Destination Weddings Discussions

Bridal Party Accomodations at Destination Wedding

Thank you for any help you can provide to helpo bring perspective to this matter.  Please be kind with thoughts/ advice.  I am going through a very hard time right now.  

I am the MOB for my daughter's destination wedding.  Unfortunately, it looks like her father and I will be going through a divorce and will attend the wedding separately.  My daughter is planning to rent a couple of BNBs for the groomsmen and the bridal parties.  She said that they intend to keep this location separate from the other guests (in a different area) and she wants to do activities with just the wedding party before the wedding.  They also plan to do an excursion after the wedding with just the wedding party.  Of note is that the after wedding excursion is a strenuous activity, so most of the other guests probably would not be able to keep up. 
 I understand that they will be doing their own thing most of the time, but to receive a blanket, "you are not welcome at the bridal compound" before the wedding seems a little harsh. TBH, it sounds like a very lonely event for me and I am thinking that I will not go. I have helped a great deal with arrangements to date, went on a scouting trip with my daughter to the destination, helped her shop for the dress, etc...  I plan to continue to help and support her where and when I can.  But I just do not feel welcome at the wedding, so I do not think I will go.  It seems my daughter is being rather cliquey with the young guests and that this wedding is for her (of course) and for her friends, and I (and the other older guests) are just a prop.  

She has explained that if her father and I proceed with the divorce, there will be no plus one invites- something I very much agree with. I have no living family and the only other people present I am friends with are actually my SIL & their family.  I will likely not be included with that group due to the pending divorce. So,   I was thinking of just being as helpful as I can be, but not attending the wedding.  She state that she does not intend to have children and she is building deep friendships with her friends.  I think I should just step back and let her pursue what she wants.  I really do believe that she thinks I am an inconvenience that she has to put up with. I understand doing something with just the bridal party after the wedding, but I just think total isolation before the wedding with the bridal party comes off as not welcoming.  

Re: Bridal Party Accomodations at Destination Wedding

  • brittanyfleurbrittanyfleur member
    Knottie Warrior First Comment Name Dropper
    edited February 12
    I am sorry to hear that you are going through a divorce. However, I think you should attend the Wedding as it will cause a rift between you and your daughter if you do not. "I really do believe that she thinks I am an inconvenience" - you may be just putting words in her mouth and feeling sorry for yourself. Let her enjoy the activities with her bridal party. Don't make this all about you. You are hurt now with the divorce and seem to be making up a scenario that doesn't really exist.  She wanted you to help with her gown and included you in other things. Go to the Wedding and be a bigger person. Don't be jealous of her friends and just be happy for her.
  • ei34ei34 member
    Knottie Warrior 5000 Comments 500 Love Its 5 Answers
    I'm sorry for your hurt feelings.  It is typical - at least for the handful of destination weddings I've attended anyway - for the couple to try and put in some time with all of their guests outside of just the wedding itself.  Their plans do sound super friend-heavy...maybe they haven't told you yet but are also planning a night-before rehearsal dinner and/or a morning after brunch?  If they are, they're definitely in the clear to go ahead with the rest of the plans you've shared.  

    Even if there won't be a rehearsal dinner or morning after brunch, I would definitely still attend.  If the pre-wedding planning/dress shopping, etc have brought you joy, I wouldn't stop doing that either.  I do think it'd be nice of her to permit you a plus-one though, maybe having a good friend there would make it less lonely for you?
  • ei34 said:
    I'm sorry for your hurt feelings.  It is typical - at least for the handful of destination weddings I've attended anyway - for the couple to try and put in some time with all of their guests outside of just the wedding itself.  Their plans do sound super friend-heavy...maybe they haven't told you yet but are also planning a night-before rehearsal dinner and/or a morning after brunch?  If they are, they're definitely in the clear to go ahead with the rest of the plans you've shared.  

    Even if there won't be a rehearsal dinner or morning after brunch, I would definitely still attend.  If the pre-wedding planning/dress shopping, etc have brought you joy, I wouldn't stop doing that either.  I do think it'd be nice of her to permit you a plus-one though, maybe having a good friend there would make it less lonely for you?
    I agree with all of this.  Based on what you said it sounds like the festivities are friend-heavy but is it possible that she's doing so because of the acrimonious nature going on with her parents?  I would go because this is your child.  Find things to do in the area that are great for your age and be there to support her.

    I can have plenty of issues with my own children but refusing to attend a wedding is a sore subject that would be hard to recover from. 
  • Sorry you are going through a divorce but i suggest you show up for your daughter on her big day. These are all of your thoughts and views and that does not make them true. Let your daughter enjoy her time with the fun festivities planned and continue to play your role as the mother of the Bride.  Also, Maybe have a conversation with her and let her know how you feel but go to the wedding for sure. 
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