Bride won't introduce mother to fiance until just before wedding

19 years ago

My sister is getting married in June and has yet to introduce our mother to her fiance. They live in different states and she claims not to have the time or money to travel, yet my mother has offered to travel to her city to meet the fiance, help with wedding planning, etc. My sister tells her that she has everything under control and that there is no need to visit. She is clearly ashamed of my mother (who unlike our stepmother and the other bridesmaids is neither anorexic, nor a Republican religious zealot like the fiance), whom she claims causes too much "drama" and is a "f... up." Meanwhile, she is planning several trips to see our father's side of the family. (They're paying for the wedding.) I am the maid of honor and this whole situation has me wanting to back out. I am embarrassed for my mother and angry at my sister. My mother flies in at midnight a few days before the wedding, and they have already told her they won't have time to pick her up and that she can take a taxi. They have planned nothing with her during the time she will be there. I have tried to bring this up with my sister, who flies off the handle as soon as I mention it, and screeches out the old chestnut, "This is myyyy wedding!" I feel she is trying to pretend to be something she is not, and that she wants her fiance to think her family only consists of these superficial plastic people. She won't introduce him to our mom until days before the wedding I assume in case he gets cold feet after meeting her, but if their relationship is so shallow what is she doing marrying him? My mom looks like the 60-year-old woman she is, while the stepmother is a plastic surgery addict who dresses like a 16-year-old. Is there a diplomatic way to discuss this with my sister? Has anyone dealt with a similar situation? Thank you.

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Comments (10)

gellchom
19 years ago
Wow! My sympathies to you. What a mess.

Listen, you are taking on too much responsibility for your sister's behavior and her relationship with Mom. I don't think there is any "diplomatic way to discuss this" with her, because there isn't a thing you could say to her that she would hear. She has made up her mind to try to hide her mom and excuses her cruelty because it is Her Wedding -- believe me, you can't fight that kind of tsunami, and it isn't your responsibility to do it. She will ruin or strenghthen her family relationships as she will, and if you try to interfere, no matter how good your intentions, everyone will end up mad at YOU. It just always seems to happen. It's really hard to stay out of it, but it's worth it.

Instead, I would focus on what you can do directly to help your MOM feel better. I know you will be busy, but maybe you can keep your eyes open for opportunities to drive her, spend time with her, keep her up to date on fun things about the wedding (if that would make her feel good, not bad), etc. I would definitely stay away from language like "zealot," "anorexic," "plastic surgery addict," etc. The last thing your family needs is more drama and bile.

Good luck to all of you.
earthlydelights
19 years ago
same thoughts here. you and your mom should use this time wisely. your sister will have regrets for her terrible actions - maybe not now, but she will.
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sweet_pea10
19 years ago
I agree with both of the above. One thing that comes to mind is the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. Will your mother be invited to either? If not, that will really add to the hurt.

Clearly there is some past unresolved issue that is causing your sister to act in such a hostile manner toward your mother, but that is your sister's issue. Her new in-laws are bound to see how she treats her mother and that may cause concern on their part. If she has a good relationship with them, perhaps they can open her eyes to what she is doing.
talley_sue_nyc
19 years ago
She will ruin or strenghthen her family relationships as she will

I agree with this very much. I also agree that she will get the family relationships she DESERVES.

And, the rest of your family has a right to understand exactly how hurtful your sister is willing to be. They have the RIGHT to base their relationship with her on undiluted, factual information.

If your sister is willing to hurt your mother's feelings, your mom needs to know that. Then she can adjust her expectations, and perhaps save herself some acute pain in the long run.

I'm sorry for your mom, and I hope you can be a source of love and unconditional acceptance for her.
kkny
19 years ago
My guess is your Mom may have an idea this is going to happen (speaking as someone whose X has a plastic wife). Her flying in only a few days before is somewhat of a tip off. She may be planning on taking the high road, and showing up and just watching the show. You might try impressing on your sister that it will reflect very very poorly on her if your mother is not treated as MOB, front seat, etc, etc. Does your mother have a brother or other male relative for escort? Do you have time to spend with your mother? There is no need for her to meet future SIL, as your sister has decided she is not looking for her mothers advice. In a perfect world, they would have met before, but that train has already come and gone.
Newbie_in_Spain
Original Author
19 years ago
Thank you all for your wise comments. Yes, it is our mother who is taking the high road, she says she is not hurt or offended, and that she understands that logistically it is difficult for them to meet. I'm the one who seems to be the most outraged. As you suggested, my partner and I plan to escort Mom around, going with her from place to place and making sure she's having a good time. We also have a brother who may be some help. Some of her best friends will be flying in for the wedding too, so she won't be alone. It is just heartbreaking though to see my sister behaving this way, I never would have expected it. But I guess these sorts of events really do show people's true colors. Thank you for your advice.
kkny
19 years ago
Your mom is lucky to have you. Just remember if she can hold her head up, so can you.
scarlett2001
19 years ago
Two events that seem to bring out the worst in a family are weddings and funerals. Try to do whatever you feel is the right thing toward your mom and kind of cruise below the radar if you can. It's really between your sister and your mom.
kkny
19 years ago
Your sister may also be under pressure from SM and your dad (who himself may be under pressure from SM) that they are paying for wedding, and SM is to be "respected" and that if she wants a big wedding, she better toe their line.

In any event, your mom seems likes she is going to be OK.
susanjf_gw
19 years ago
oh, the problems we have with outlaws...personally i liked my one dil's bio-mom more than the step...they (dad and wife) were so uptight, wouldn't come to the rehersal dinner we hosted, cause "she" would be there...

so enjoy your mother, and go ahead with being in the wedding party...class doesn't mean cash...

Bride won't introduce mother to fiance until just before wedding

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Bride won't introduce mother to fiance until just before wedding

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