Turning the other cheek, and being the better person, is often easier said than done. Especially when you're dealing with years of drama thanks to an entitled sister-in-law.
A woman has told how her husband's jealous, half-sister has never been her biggest fan. 'Karen' went out of her way to make their wedding more stressful than it should have been. But now that the tables have turned, and the SIL is getting married, she's expecting help, money and a bachelorette venue for free in the run-up to her big day. The woman is considering treating her SIL's wedding as a complete non-event.
The claws came out in the run-up to her wedding, with her SIL treating it as a non-event
Image credits: seventyfourimages (not the actual photo)
Now the tables have turned and she's planning to beat her at her own game
Image credits: Prostock-studio (not the actual photo)
Image credits: Downtown-Till-2339
Expert tips on dealing with family drama in the run-up to your wedding
Weddings and family drama often go hand-in-hand. It’s meant to be a joyful time where friends and relatives celebrate together but the road to holy matrimony can often be paved with less-than-holy incidents. Experts say there are many reasons this happens.
Wedding planning can be stressful, time-consuming and expensive. The bridal couple must make loads of decisions, and take everyone into consideration. “This can lead to people making things difficult for you so they can get what is within their best interest,” explain the wedding planning experts at La Bella Planners.
The site notes that it can be difficult to stand up to certain family members because you want to keep the peace. But it pays to have someone that can talk on your behalf. It can be a best friend, a bridesmaid, sibling, or even your wedding planner. As long as the person will advocate for you.
“You need to give this person full permission to stand up for you and remind your family members that this is your day. Every person who is getting married needs at least one person who is 100% in their corner,” advises the La Bella team.
As with other family drama in life, setting boundaries is key. “These boundaries can be as simple as when and where they are allowed to speak with you about wedding plans,” adds the site.
This helps to ensure that you aren’t constantly dealing with drama and pressure from those making your wedding planning difficult. Again, you can get someone else to communicate the boundaries, like whoever you’ve chosen to be your “wedding advocate.” But you need to be prepared to enforce said boundaries.
It's also important to not have too many people involved in the planning. As the saying goes, "Too many chefs spoil the broth." At the end of the day, your wedding day is about you and your partner. To many opinions and your ideas get diluted.
"If someone tries to insert themselves into the process when you do not want them there, that is when you need to set a boundary and make it clear that this is your day and you would not like their input," advises La Bella.
Think of yourself as the wedding diplomat, adds the Dream Weddings And Events site. "When it comes to conflicting opinions, be ready to compromise (but never on the big things, like the cake flavor or your dress)," their experts caution.
That site notes that family drama will happen whether you like it or not. It’s inevitable. However, it doesn’t have to ruin your big day.
"Plan ahead, make compromises, and laugh it off when things get ridiculous," advises the Dream Weddings And Events team. "No one will remember who sat at the 'wrong' table, but they’ll remember how much fun they had and how much love filled the air."
Image credits: Min An (not the actual photo)
"Sis makes zero effort": the woman provided quite a lot more info when prompted by netizens
People had lots to say and a bunch of advice to dish out
