extent that you thought you wouldn't go to the wedding. Maybe enjoy being part of the wedding as a guest rather than being more involved given that it was stressful for you last time. I find weddings way more fun without any responsibilities so maybe you could have this attitude while also offering to help and apologising about the past (even if you think you are totally in the right would you rather be right or have better relationships with your kids)

Motnight · 07/11/2024 14:19

aiders · 07/11/2024 14:03

So the things that were said were not said during the day at all. In fact the whole day went perfectly. I was not even aware that the brides mother was harbouring anything untoward, as I said I was the one left sitting thinking: "what the hell have I done" I just got on with trying to make the most of the day.

That's not the impression you gave with your original post, Op.

Still - hopefully you have learnt that slagging off one adult child to another is not to be repeated.

MarriedtoSeamus · 07/11/2024 14:22

I can’t stand people that do things out of love but then don’t let people forget about it. Don’t do something kind and then use it manipulate a situation with “all that I’ve done/you should be grateful” as an argument. It’s so fucking manipulative and toxic and parents do it so much

JustTalkToThem · 07/11/2024 14:22

everyone here sounds like children - you included.

PabloTheGreat · 07/11/2024 14:27

The next bride to be was listening to you make a massive drama out of the previous wedding, and slagging off the mother of the bride for what sounds like general proud mammy behaviour.

From this bride-to-be's point of view, she obviously doesn't see that behavior as hogging the day, otherwise she wouldn't invite the woman. But she's also probably seeing you insisting on some Don Corleone type sit down with the woman as drama mongering and wants no drama to arise from her day - hence you being benched from the planning.

Do you really not see that your ongoing offended attitude towards the first DILs mother is bonkers?

Derbee · 07/11/2024 14:28

Your behaviour sounds appalling. You have a drunken fight with your son the day before his wedding. You presumably offered to do the things you did, and then act like you’re being put upon and attacking his MIL for not doing enough?! You threaten not to go to the wedding until right before. And then you self him and his wife off to other family members.

You should apologise, and try not to wreck your relationships with your children and their partners. The only one that will miss out due to your bad behaviour is you.

Rainbow1901 · 07/11/2024 14:30

OP why were you the one who was paying and preparing everything for this wedding? What were the circumstances that the Bride and Groom were not planning (and paying) for with their own wedding? Were the brides' family given the opportunity to have any input into the wedding? There seems to be more to this than meets the eye?
You having an argument came at a time when you were stressed and tired - and in the middle of preparations for his wedding. Your DS was eating food you had prepared and you say alcohol had some input into all this too. Generally speaking - weddings are the brides' family cookie!! I am generalising here but I'm also aware that weddings can be a minefield - and from a personal point of view have had to - with DH take a backseat (plus a big monetary contribution) for his 3 DCs. But then had all the joy of helping my DD prepare for her wedding as Mum of the bride along with her DH (but this will be different for my DS as his future MiL will be the one taking the reins when it comes to planning)
It is a stressful time for everyone concerned but you seem to have taken full control of everything and this has ruffled a few feathers. It was the Bride's Mums' day - I'm only sorry you couldn't see that.

SatansBobbleheadedDashboardOrnament · 07/11/2024 14:31

You all sound ridiculous. Your son sounds selfish and spoiled, you come across as a drama llama and the whole lot of you seem to be operating in a massive playground. In what world did you think it was a good idea to "mouth off" to your other son and the maid of honour (you didn't think she would at the very least go clucking to her best mate?) and assume it wouldn't get back to them? Why do you even want to be involved in the second wedding's prep after son number one scoffed your sausage rolls and treated you like a lump of shite?
Go to the event dressed in suitably coloured attire and keep it buttoned for the day.

Falalalalah · 07/11/2024 14:33

OK, this sounds a bit mad. Given that being 'mother of the groom' last time appears to have involved you paying for everything, cooking everything, and making sausage rolls in the early hours of the morning before the wedding, getting into a fight with your son and then deciding not to go until someone made you rethink a mere half hour before the wedding -- surely being 'just a guest' is a step up???

