Procession Struggles

Is she actually going to throw a fit because her son can't escort her from the ceremony? I would sit her down with the two of you, lay out the options, and if she doesn't like it explain that this is a day to celebrate the two of you, not to bring drama. My step-mom and her ex-husband can't stand each other but both managed to carry themselves with dignity for the sake of my sister and nieces at their weddings. While I'm not recommending you act disrespectfully toward her, but if she can't act like an adult she may not get to be treated like one. Tell her the plan and if she doesn't want to walk with the cousin or your father, she can walk alone. End of story.

I totally agree - she should be able to deal with this without inconveniencing you. If you have to compromise, you could have all the parents walk out in a line - your mom, your dad, his mom, his dad. Or have the moms go together, followed by the dads.

Yeah, she's being completely unreasonable.... First, I'd probably let FH handle this with her so you don't get dragged into it, and the first thing he needs to forcefully remind her of is that he WILL BE ESCORTING HIS WIFE during the recessional, so NO it's not an option that he will escort her. Has FMIL been offered a plus one for the wedding (assuming she doesn't have a SO)? If so, her "date" could escort her out. If she won't have a date, if she doesn't like your offer of the cousin or walking with your parents, then she can walk alone. FH needs to make it clear those are her options, but the choice between them is hers (kind of like dealing with a toddler...don't ask, "what do you want to wear," ask, "do you want to wear the blue sweater or the red sweater..."). Our SIL's mom is kind of a handful, and was also dead set against having any interaction with SIL's dad (they're divorced) at the wedding. Like you, SIL escorted her in, but she walked out alone behind us (MOB/FOB). Her "guest/date" was her sister (who was invited separately as the groom's aunt anyway), so we sat them together as far away from the FOG and his guests as possible. Sorry some "grown ups" are way worse than little kids....

It sounds like you've done everything you could to be accommodating. Now it's on her. She can choose to be happy and get along or continue to try to make herself & others miserable. I'd leave it to FH to handle interactions with her and step away. If no one will engage, her desire to create drama may decrease. Good luck to you!

FMIL is being super immature. She's an adult, not a child. Don't coddle her!

Agreed.

I wonder if this is a foreshadowing of your future with FH... is she going to insist on going on your honeymoon? Nip it in the butt now!

Also, other suggestions are to walk with an usher, a cousin, a friend, anyone else she wants besides FH or what PP said.

She can walk alone, just like her ex husband is doing. Good grief parents who can't suck it up for one day make me ill, as I am not married to my kid's dad and will pose and walk wherever they tell me to someday. (Just don't make me dance with him, lol)

She is being unfair and your future hubby needs to talk to her about this. Is there a favorite nephew or close family friend that can walk her? Your hubby is NOT an option, lol!!!