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Chynna
Just Said Yes October 2020

Do i give up the reception and elope?

Chynna, on May 21, 2019 at 4:59 AM Posted in Etiquette and Advice 0 9
So I’m not sure how this fits into a category, but planning my wedding has been a nightmare since I started 5 months ago. The only positive experience I’ve had is picking out my dress. No one understands that we may not want a cake in the traditional sense, there’s been an uproar about how we want to attend cocktail hour with no formal entry announcement, my FMIL went ahead and made a room block when we told her we hadn’t even signed the contracts for the venue because she thought the rooms were too expensive (if we get the rate we want, her rooms are $11 cheaper). I’ve walked into the grocery store to overhear my FMIL criticizing every aspect of our wedding to my FSIL, and that hurt my feelings beyond belief. My mom sat on the redlined contracts for almost 3 weeks and then said it was my fault for not reminding her and that she wasn’t going to be excited since her opinions weren’t well received in the beginning (I’m trying to decide when she was excited; when she FaceTimed from a venue we really loved the day before we were supposed to visit and spent 45 minutes pointing out everything she hated, or when she tried to establish her coworker as my planner coordinator, but wouldn’t let us meet him for concern we’d ask about his professional experience). Everything we want or have liked has been deemed wrong/inappropriate, from my shoes to my decision to not wear earrings (since my ears aren’t pierced) and it has me wondering if this circus is worth it and if it’s time to consider eloping. No money has been spent, and I’m becoming apathetic about the whole thing. I understand that because my parents are contributing financially, and therefore, have some say, but I feel like I’m becoming a walking prop who is supposed to just go along with everything. I can’t go 15 more months like this, but I don’t want to ruin this experience for my fiancé either. It’s not just my day, it’s our day, and I want it to be just as special as he deserves it to be.

9 Comments

Latest activity by Elizabeth, on May 27, 2019 at 6:41 PM
  • Ana
    Devoted September 2019
    Ana ·
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    I sorry your going through this. This is your day. Sit with him and discuss what you guys want and go with that plan. As long as the two of you get what you want that’s all that matters. Everyone else can stay home that day.
    My mom hates everything I’m doing and tells me about it. I just say I like it this is what we want to do.
    I know it sucks not having people be excited but this is your memory with FH.

    Good luck 👍
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  • Tara
    Master May 2020
    Tara ·
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    Hmmm I can’t tell you what to do, but I recommend that you speak to your FH about this and come up with how to move forward. I personally, would elope but I hate being the center of attention, I dislike spending money and
    • Reply
  • KiwiDerbyBride
    VIP May 2015
    KiwiDerbyBride ·
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    Tell your parents you’re grateful but won’t be taking them up on their offer to contribute to your wedding. Sit down with your fiancé, work out a budget, work out what you want in a wedding and do it YOUR way. Stop telling people what you’re planning (say “we’d like that to be a surprise”), when people offer ideas just say “that’s an interesting thought, we’ll consider that” and don’t feel beholden to anyone. It’s your wedding so do what the two of you want. Provided you’re feeding and watering everyone and being considerate of your guests, everyone else can go jump.
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  • Tara
    Master May 2020
    Tara ·
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    Hmmm I can’t tell you what to do, but I recommend that you speak to your FH about this and come up with how to move forward. I personally, would elope but I hate being the center of attention, I dislike spending money and I don’t like people Talking behind my back. We plan to have a courthouse wedding and I’m prepared to make it parents only bc my FH’s brother gossips about me behind my back.
    • Reply
  • Pirate & 60s Bride
    Legend March 2017
    Pirate & 60s Bride ·
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    Ugh. This sounds like a nightmare! (Big hugs for that) I think you have a few options:

    1) decline any money from parents so they have zero say. Do not share any details from now on to avoid criticism.

    2) elope. You could host a local reception later (as casual as cake & punch or an elegant affair), or your parents could host one (if they do it, tell them you’ll just show up as a guest so you don’t get caught up in their drama).
    • Reply
  • Pirate & 60s Bride
    Legend March 2017
    Pirate & 60s Bride ·
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    Whoops. I forgot to write you don’t have to host any reception later. That’s just an option.
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  • MrsJohansson
    Expert June 2019
    MrsJohansson ·
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    First, how does your FH feel about this?

    Don't take a dime, elope. This is your day!
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  • Cassandra7
    Super August 2006
    Cassandra7 ·
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    Don't take any money from your families and don't give them any information. Either have the wedding you can afford your way or elope. But stop listening to all these outside opinions--"We've got that covered," "We'll think about it," "It's already handled," "Hmmm--interesting." (Actually, not talking to these people at all has a lot of appeal considering how rude and difficult and invasive they are being.)

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  • E
    Savvy January 2020
    Elizabeth ·
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    For my first wedding, Mom took care of EVERYTHING. All I had to do was show up. I liked that! Very easy and stress/drama free...and 15 years later, the pictures of the room were still in the book the venue used to show prospective clients...


    Fast forward to Second wedding...FH and I are paying for everything...not nearly as easy or as stress free! If there is a way to sit back and let someone else take over, especially if they are paying for it, do that! Whatever you are stressing over now...in 25 years, will it really matter?

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