Wedding or elope?

No matter what, you will still be pulled every which way during your wedding. You are the BRIDE, and everyone is going to want to see/talk to you, and not everyone will be in the same spot/at the same table/hanging out in the same groups. So don't let this deter you from your dream wedding.

View Quoted Comment Agreed, typically you end up stopping at each table to make an appearance and thank guests anyways so I wouldn't worry too much, taking photos together will be the only hassle with your parents together and all the family etc. but with pictures you don't have to talk and your parents should be mature that day for you. You can seperate the two also plus family's can be seperate for most pictures

I think you shouldn’t worry about this at all! Let them have a good time at your wedding with whoever they feel most comfortable with. Even if that means the two sides are “separated”. There will be plenty of other opportunities for them to all get to know each other and form a relationship (if they want to). I wouldn’t try to force them to try to be friendly with each other at your wedding. Just enjoy yourself and don’t worry about it.

Can you talk to your sister in law? What was her experience of it during the day?

I understand your desire to have a big family party, but some people just aren't like that. Even if your in laws don't communicate with your family, it will be okay and you can still enjoy your wedding day. Make your day about you and your fiance and your marriage. It sounds like you really want the wedding experience and you don't want to look back several years down the road and have resentment for your families because they are the reason you did not do that.

Also, my parents are divorced and my mom has never gotten over her anger. It made our wedding more stressful but I set firm and clear boundaries with her and held my ground when she overstepped. Being in the same state as my father may have upset her and been difficult but she needed to find a way to manage it for herself so that it did not become my problem or affect my wedding day.

As far as pictures go, just ask your photographer to help. Have it planned out to get all the ones you want with family, detail the best way to get people in and out with minimal interaction if you're worried about that.

You should do what you want and not change your plans jsut because your families aren't acting the way you wish they would!

Hi Jenelle. Have you given any more thought to this situation?

Where are you at with your decision? Do you plan to elope?

Let me know, I have some good articles about how to plan an elopement if you're still considering it

View Quoted Comment Hello! Actually yes I still am. For many many more reasons than were previously stated. But I’m holding strong for my dream of a wedding but more and more I just want to be married to this man and forget the drama!

View Quoted Comment

It's a tough decision, I'm sorry due to the circumstances you're facing it.

This article may give you some further insights into planning an elopement, and whether or not it's for you and your FS - So, You Want to Elope?