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Wedding Etiquette Forum

What to do with my MOH?? Need honest opinions

I'll try to keep this thing short. I can't say that I have one of those totally psycho MOHs, but she (and her hubby who is the BM) are certainly making things stressful.
When she asked me what I wanted to do and if there was anything I didn't want for my shower that she would be throwing, I told her I was really ok with just about anything, but since she was asking about things I DIDN'T want also, I told her....please....no tea parties/frilly pink themed showers. This is just not me at all, and she knows this. She planned something I was super excited about for October and said she'd mail the invites.
2 weeks later, she still had not sent them, and called to tell me she changed everything and would be doing a tea party at a tea house where she would be encouraging everyone to dress up and wear tea hats. I thought she was kidding but about a month later when everyone got their invites (they were pink....) I knew she was not. She also didn't ask me about the date, and ended up planning it for Labor Day weekend....already, quite a few people aren't able to make it because it's a holiday weekend. I asked her if there was any way we could change the date, and she threw a fit.
I've had several people who are close to me tell me that since I specifically said NO when she asked (it's not that I just gave that info unsolicited) that I should say something about the theme and the date and have her change it.
There has been a lot of conflict with her and her hubby since the beginning.....she complained about the dress, is completely lost and disorganized with the couple of small things I've asked her to help with, and her huband completely ruined all of the plans for my FI bachlorette party, so that's a wash now.
We feel so frustrated and upset, we are only doing this marriage thing once. But so far, they have been nothing but stressful, and have really dropped the ball on several occasions not mentioned here. It worries me what else they will drop the ball on, especially as the big day gets closer. We know we need to talk to them (again), but how do I handle plans she makes for me? Side note, we've already asked if it's too much for them, and they swear it's not a time or money issue, they just "procratinate". Um....

Re: What to do with my MOH?? Need honest opinions

  • I think you have too high of expectations. With the "dropping the ball many times" comment makes it seem like you have given them a lot of stuff to do, which is completely and utterly wrong. All the Best man/ MOH have to do is show up and buy a dress/tux.

    It does suck she planned something on a Holiday weekend, but maybe that is the only weekend that worked for HER.
     
    Just be thankful she is doing something for you and really trying. And if several people are commenting on how it is a stupid bridal shower theme, they should throw one for you themselves or maybe offer to help MOH.
  • Your MOH doesn't have any duties aside from showing up wearing the dress you picked out. Therefore I have a hard time seeing how she could "drop the ball." She shouldn't have to help you with anything unless she volunteers. I'm sorry she is causing you stress, and that she didn't listen to your answers when she asked you questions, that is frustrating. But keep in mind that she isn't obligated to do anything at all.
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  • willywally5willywally5 member
    2500 Comments
    edited July 2012
    Others are correct that people in your WP, including the BM and MOH are not obligated to do ANYTHING other than show up sober and in the appropriate clothing. A shower or BP is a gift to the honoree, and should be graciously accepted or declined. 

    I"m assuming she OFFERED to throw tha shower, which was nice of her. It does suck that she asked you what you'd like for a shower and then proceeded to do pretty much everything you said you DIDN'T want. Very strange. It's like she's trying to piss you off with a party that is supposed to be in your honor. 

    However, at this point you really have just two choices: 1) Go with it and smile/nod at all the pink tea party stuff she planned even though it's not your style; or 2) Tell her politely that you'd rather not go through with the shower. The second option is not likely to fly well. My guess is she will make you out to be an ungrateful wretch, so I'd just put on my fancy hat and try to enjoy it.  Declining at this point would be pretty ungracious, since the invites have been sent.

    FWIW, I wonder if there is more to this story because a friend who is near and dear enough to you ought not do something so blatantly not your style. It just seems off to me. 