Also, you sound extremely quarrelsome (and not just you, but you can only change your own behaviour). No one forced you to pay for everything, cook an entire wedding buffet and be making sausage rolls after midnight, so why on earth did you bring up your son's MIL to be? Did you think she should also be slaving over a hot stove the night before her child gets married? Then you get involved in some kind of tussle about pens to sign the register, and sound off to another one of your sons on the wedding day, which gets repeated to the honeymooning couple. That son is now getting married, and has clearly decided you're best kept away from arrangements (which you're not happy about either, even though you clearly weren't happy with all the work you put into the other son's wedding either), and you have the hump about your other son's MIL being invited.

Surely the best thing to do is just to enjoy being a plain guest this time around? Relax, get plenty of rest, recover from losing your father and dealing with the will, don't drink so much it makes you argumentative, and just enjoy the wedding?

Katiesaidthat · 07/11/2024 14:37

Sit down and enjoy this wedding with no responsibilities. Cut down on the drama.

twentysevendresses · 07/11/2024 14:39

You sound like every bridal couples nightmare to be honest OP! I'd not be inviting you at all...be grateful you're even on the guest list, hold your tongue and stay off the booze!

MrTwatchester · 07/11/2024 14:46

You sound like the one at fault here, OP, and this is your account. I can only imagine what the other side of this story is.

friendlycat · 07/11/2024 15:17

Sorry but you reap what you sow.

Having an argument the night before with your son.
Refusing to attend the wedding up until the last moment
Being unhappy at the wedding and not all smiley and happy
Sniping with the bride's mother
Bitchy comments relating to bride's mother
Expressing your dissatisfaction with numerous things post wedding to another son.

That's quite a list really. I think it would be best if you reflected on your whole behaviour over this to see why you are at the place you are currently. Other people will have their own views, just as you have yours.

JustWalkingTheDogs · 07/11/2024 15:24

I'd take a deep breath and leave your kids to it.

They've invited you, say thank you and that you'd love to attend. Don't mention another word about your DIL's mother or try to discuss it, or clear the air. Your best way forward is to enjoy the day and keep any thoughts or feelings to yourself, smile nicely and make polite conversation if people approach you. Keep your distance from your DIL and her DM.

Mrsttcno1 · 07/11/2024 15:28

friendlycat · 07/11/2024 15:17

Sorry but you reap what you sow.

Having an argument the night before with your son.
Refusing to attend the wedding up until the last moment
Being unhappy at the wedding and not all smiley and happy
Sniping with the bride's mother
Bitchy comments relating to bride's mother
Expressing your dissatisfaction with numerous things post wedding to another son.

That's quite a list really. I think it would be best if you reflected on your whole behaviour over this to see why you are at the place you are currently. Other people will have their own views, just as you have yours.

Exactly this.

Being completely honest if my mum had thrown a strop and then said she wasn’t coming to my wedding, only changing her mind with half an hour to spare, our relationship would absolutely never have been the same.

MrTwatchester · 07/11/2024 15:35

It’s not even clear to me what the original fury was even prompted by. That the MIL paid for the honeymoon? So what? OP asked her son what she was contributing, he told her, then OP was so livid she nearly pulled out of the wedding… why?

QueSyrahSyrah · 07/11/2024 15:46

I can't understand why your Son eating a sausage roll resulted in you asking what the Bride's Mother had done or not done in the first place?? It doesn't make any sense but seems to be where things started to unravel. Nor do I understand why her contributing to the honeymoon unleashed such fury that you weren't going to go to the wedding?

You point the finger at your DIL and her Mum, but it was YOUR SON who came eating your food and answering your questions in a way that appears to have sent you into meltdown.

All sounds like a lot of unnecessary drama, possibly stemming from jealousy, and all pointed at the wrong people.

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