AITA for not going to a wedding due to my son’s allergy?
The aroma of grilled vegetables and fresh flowers should signal a joyous wedding day, but for one mom, it’s a recipe for worry. Her 11-year-old son’s severe allergies to eggs and shellfish clash with the menu at her sister-in-law’s upcoming nuptials, leaving her torn between family duty and his safety.
She’s offered solutions—bringing safe food, skipping the reception—but the bride’s firm “no” and a meddling mother-in-law’s guilt trips have pushed her to a bold choice: staying home with her son. Readers, can you feel the sting of this family standoff? Let’s dive into her story.
‘AITA for not going to a wedding due to my son’s allergy?’
Navigating family events with food allergies is like walking a tightrope over a buffet table. This mom’s predicament highlights a clash between celebration and safety, with her son’s health caught in the crossfire.
Dr. Anna Nowakowska, a pediatric allergist, notes, “Food allergies affect 8% of children, and reactions can escalate quickly without safe options” (Healthline, 2023). The bride’s refusal to accommodate, citing paid catering, dismisses a real risk, while the mom’s decision prioritizes her son’s well-being over social pressure.
This story mirrors a broader issue: the lack of allergy awareness at social gatherings. A 2021 study found 60% of allergic individuals faced unsafe food at events (Food Allergy Research & Education). The bride could’ve asked caterers for a simple swap, as many offer allergy-friendly plates.
For solutions, experts suggest clear communication early on. This mom could propose a post-wedding family gathering to mend ties, ensuring her son’s safety while showing goodwill. Open dialogue about allergies can turn tension into understanding.
Here’s the feedback from the Reddit community:
Reddit’s got some spicy takes on this wedding drama—grab your popcorn! Here are the top community reactions:
![[Reddit User] − NTA. If you invite someone to an event, you should either provide food that won’t kill them or not expect them to attend. Can’t have it both ways. Also LOL at the idea that your husband couldn’t possibly survive a day alone with two of his three kids.](https://en.aubtu.biz/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/330035cmt-03.png)
![[Reddit User] − NTA. So your SIL has time to complain about you causing 'drama,' but not to rethink calling the venue or the caterer and asking what they can do to accommodate? Or to tell your MIL that everyone will survive the absence of one little kid and she needs to drop it? Funny how that works. (Although, to be fair, your husband could also be helping on the MIL front.)](https://en.aubtu.biz/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/330035cmt-04.png)
![[Reddit User] − NTA because your kid’s safety is the most important, but what are you doing with the other kids? Why does he need to go to the wedding?](https://en.aubtu.biz/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/330035cmt-11.png)
These Redditors sound off with wit and wisdom, but do their hot takes hold up in the real world?
This mom’s stand for her son’s safety has split her family, but it’s hard to argue with a parent protecting their child. Weddings are about love, yet this one’s missing a dash of compromise. Readers, what’s your verdict? Would you skip the celebration or find another way to make it work? Share your thoughts and stories below—what would you do in this sticky situation?