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  • I certainly understand that they aren't obligated to do a single thing, and to be honest, I should have clarified that up front. I never asked for a single thing from her. But if someone offers to take something off of my hands and tell me they are going to take care of something "today" and that we don't have to worry about xyz, then follow through. I am not giving her tons of stuff to do, at all. If I tell someone I am going to coordinate something big for them to help, I am going to follow through.
    I guess expecting people to keep their word and not do things you asked they not do (when they asked for your input) is too much to ask?
    She told me a couple of weeks ago that she and her hubby are having issues, maybe that is part of it? Not sure, but to me, that is between you and him. That shouldn't cloud your other relationships or things you've committed to do.
  • In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_what-to-do-with-my-moh-need-honest-opinions?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:bc57c1e2-f223-45e0-bbc7-942754d4d05fPost:3ca7b2a8-2897-4679-a67b-9b3db0d4ae87">Re: What to do with my MOH?? Need honest opinions</a>:
    [QUOTE]I think you have too high of expectations. With the "dropping the ball many times" comment makes it seem like you have given them a lot of stuff to do, which is completely and utterly wrong. All the Best man/ MOH have to do is show up and buy a dress/tux. It does suck she planned something on a Holiday weekend, but maybe that is the only weekend that worked for HER.   Just be thankful she is doing something for you and really trying. And if several people are commenting on how it is a stupid bridal shower theme, they should throw one for you themselves or maybe offer to help MOH.
    Posted by ahhhitsshannyn[/QUOTE]

    I could see how someone could drop the ball and it be due to me giving them too much, but I haven't asked a single thing from her to try to be respectful of her time. She has asked me for things to do and promised she would have them done in a particular time frame. When I follow up, she says she forgot all about it, or lost the information.
  • In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_what-to-do-with-my-moh-need-honest-opinions?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:bc57c1e2-f223-45e0-bbc7-942754d4d05fPost:51b6f7fa-5da8-4c1e-af35-80ae3455187b">Re: What to do with my MOH?? Need honest opinions</a>:
    [QUOTE]Others are correct that people in your WP, including the BM and MOH are not obligated to do ANYTHING other than show up sober and in the appropriate clothing. A shower or BP is a gift to the honoree, and should be graciously accepted or declined.  I"m assuming she OFFERED to throw tha shower, which was nice of her. It does suck that she asked you what you'd like for a shower and then proceeded to do pretty much everything you said you DIDN'T want. Very strange. It's like she's trying to piss you off with a party that is supposed to be in your honor.  However, at this point you really have just two choices: 1) Go with it and smile/nod at all the pink tea party stuff she planned even though it's not your style; or 2) Tell her politely that you'd rather not go through with the shower. The second option is not likely to fly well. My guess is she will make you out to be an ungrateful wretch, so I'd just put on my fancy hat and try to enjoy it.  Declining at this point would be pretty ungracious, since the invites have been sent. FWIW, I wonder if there is more to this story because a friend who is near and dear enough to you ought not do something so blatantly not your style. It just seems off to me. 
    Posted by willywally5[/QUOTE]

    I agree, something does seem off. I've tried to be extra thoughtful of everyone involved. You are right, option 1 is probably the best thing. Thank you for not jumping to the conclusion that I'm demanding or asking so much...I'm honestly so new to all of this and I am just surprised at the response we've gotten from them. They both told us they would take care of all of the details for any parties or showers. We told them they didn't have to do that, but was very thankful. We give our opinion only when asked in those cases, and try to make their life as easy as possible with all of this.
  • In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_what-to-do-with-my-moh-need-honest-opinions?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:bc57c1e2-f223-45e0-bbc7-942754d4d05fPost:1bce7092-c20e-4736-829a-b9ce613c81e7">Re: What to do with my MOH?? Need honest opinions</a>:
    [QUOTE]I certainly understand that they aren't obligated to do a single thing, and to be honest, I should have clarified that up front. I never asked for a single thing from her. But if someone offers to take something off of my hands and tell me they are going to take care of something "today" and that we don't have to worry about xyz, then follow through. I am not giving her tons of stuff to do, at all. If I tell someone I am going to coordinate something big for them to help, I am going to follow through. I guess expecting people to keep their word and not do things you asked they not do (when they asked for your input) is too much to ask? She told me a couple of weeks ago that she and her hubby are having issues, maybe that is part of it? Not sure, but to me, that is between you and him. <strong>That shouldn't cloud your other relationships or things you've committed to do.</strong>
    Posted by dharma[/QUOTE]
    Depends on what kinds of issues she's having. It could be causing a lot of stress for her. <div>Maybe you should just accept the shower that she's offered to throw and take back the "jobs" she asked you for. </div>
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  • In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_what-to-do-with-my-moh-need-honest-opinions?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:bc57c1e2-f223-45e0-bbc7-942754d4d05fPost:9a3844ab-0409-4c39-b8c5-6939fafc52e8">Re: What to do with my MOH?? Need honest opinions</a>:
    [QUOTE]In Response to Re: What to do with my MOH?? Need honest opinions : Depends on what kinds of issues she's having. It could be causing a lot of stress for her.  Maybe you should just accept the shower that she's offered to throw and take back the "jobs" she asked you for. 
    Posted by crash2729[/QUOTE]

