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Moms and Maids

Can my BF really be my MOH if my mom dislikes her?

When my mother found out we were engaged, one of the first things she did was tell me that she didn't want my BF to be a bridesmaid.  My BF and I went to college together, grad school together and lived together for years.  I couldn't imagine getting married without my BF being my MOH.  My mother does not like her because of some small thing her parents did over 5 years ago- my mom can hold a serious grudge about very petty things!!!  When I asked my BF to be my MOH, she was hesitant saying, "are you sure you want me to be the one to stand between you and your mother on your wedding day?"  So, she basically turned me down because my mother is difficult (to say it nicely).  When fighting over something else, I was so heated that I told my mother that her controlling nature caused by BF to turn down the honor of MOH. (I have no idea why I let that slip- very bad idea!)  My mother responded that my BF's comment was out of place, disrespectful, inappropriate, and "on her."  

I am upset and disappointed with both my BF and my mother.  I agree with my BF that my mother is a force to reckon with but I know my mother can't see how controlling and nutty she can be.  My mother is the type of person who will never be able to hear any type of criticism, whether polite or blunt, and therefore isn't inclined to change her ways.  There are only so many fights and conflicts I can put up with during the wedding planning and I don't know if having my BF as my MOH is a battle I want to have.

I know this is my fault because I told my mother what my BF said, but it frustrates me that neither my mother nor my BF can get past their opinion of the other. I want to yell at both of them and say "it's my day, get over it.'  Unfortunately, as much as I want it to be my day, it isn't. There are people who need to be made happy, and there is no getting around it.  Especially since my parents are paying for the wedding.  I know not everyone will be happy with the wedding decisions but this is a big disappointment.  I feel like I need to, and sadly want to, have someone else be my MOH. 

What would other people do?  Knowing that there will be a continued conflict between my BF and my mom, should I keep my BF as my MOH or placate my mother by just having my BF as a "plain old" bridesmaidor ask her not to be part of the wedding party? 

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Re: Can my BF really be my MOH if my mom dislikes her?

  • Please please please do NOT give into your mother!  She may be paying for the wedding and getting a say in venue or invites, but she should not get a say in your WP. She is so far out of line and the fact that you're even considering going along with her is crazy to me. 
  • I would ask the BF, tell mom to get over it, it's my choice, and make sure I can pay for the wedding without her help.  It would be worth the fight to me because of the boundary issues inherent in her telling you who you're allowed to be friends with.

    The problem here is that your BF has apparently been put in the middle before.  You say your BF needs to "get past her opinion" of your mother, but she's right!  Your mother has told you that having her as a BF will cause problems between you, and your BF knows you both well enough to know it.  

     If you really want her as MOH, there's going to have to be a drastic change in how you handle this dynamic.  Your BF/MOH can not feel responsible for the power struggle you will have with your mom in consequence.
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  • edited December 2011
    i had a similar situation but i was not going to make my friend the maid of honor, just a bridesmaid. she is my best friend.  we were two trouble makers growing up together so my mom wasn't completely overjoyed when i chose to have her as a bridesmaid. at the risk of sounding like a total bridezilla, WE are the brides and we can choose what we want! 
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  • I disagree with your comment about your friend and your mom doing the same thing by not looking past their issues with the other.  The big difference is your friend is willing to stand down so that there are no issues between you and your mother.  Your mother has done nothing but demand things be her way or the highway.

    Best wishes.

  • edited December 2011
    Your mother and father should be consulted on any decisions that will affect the wedding budget, since they are paying. Your choice of MOH and  BMs should not concern your mom, since it won't affect the bottom line.Tell your mom that you will be asking your best friend to be your MOH. If you are old enough to get married, you are old enough to choose your friends.

    Good luck.
                       
  • Mom is out of line here.  I'd be up front: "I'm asking her to be my MOH and if you can't respect that, please tell me now so I can make sure I make correct arrangements."

    My mother not respecting who i asked to be in the wedding would be a big enough deal breaker that I would consider scrapping my plans and not inviting her.  A woman who can't respect her adult daughter shouldn't be invited to her wedding.
  • I agree with PPs. Which means more to you: pleasing your mother and getting their money, or having your best friend stand beside you? Like PPs said, your parent's money does not affect the WP (unless they wanted to pay for attire), so I don't feel they get a say. That said, if your mother is as petty as you say, she may threaten to revoke her funds if you make said friend the MOH and that is a risk you have to decide if you are willing to take. 
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  • Your MOH is yours, not hers. Even if she's mad at her, for some stupid immature reason, she needs to get over that, and realize that what you need for this wedding is support, not drama llamas. If she persists with her protests, just walk away. At the end of the day, you're still going to get married and if she doesn't participate because of this, well, that's just ridiculous.
  • Your mom is the one out of line, the BF was being helpful and polite, you are the one who messed up by telling your mother what she said.  Now your mother has more reasons to hate her, your bad. Okay you messed up so now what?  Tell your mother that your BF is going to be in your wedding and if she doesn't like it she's a grown woman and she can decide to be a part of your wedding or not, but that you would like her too.  As you said you can't control your mother so don't try.  Just be who you are and let your mother be her cranky old self, just try not to get sucked into her drama for your own sanity.

  • I agree with everyone else.  First off, I do think you should know that you did nothing wrong.  You let it slip that your BF didn't want to deal with your mom.  That's not doing anything wrong, so don't be hard on yourself. 

    Second, I don't have a crazy mom, but frankly if I did and were in your shoes, I would stand up to her already.  Sorry, but if she's trying to choose your bridal party then are you also going to let her choose the venue, food, dress, etc?  This day is about you and your FI, and you need to have a discussion with your mom to the effect of "Mom, you need to set aside your personal differences for one day and let it go." 
  • ElinetrouwtElinetrouwt member
    500 Comments
    edited January 2012
    Don't be mad at your MOH. What she said and did was very thoughtful. She probably wants nothing more than to be by your side on your wedding day, but she gave you the option to rescind the offer because she wants to salvage the relationship between you and your mother, even after all the hurtful stuff your mom has said. I think that is wonderful. Instead of being mad at her, take it as a sign that she is worthy of the honor.

    So, call her right now, tell her you cannot imagine anyone else being your MOH, and your mom will have to suck it up.
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  • skippylouwhoskippylouwho member
    1000 Comments
    edited January 2012
    I'm a mom with grown children. When are you going to run your life and not let your mom run it? If you are old enough and mature enough to get married then you are old enough and mature enough to pick those who will stand up with you.

  • Your friend has given you no reason to be disappointed in her. Your mom sounds like a complete hosebeast, and by giving in to her, you're just showing her that throwing a tantrum and being rude are acceptable means to get her way every time.  If you want to have any control over your own life, you need to start drawing boundaries NOW.

    Tell your friend that it would meant the world to you if she would be your MOH, and have a come-to-Jesus talk with your mom in which you make it perfectly clear that this is your decision, it's not up for discussion, and she WILL treat your friend with civility or she will not be welcome at the wedding.
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