My mom doesn’t/isn’t going to go to our reception

I can understand your mom's reasoning- big events can make me nervous too- but I'm sure when you add a cross-cultural aspect the dynamics change. Have you brought up the idea of mingling with her FHs family in smaller settings before the weddings? She may feel more inclined to come to the reception if there are a few familiar faces.

View Quoted Comment She’s actually really shy 😊 and not very outgoing, she’s met FH’s mother before once, same with his grandma but never his dad and that side of the family, if I did brought up the idea, I don’t think she would /:

Since you'll be busy at the reception chatting with all your guests, can she bring someone to talk with that can also interpret if necessary? I also like the idea of having her interact with FH's family before the reception to put her at ease. Maybe you could all go out to dinner soon.

I can understand her reasoning, but this is her daughter's wedding. Will any of your family be at the reception? I just know if it was my daughter, I'd suck it up and go. I agree with PP though, maybe a small get together before the wedding can help her get to know his family better.

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Is there someone else in your family, perhaps one of her siblings, a niece or nephew, a close friend of hers, etc., who is bilingual that would be willing to offer to accompany her and help her "navigate" what's an understandably stressful situation? If her only option is to go completely alone, I can understand her concerns, especially if she is generally quite shy. As a mom myself though, I hate to think of her missing your reception -- that's kind of heartbreaking for both of you, but I understand why that might seem like a better option to her than going alone and worrying that she won't be able to interact with others. So, I'd focus on trying to help her not feel like she'll be "alone" there. Good luck!

You are her daughter and she should put that aside to be there. I do understand being uncomfortable, I really do. I have anxiety in those situations, but when you love someone you at least try and put them ahead of that on their wedding day. I'm not bashing on your mom I swear

I feel for your mom. At the end of the day, it's her decision though. Definitely encourage her, but I wouldn't push too much on the issue. Let her make the choice for herself

I would encourage you to let your mom invite a few people that she is comfortable with so that she has a support system (especially for the language barrier) at the reception. Maybe that would help.

View Quoted Comment It was going to be my mom, older sister, brother, nieces. But even my older sister doesn’t want to go... but if my sister doesn’t go, my nieces aren’t going.. and they were happy to go. But my sister, nope. Hers is a for sure no. I’m sure my brother would and I told my mom, but she said it’s fine that he goes, she just doesn’t feel comfortable to much :/ I mean FH and I will be going out with them for dinner too though! The next day, or after maybe, depends on how much time we have before there reception that starts at 4pm (Our ceremony ends at 1pm)