Son about to get married in St Lucia, wish I was with him.

Jennyluck...I feel for you

So sorry Jennyluck...
Not my place to ask, but whatever caused you to fall ou, how could he ban you from the wedding. Did you fall out over the wedding plans? From my experience, the m.i.ls of both my boys organised everything. TBH I couldn't organise anything even if I tried. I just gave a small contribution and that was it. I went to the wedding just like any other guest, except that I did get to sit at the top table.

so glad *you stood back. Gosh, autocorrect is silly.

As an aside, My own mother eloped with her husband her best friend and her husband. None of her children or her husband’s children were invited. I was disappointed, but told her to have the absolute best day, and if she woke up that morning and decided she wanted me there I would be there.

Otherwise I sat home and waited for photos. She has no regrets about how her day went, and that’s the best I could ask for for a loved one.

I think it’s totally reasonable to be disappointed, but I’m so glad he stood back and respect their wishes.

On the topic I have it’s selfish to elope just a couple, my parents actually tried to convince my husband and I to elope. Lol So I think that’s very much I had to each their own opinion.

Can you imagine eloping with your parents to a faraway location and then having to share your honeymoon with them?

Thank you everyone for your kindness and support, it helped a lot.
I’m looking forward to seeing them when they get home. X

My neice moved to America and got married there. Unfortunately none of the family could go but we were able to watch the ceremony on You Tube and Skype. We did feel a part of it.

Well done happygran1964 you did well I would of done the same but felt like you head held high well done!

Glad you had a Skype Happygran and can see the happy side of it What a silly mother the mother in law must me to spoil things for the girl silly moo
Bihou your grandson who is getting married in Bali will have a lovely wedding my son married there We (myself and his two sisters) were invited out for a holiday to incorporate the wedding but it was a lovely ceremony and not tacky at all

I cant really see the point in 'celebrating' when the couple come back home.
If they wanted a family celebration, isn't that normally called a wedding?

Just my pov.

DD and SiL had a Caribbean wedding, just the two of them. Both of us mothers were perfectly happy about it and were given champagne to drink at the appropriate time.
They were welcomed back home with flowers and a special cake and have now had their Silver Wedding.

I fell out with my son 3 years ago over his wedding, which was abroad. He banned me from his wedding and I haven’t seen him since. It was the usual problem of his partners mother being included and me on the sidelines.
I feel if only they had gone off on their own and got married, we’d still be friends. ?

My daughter got married in Dubrovnik and we were there. She would have hated us not to be there. It was a magical week.

My mum and dad hopped off to the Registrar on their own to get married, with just the clerk as a witness, back in the 1940s. It never seemed strange to me that my mum didn't wear a wedding ring (she said it was a symbol of serfdom!) and, years later when we were clearing out Dad's desk before decorating the room, I came across their wedding certificate. When I told Mum she said "Good Heavens, whatever you do don't tell Grandma" (her mother). I asked why not, and received the reply, "Well, she doesn't know we're married yet and the shock at this late stage might kill her".
She was a woman ahead of her time ... ???

Years ago we had a thing called a conscience, which I don’t think a lot of young people have where their parents are concerned . These days they just tend to do as they like. A friend told me years ago that children are very selfish till they need you for something, I have to agree.

You sound a great mum Happygran as I can tell from your post you want what makes them happy. Young people do get married abroad a lot and with this in mind me and my husband have renewed our passports which ran out years ago just in case this happens and I feel happier having them.

I did what my mum wanted on my wedding day not what I wanted. Hope you enjoy FaceTime x

Happy gran....well yes tears at bed time would have been slightly difficult for the bride, but really, what did she expect? Mum loves her and just wanted to share in her joy!!!
I would have hated looking on from the sidelines at what I missed.
Anyway, their happy and you’ve been generous enough to accept their decision.
Good for you!!
(I have a little sympathy for brides mum though!)

Happygran
Brave and well done, all the best to you

I wish I'd had the courage instead of doing as our parents wanted back in the day. I'm sure you're disappointed not to be with them but have a lovely meal or party for them when they get back.

DS1 got married in Florida (1st time!) and DH and I and a couple of close friends were invited to share in their special day - which of course I was delighted with. A divorce later and marrying his second wife they chose to have their wedding in Mauritius and again we were invited with the bride's parents, close relatives and a couple of friends.There was never a question of us not being invited and although I get what other posters are saying about it being 'their day' I admit I would have been devastated if we had not been party to DS's nuptials. We were in the lucky position to be able to afford to go and on both occasions spent a week prior to the wedding having a pre-wedding holiday with them. So happygran I totally understand you feeling sad but admire your resolve in not letting it show.

you could have a party for when they come back? and if they agree maybe a blessing....for the people who were not able to see the wedding...

We can only say how we feel about this can't we?

There is no way I would have got married without my parents and in-laws there - I just wouldn't do it. I wanted them there to share our special day, and to my mind that's how it should be.

Likewise I would have been so upset if any of mine had gone off on their own like that. It's such a magical moment to see an offspring marry isn't it?

However, like in most things, what the young want the young have these days, and I do agree that it is madness the amount of money some couples spend on their huge lavish weddings.

I am sure you will enjoy seeing them when they return.

annifrance well well, I can’t believe it , will not tell a soul , even DH , congratulations to you and G xx

Can you have a little celebration when they come back? Nothing fancy, close family and friends and simple buffet food with a glass of fizz uf that's your and their tipple.

4 sons have had the “big wedding” 2 have since divorced!!!

We have told our daughter to do whatever she is comfortable with, it’s their day and when they get round to it we shall be happy for them.

We were laying on our sun loungers on the beach in Dominion Republic a few weeks ago and watched a young couple get married by the sea. It was beautiful and they looked so calm and in love.

My first wedding was church then traditional reception, neither my husband nor I wanted it like this - we wanted registry followed by party - but did it to satisfy parents, which I now regret!