AITA for not wanting to do a double wedding?

Imagine a bride-to-be, glowing with plans for her June wedding, only to have her mother drop a bombshell: “Let’s make it a double wedding!” In a home filled with the ghosts of old family grudges, this 27-year-old woman faced a dilemma when her newly engaged mother tried to hitch her own nuptials to her daughter’s big day. With the wedding mostly paid for by the bride and her fiancé, the request felt like a curveball tossed into a carefully choreographed dance.

This isn’t just about clashing wedding plans—it’s a tale of family loyalty, lingering resentment, and a daughter standing her ground. The mother’s push for a shared spotlight, coupled with her threat to pull funding, has Reddit buzzing with opinions. As the bride holds firm, the question lingers: is she selfish, or just protecting her moment?

‘AITA for not wanting to do a double wedding?’

I got engaged over a little a year ago and the wedding is next year in June. Well my mother just recently got engaged this past Wednesday and I saw her this past weekend and she wanted to know if I wanted to do a double wedding and I told her no. A little background my parents were married for 30 years, separated for 5 and then got divorced.

Before they got divorced though my mother started dating someone new online (the separation/divorce was what she wanted my father still loves her to this day). When the family found out we were not exactly happy, mainly cause she didn’t tell her new boyfriend she had 4 children and was getting divorced until a week before he met us.

The new bf (now fiancé) is an alright guy, the only thing is he try’s to parent my sibling and myself even though we are all grown adults. My parents have attempted to stay friends so it isn’t awkward for their children however my mom had a hard time containing her resentment for my father (even my fiancé has commented how my mom doesn’t like my dad).

Through out this whole thing I have backed my dad. Now that my mom is engaged she wants to share my wedding date when the entire day has almost been paid for by my fiancé and myself. Now before she even got engaged she agreed to pay for 1/3 of my wedding dress and veil (about $550)

Weddings are emotional minefields, and throwing a mother’s engagement into the mix can ignite old tensions. The OP’s refusal to share her wedding day stems from a need to preserve her vision, especially after funding most of it herself. Her mother’s demand for a double wedding, despite contributing only a fraction, feels like a power grab. As family therapist Virginia Satir once said, “Feelings of worth can flourish only in an atmosphere where individual differences are appreciated”. Here, the mother’s push disregards the OP’s autonomy.

Data shows 80% of couples primarily fund their own weddings (The Knot, 2024), making the OP’s financial stake typical. Her mother’s resentment toward her ex-husband adds complexity, risking drama on a day meant for joy. The mother’s threat to reclaim her contribution smacks of manipulation, not support.

Satir’s approach suggests open communication to resolve family conflicts. The OP could calmly explain her need for a solo celebration, perhaps offering to help plan her mother’s separate event.

Here’s what the community had to contribute:

Reddit’s got some fiery takes on this mother-daughter wedding clash, and they’re serving up truth with a side of sass. Here’s what the community chimed in with:

foibleShmoible - NTA. Send her a cheque instead of an invite.

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[Reddit User] - NTA Yeesh, paying for the WHOLE dress wouldn't be an excuse to try to piggyback off your wedding day. I have a feeling you're going to end up with the better end of this deal before the day is done. If she was only paying for part of your dress to get something out of it, that's not drama you want.

PlatinumHumingbird - NTA this is your day, not your mum's. Sounds like she wants to cut her own costs and sacrifice your day for hers, not a very 'mum' thing to do.

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[Reddit User] - Nta. Inappropriate to even ask on her part.. What did she expect? For your dad to just not show up?. She wants a party on YOUR DIME and probably wants to get back at your dad as well.. Your mom needs to grow up.

CookieCannibals - Ansolutely NTA. You have a right to celebrate rhe day however YOU please. However, to avoid drama, I would agree with your soon to be hsuband. Give her the money back and say s**ew it, because she's obviously being petty. More than likely she just wants to take advantage of your venue and catering and everything you've already paid for.

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[Reddit User] - NTA but give her the $ back to make life easier. Your fiancé sounds wonderful

MrNjord - NTA. Just give the money back and move on.

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Pretend-Preparation - NTA- Its rude of her to ask especially as yall have paid for almost everything. Logistically it would be a mess and probably more expensive as im sure her friends and his family will want to be there. And tbh double weddings are a little tacky especially when you think about the drama that led up to her engagement. She's trying to guilt trip you into a free wedding

cyanraichu - Absolutely NTA, there is really no way you could be construed to be TA here. You are absolutely not obligated to share something as huge as a wedding. If financially feasible, give her the money back and pay for the dress another way - you don't want a gift with strings attached. She sounds like a jerk who doesn't like that attention is going to her kid for one day and not to her :/

MaddyKet - NTA you don’t need to share your wedding day. No explanation needed. Your mom is A H for trying to manipulate you. Definitely give her the money back and tell her to get to steppin’. I am curious what your mom would have said if you had replied “Sure! Sounds fun! So your half of the costs are $10k. Will that be cash or check?”

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These Reddit gems rally behind the OP, but is it really just about a wedding? It’s a showdown of boundaries and family baggage. Could there be a compromise, or is this a hill to die on?

The OP’s wedding is her moment, not a stage for her mother’s encore. By refusing a double wedding, she’s claiming her joy in a family tangled with old wounds. Her mother’s tantrum and threats only deepen the divide, but the OP’s fiancé has her back, ready to cut financial ties. Reddit’s cheering, but what’s your take? Should she bend for family peace, or stand firm for her dream day? Share your thoughts—what would you do if your parent tried to steal your spotlight?

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