Mother-of-the-groom dress dispute rips family apart in 'huge mistake' before special occasion (2024)

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A woman shared a contentious family situation on social media and asked others for input after a future daughter-in-law – the bride-to-be – tried to direct the choice of dress for the upcoming wedding, with unsuccessful results.

Asked the older woman recently on the Reddit page known as "Am I the a--hole," "AITA for apparently making the wedding all about me by being difficult and not taking off work to go dress shopping?"

The mother-in-law travels for work Monday through Friday, she told others.

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"I have been getting on a plane every Monday and getting back on Friday due to a project needing to be supervised," she wrote on the platform.

Meanwhile, her future daughter-in-law, she said, works "four days a week … 10-hour shifts."

Mother-of-the-groom dress dispute rips family apart in 'huge mistake' before special occasion (1)

The bride-to-be wanted to "be there when I get a dress," wrote the future groom's mother about what happened. However, after "much back and forth," the two women got into an argument. (iStock)

The older woman, calling herself "BrilliantMuffin1405" on Reddit, said the younger woman "wants to [meet] up to get a dress for the wedding. She wants to be there when I get a dress. Originally, I was just going to wear the same dress I wear for all weddings (long blue dress), but she wanted me to wear something else since it will match her bridesmaids."

So, wrote the future mother-in-law, she checked her calendar and saw that "Sunday would be the best day to do this. We are both off. She told me no, since that is her rest day."

"She told me no, since that is her rest day."

Then the bride "asked for Monday," said the older woman.

"I told her I can’t and have to work. Then I suggested Friday or Saturday after work – [but] those got shut down" as well.

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The younger woman, she added, "wants me to take off work. I then suggested she send me examples of what she wants, and I’ll shop by myself and buy something like the examples. Also, shut down."

The mother-in-law said, "After much back and forth, I told [her] that [I] will just wear the blue dress. This started an argument, and she called me a jerk."

Mother-of-the-groom dress dispute rips family apart in 'huge mistake' before special occasion (2)

Wrote the groom's mother (not pictured), "My son is mad that I am making the wedding about me and not taking off work. I don’t think I am being unreasonable." The future mother-in-law reached out to others for insight. (iStock)

She continued, "My son is mad that I am making the wedding about me and not taking off work. I don’t think I am being unreasonable."

In an update to her post, the woman wrote that her son wanted her to share her story on Reddit to see what others said about it. He then "told me I can wear the blue dress and that it won’t be an issue."

"I would suggest … she tell her future daughter-in-law that she wants to make her happy, and she understands this is a very important day."

So far, she added, "no response [from] future DIL."

More than 8,000 people reacted to the post to date, with more than 2,000 posting comments. The woman was deemed "NTA" by others on the platform.

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Dr. Kathy Wilkerson, a licensed clinical psychologist who is based in California and who handles many relationship issues, acknowledged how challenging such family situations can be.

"Everyone has very busy lives and everyone wants to try to make the other people happy without going too far out of their own way," she told Fox News Digital in an email.

"The original poster is not [wrong about] having a difficult schedule and not being willing or able to take time off from work. Some projects cannot be left alone, unsupervised. I'm assuming that since she has to travel there every week, her presence on-site is critical."

Mother-of-the-groom dress dispute rips family apart in 'huge mistake' before special occasion (3)

"The goal in these situations," said a clinical psychologist, "is always compromise without giving up too much. Be as flexible as you can and always validate the other person's feelings, even if you don't agree." (iStock)

Added Nickerson, "What I would suggest is that she tell her future daughter-in-law that she wants to make her happy, and she understands this is a very important day."

As such, she continued, the "future DIL should pick out three dresses that she would be happy for [the original poster] to wear and she [the future mother-in-law] will pick one of those three."

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Said Nickerson, "The goal in these situations is always compromise without giving up too much. Be as flexible as you can and always validate the other person's feelings, even if you don't agree."

"I'd keep your son's room ready for him. He'll be back."

Wrote another person with a much blunter message for the woman, "I'd keep your son's room ready for him. He'll be back."

The top comment on Reddit about the family drama, which earned some 13,000 "upvotes," contained the following thoughts: "You’ve offered reasonable suggestions to make this work, and she’s shot down each of them. That’s not your fault. Why is she so invested in being there with you? Surely you can pick out a dress in a fit and style that would be appropriate and suitable."

Mother-of-the-groom dress dispute rips family apart in 'huge mistake' before special occasion (4)

"No marriage can be happy without the ability to compromise," one commenter said. (iStock)

This commenter also said of the bride-to-be, "She is incapable of compromise. I'd have lost my temper at 'that's my rest day' … No marriage can be happy without the ability to compromise."