    Good point. I think I just need to accept that I really don't have much wedding party support, that's the shower I'm getting, and that's it. I think it's just hard, because you hear so much of "it's your wedding, tell everyone what you want and that will be the bottom line", but then I don't know that is really the way it all shakes out in the end. I have a hard time "bossing" people anyway. :)
  • In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_what-to-do-with-my-moh-need-honest-opinions?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:bc57c1e2-f223-45e0-bbc7-942754d4d05fPost:10974f1a-b58c-4dd0-82f8-17c89400a650">Re: What to do with my MOH?? Need honest opinions</a>:
    [QUOTE]In Response to Re: What to do with my MOH?? Need honest opinions : Good point. I think I just need to accept that I really don't have much wedding party support, that's the shower I'm getting, and that's it. I think it's just hard, because you hear so much of <strong>"it's your wedding, tell everyone what you want and that will be the bottom line",</strong> but then I don't know that is really the way it all shakes out in the end. I have a hard time "bossing" people anyway. :)
    Posted by dharma[/QUOTE]
    What? <div>It's your wedding, if someone offers to help you can accept. Otherwise, plan to do it yourself. </div><div>Since, she isn't getting it done the way you want/is having a tough time right now offer to take it back and do it yourself. </div><div>
    </div><div>Also, do you talk to her about life outside of your wedding?</div>
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  • In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_what-to-do-with-my-moh-need-honest-opinions?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:bc57c1e2-f223-45e0-bbc7-942754d4d05fPost:3227c93f-5182-4fb0-9f41-3dafadc71f22">Re: What to do with my MOH?? Need honest opinions</a>:
    [QUOTE]In Response to Re: What to do with my MOH?? Need honest opinions : I agree with it, but if I'm understanding correctly, <strong>OP's MOH planned a party using the one theme the OP didn't want.  I don't get that.</strong>
    Posted by edielaura[/QUOTE]

    <div>It almost seems like the MOH is trying to make the bride mad or punish her for something or is just a passive-aggressive beyotch. Not sure which, but that is what I meant by feeling like there is more going on here. Is she unhappily married? Did she not have thge wedding she wanted? Is she carrying a torch for the groom? Does she not approve of the relationship? Somethings seems off. </div>
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  • In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_what-to-do-with-my-moh-need-honest-opinions?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:bc57c1e2-f223-45e0-bbc7-942754d4d05fPost:663ce0f6-279a-46c8-a691-0803a1378ec1">Re: What to do with my MOH?? Need honest opinions</a>:
    [QUOTE]In Response to Re: What to do with my MOH?? Need honest opinions : It almost seems like the MOH is trying to make the bride mad or punish her for something or is just a passive-aggressive beyotch. Not sure which, but that is what I meant by feeling like there is more going on here. Is she unhappily married? Did she not have thge wedding she wanted? Is she carrying a torch for the groom? Does she not approve of the relationship? Somethings seems off. 
    Posted by willywally5[/QUOTE]



    I agree, MOH planning something she knew is not OP's style seems passive aggressive. However, OP now that it has been planned, invites sent, just go with it. Focus on the positive like the fact that you're having a shower.
  • In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_what-to-do-with-my-moh-need-honest-opinions?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:bc57c1e2-f223-45e0-bbc7-942754d4d05fPost:bd7397a7-a1b4-4c85-9007-a805a8c57ac8">Re: What to do with my MOH?? Need honest opinions</a>:
    [QUOTE]In Response to Re: What to do with my MOH?? Need honest opinions : What?  It's your wedding, if someone offers to help you can accept. Otherwise, plan to do it yourself.  Since, she isn't getting it done the way you want/is having a tough time right now offer to take it back and do it yourself.  Also, do you talk to her about life outside of your wedding?
    Posted by crash2729[/QUOTE]

    I agree with the planning part, completely. We talk more about life outside the wedding than the wedding....I'm really careful about that. I usually try to redirect the conversation if it lingers there more than a few minutes with most people. I mostly try to let her bring it up if I can help it.
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