Skip to main content

Post content has been hidden

To unblock this content, please click here

Ashley
Just Said Yes May 2021

My mom is taking over and making our wedding about her

Ashley, on May 19, 2021 at 3:27 AM Posted in Family and Relationships 0 9
My mom and I have always had a difficult relationship (both my dad and I have always felt like we had to walk on eggshells around her because you never knew when she would get mad or upset). Wedding planning has only exacerbated our difficult relationship. I’ll admit I’ve been hesitant to involve her with plans because I know it will just create conflict. She questions me about every decision I make. If she makes a suggestion and I tell her that’s not what my fiancé and I have in mind for the wedding, she gets mad. All she has talked about is her dress, her nails for the wedding, her hair, etc ( when I went and bought my dress she went with me (and I should mention I haven’t asked her for any money for the wedding, my fiancé and I are doing it ourselves), she looked at it, said “yeah that’s nice”, and immediately turned to the sales lady and asked if she had mother of the bride dresses). Because I couldn’t hide from her that I’m going to get my bridal portraits done, I am allowing her to come, and I asked her to please, not bring her camera, and to simply come and help and let the photographer handle the session. She said ok, and not 5 min later started asking me if I was doing this photo or that photo. I know she’s going to try to take over. The wedding day is 3 days away and I’m dreading a fight with her the day of, and that she is going to try and make things about her and make things happen her way. You can tell her something or ask her not to do something and it goes in one ear and out the other. She is going to do what she wants to do, even when you ask her not to. Please, anyone have advice for a stressed bride who doesn’t want a fight with her mom on her special day?

9 Comments

Latest activity by Eniale, on May 19, 2021 at 1:32 PM
  • Rebecca
    Master August 2019
    Rebecca ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    She sounds like a narcissist, and I'm sorry. My mother is one.

    Unfortunately for you, I solved this problem by offending her selfishness to the point where she hasn't spoken to us since she received the invitation, and did not come to the wedding. (This made our wedding day much better.)

    Honestly?

    Assign one of your BP to be "MOB wrangler". That means distracting her whenever she tries to take over, interrupt her when she starts to get mean, and basically be a pest to her to keep her off of YOU.

    • Reply
  • devotedlydavis
    Expert March 2022
    devotedlydavis ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content
    Do you have a wedding planner or day of coordinator? If so, I would ask them to run interference.
    • Reply
  • Emily
    Devoted June 2021
    Emily ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content
    I would sit her down and have a real conversation being completely honest about how you’re feeling about her actions. Just know though that it might not go how you anticipate it to, and be prepared for the worst, of her not coming or never speaking to you again. Not sure if it’s worth that to you..
    • Reply
  • Jasmine S.
    VIP May 2022
    Jasmine S. ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content
    I wouldn't let her come to the portrait session. The photographer is a professional and will be able to handle it.
    • Reply
  • V
    Rockstar July 2019
    Veronica ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content
    Is there something else she could be doing while you are having your bridal portraits done? Maybe your dad could help distract her.
    • Reply
  • Mrs.a
    Master October 2021
    Mrs.a ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content
    View Quoted Comment

    This! Typically parents leave after family formals and over. The couple portraits are of just the two of you. I would possibly let your photographer know that you want her dismissed so they can reinforce it when formals are done so she can get the not-so-subtle hint.

    • Reply
  • M
    VIP August 2021
    Michelle ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    I'd tell all the vendors and even bartender that your mother might try to pull rank as MOB & get them to change plans. Give them support to say "that's not what the bride and groom want". They are professionals and more use to this than you, but good to point her out just in case. I also second a bridesmaid or her husband to run interference. Best wishes, Bride.

    • Reply
  • Rebelle Fleur
    Master July 2021
    Rebelle Fleur ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content
    You honestly can not win with a narcissist. The best policy is distance and very firm boundaries. If she must come keep her busy doing inane tasks and away from you.
    • Reply
  • E
    Super July 2023
    Eniale ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    Agreed with Rebecca on enlisting someone who is willing to intercept her if necessary.

    Also let the vendors in on it.

    It's uncomfortable, but my husband and I were videographers at a wedding where we were told ahead of time that the father of the bride would likely try to commandeer things and boss us around, and so when the time came (and it did) we politely said "thank you, but we already have our instructions. If you have any concerns, I suggest you talk to the wedding planner."

    If you don't have a wedding planner, default again to your BP/MOH/whoever will stand up to her. Definitely appoint someone to intercept her before she gets to you. Vendors should be informed of who this person is, too. They will handle it their own way, but make sure they have a middle man to direct her to - she may still bypass that person, but the effort should be made to keep her away from you.

    • Reply

You voted for . Add a comment 👇

×

Related articles

WeddingWire celebrates love ...and so does everyone on our site! Learn more

Groups

WeddingWire article topics