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Said the same person, "Is she always like this, about everything? If so, your son is making a huge mistake and marrying someone who will make his life hell."

Another person directed thoughts to the son: "Apologize to your mom and tell your fiancée that she either needs to accept that your mom will wear the blue dress, allow your mom to select her own dress of the appropriate color – OR commit to a shopping trip on a day your mom is off work."

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Mother-of-the-groom dress dispute rips family apart in 'huge mistake' before special occasion (2024)

FAQs

What color is the groom's mother supposed to wear? ›

What Colour Can the Mother of the Groom Wear? Opt for colours that complement the wedding palette. Jewel tones, pastels, and navy are popular choices that photograph well and add a touch of sophistication.

Is it normal for the mother of the groom to feel left out? ›

Feeling left out on the day

It's a truth agreed upon by most gransnetters who have been mothers of the groom that it's easy to get overlooked on the day.

What is the protocol for the mother of the groom? ›

Manage your son's side of the family.

Ask how many guests you're able to invite, and then draw up a guest list for your side of the family. Be respectful of the guest limit. Keep track of your family's RSVPs and follow up with any late RSVPs. Make sure you also spread the word on the couple's wedding registry.

Should the mother of the groom carry a purse? ›

With so many one venue weddings, I am constantly asked by my mother of the bride and mother of the groom clients if they should carry a handbag. My advice is always that an outfit is not complete without a bag and that is especially true if you are wearing a hat.

What does the mother of the groom traditionally do? ›

Traditionally, the groom's mother will take care of the rehearsal dinner arrangements and help prepare the guest list for the groom's side of the family. Both tasks should be done with both the bride and the groom's input. Any other responsibilities can be negotiated among the families.

How much money should groom's parents give? ›

It used to be that the role of the bridegroom's parents was restricted to hosting the rehearsal dinner and leading him down the aisle, but that is no longer the case. In a recent poll by wedding enthusiasts, the Groom's parents cover up to 24% of the wedding costs.

What should a mother wear to her son's wedding? ›

Elegant evening gowns, lace midi dresses and chic jumpsuits are all fab options for moms. Use the couple's set wedding dress code as a guide to finding the color and formality of your fit. Formal weddings require an upscale dress or pantsuit, while the outfit can be more relaxed for a casual wedding.

What does it mean if the mother of the groom wears white? ›

Otherwise, it is assumed that all other ladies other than the bride in attendance at the wedding should refrain from wearing white (or even shades of it) to avoid seeming to rival the bride for focus.

What should a mother say to her son on his wedding day? ›

To my son and his bride, I want you to know that I will always be here for you, supporting you and cheering you on every step of the way. I wish you a lifetime of love, happiness, and adventures together.

Does the mother of the groom get hair and makeup done? ›

"Most brides we work with these days will find unique ways to include the [mother of the groom] in different activities, like picking up brunch for the bridal suite or making sure they get hair and makeup done with everyone," Again, even if the mother of the groom is just coming by for a short time, she should offer to ...

Does the mother of the groom get walked down the aisle? ›

The groom might opt to escort his mother down the aisle and to her seat in the front row, followed closely behind by the groom's father. This gives the groom an opportunity to give his parents a hug before taking his place at the altar.

What shouldn't the mother of the groom wear? ›

As with any wedding guest, it's best to avoid wearing white or any color that resembles the bride's wedding outfit. You may also want to steer clear of blush, beige, or other light neutral tones that may appear lighter on camera. "And do not match the bridal party colors unless requested to do so," adds Valiente.

Does the mother of the groom give a gift to the bride? ›

Typically, as per tradition, the mother of the groom will bring a gift for the bride to the bridal shower. It can be something small and thoughtful.

Who pays for mother of groom hair and makeup? ›

Who Pays for the Mother-of-the-Bride and Groom's Beauty Team? As with most beauty questions, there is no hard-and-fast rule. Some brides may offer to cover hair and makeup services in order to thank the wedding party for being a part of their special day.

What is the mother of the groom responsible for paying? ›

The groom's family traditionally paid for all costs associated with the rehearsal dinner and honeymoon, wedding day transportation, and the officiant. The groom paid for the bride's engagement ring, wedding ring, and groomsmen gifts. It is also common for the groom's family to pay for the alcohol at the reception.

What responsibility do the groom's parents have? ›

According to traditional etiquette, the groom's family is responsible for paying for the bride's rings, the groom's and groomsmen's attire, the rehearsal dinner, gifts for the groomsmen, some personal flowers, the officiant's fee, the marriage license fee, certain aspects of transportation, and the honeymoon.

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