Abeera
Weddings are intended to be joyous occasions for couples and their loved ones to celebrate their love. They are a time for happiness, exuberance, and the coming together of families and friends to witness and support the union of two people. However, in some cases, families have rigid and specific expectations about what a wedding should entail, particularly concerning its cost. These expectations can sometimes overshadow the true essence of the event, turning what should be a celebration of love into a source of stress and contention. In these situations, it becomes crucial for couples to navigate these familial expectations while staying true to their desires and financial capabilities.
In today’s story, OP shared her story about the escalating family drama surrounding her brother’s upcoming wedding, specifically the demands from his in-laws for an extravagant rehearsal dinner and luxury hotel accommodations. The bride selected an opulent resort as the wedding venue and, soon after, her mother contacted the groom’s mother to inform her that the rehearsal dinner would also be hosted at the resort. With an expected 150 guests, the catering costs alone would amount to nearly $37,000, excluding additional fees. Due to financial constraints, OP’s family would not be able to afford such an expensive rehearsal dinner and asked the bride’s family to look for more affordable options. Unfortunately, this discussion escalated and the bride’s family called them cheap for not spending lavishly on the wedding.
Continue scrolling down to delve into the full story.
Source: Reddit
1. The bride’s family insists on an extravagant rehearsal dinner and resort stay, branding the groom’s family as “cheap.”
2. OP and her family are currently embroiled in the situation, and OP seeks validation for thinking the demands are unreasonable.
3. OP’s brother is marrying into a wealthy southern family, while their family is middle class. The bride chose a beautiful resort venue for their fall wedding.
4. After selecting the venue, the bride’s mother calls OP’s mom (MOG) to dictate the rehearsal dinner plans at the resort, aiming for 150 guests.
5. OP’s mother, feeling pressured by the MOB, waits for the catering details. When they arrive, the lowest price per person for the rehearsal dinner is $165, not including additional fees, totalling nearly $37,000 for their family to host.
6. Unable to afford the lavish rehearsal dinner, OP’s mother calls the MOB to decline, citing the exorbitant cost compared to their budget.
7. Apologizing and suggesting a more affordable option at a nearby restaurant, OP’s mother faced the MOB’s anger, who insisted it wasn’t feasible due to guests staying at the resort and potential drinking.
8. Realizing the need to inform the MOB, OP’s mother revealed that their family couldn’t afford the resort’s $550/night rooms, making it too expensive for them.
9. The MOB lashed out, calling OP’s parents “cheap” for baulking at the $550/night room rate, insisting it wasn’t that much.
10. The phone call left OP’s mother feeling overwhelmed and doubting herself. Later, the bride’s father called OP’s dad to “clear up any confusion” and stress the importance of hosting the rehearsal dinner at the venue.
11. The discussion led to a compromise: a smaller 45-person rehearsal dinner at the resort. OP’s dad mentioned the cost concerns, so their family opted to stay at a cheaper Airbnb nearby instead of the resort hotel.
12. OP’s father assured them that their family would attend all wedding events.
Now that you have read the story, it’s time for you to see what Redditors had to say about this. Read till the end to see what are other people’s opinions on this.
13. Why are the parents calling the shots instead of the couple getting married?
14. The groom’s family is the host of the rehearsal dinner so they get to decide on all aspects of the event. If the mother of the bride disagrees, she can choose not to attend.
15. Your brother should be informed immediately about his in-laws’ behaviour, and he needs to discuss it with his fiancée.
16. A Redditor truly hopes the bride is shocked by her parents’ rude behaviour and is not with them in this.
17. Your parents shouldn’t be treated like this or be pressured to spend on the event. Your brother and his fiancée should handle this issue themselves. Speak to your brother!
18. If OP’s brother isn’t aware of this situation, OP should inform him immediately.
19. If these are the in-laws’ expectations, they should foot the bill. Their blatant lack of manners and respect would make me reconsider everything.
20. Can’t imagine a worse way to spend $37k, perhaps except for literally setting it ablaze.
Despite efforts to compromise and accommodate, the situation becomes increasingly tense, leaving the groom’s family feeling overwhelmed and unappreciated. Readers weighed in with various suggestions, many of them pointing out the entitled nature of the demands. As the wedding date approaches, it remains to be seen whether the family can navigate these financial and emotional hurdles and find a harmonious resolution before the big day. Do share your thoughts in the comments section below.
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