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Just Said Yes March 2022

Mum lives abroad and can't come wedding dress shopping with me

Amelia, on January 9, 2021 at 7:00 PM Posted in Family and Relationships 0 7
My mother lives abroad and we have not physically seen each other for over two years now. We have a great relationship. We didn't use to-- in fact, it took years for my mum to warm up to the idea that I was leaving home and finding my own feet, and getting engaged to be married. When I first got engaged she was so quiet and closed off and wouldn't ask about the wedding planning. I had assumed the worst and asked if she wanted to be involved in the wedding, to which she said of course she did. She said to me that she only felt I was growing up before she was ready to let me go. I love my mum and regret that I ever doubted her in this. She's been trying to be involved in any way she can ever since, providing support however she can. We both wish she could be more hands on with things such as menu tastings, but this is not feasible as we are thousands of miles away from each other. She is based in Southeast Asia while I am based in Scotland, UK.



My wedding date is next year in March 2022. A lot of the planning is underway and it is coming to the time where I would need to shop for a wedding dress. We are planning to do this as soon as possible as we anticipate bridal shops will be very busy once things open back up.
My mum had previously expressed strong feelings for being there for the day I try on and buy a wedding dress. I agreed- we both feel this is a sacred moment between mother and daughter. Unfortunately due to the covid pandemic, travel restrictions and lockdowns on both our ends with undisclosed or tentative deadlines too far away mean that this may not be possible.
We've talked about having her there when I do try on wedding dresses via zoom. She's insisted I bring my MIL with me and my MOH. I had initially planned to bring them along with my mum for this. Now though I find myself hesitating because if I can't have my mum there, I feel it would be unfair to bring along anyone else. It's a difficult situation as I also know it would mean a lot to MIL and MOH to come, and I know I would love them to be there-- I just wish my mum could be there too.

7 Comments

Latest activity by Sue, on April 18, 2023 at 4:31 AM
  • Mrs.a
    Master October 2021
    Mrs.a ·
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    I think it would be sweet to have your MIL & MOH and have one of them video you trying on dresses via Zoom for your mum! Then she can still be with you in some way and you also have your MIL & MOH’s support! I know time’s are tough. I did most of my dress trying on at home and shopping online earlier last year, and my mom couldn’t be apart of that as I had wanted, but I still got her opinions and input.

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  • Jasmine S.
    VIP May 2022
    Jasmine S. ·
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    I originally planned to bring my sister, my best friend, my FMIL, and a bunch of other people to my appointment. But because of COVID, a lot of those people couldn't travel, and the store only let me bring two other people. I ended up video chatting with my mom and future MIL while I was trying stuff on, and sent pictures to a few others. It was constant texts and calls to help me decide. If your mom is overseas and can't make it, I would definitely not feel bad about inviting others. You can still include her virtually at this appointment and any fittings/alterations in the future.
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  • Mrs. Spring
    Master April 2021
    Mrs. Spring ·
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    That is indeed disappointing. I'm such a mommy's girl lol. It's up to you whether or not you want MOH and MIL there. I don't think you should exclude them SOLEY nc your mom can't make it with travel restrictions
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  • Katie
    VIP August 2020
    Katie ·
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    Feel you and I too didn’t have my mom there when I got my dress ❤️ You will find you will likely be in the bridal shop more than once. One idea is having just and your mom virtually and when you find “the dress” others can then come along. Sending hugs as I can only imagine having my mom being that far away ❤️❤️❤️
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  • Violetstorme
    Dedicated October 2022
    Violetstorme ·
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    First, I'm sorry that your mom won't be able to be there to help you pick a dress. I think it's a great idea to zoom/facetime/etc with your mom that way she'll still be part of the moment even if she's not right there.

    It might not seem fair, but it may help more than you think to have your MIL and MOH with you. I remember when I worked in a bridal salon and we had brides in similar situations even before COVID because of work situations or whatever else have you that they just couldn't be there whether they were states away our countries away.

    In my experience, the ones that basically came into the shop by themselves, even with the person they wanted to be there most on facetime/zoom/etc, thought they were happy and then wanted to return the dresses days later. On the other hand, the ones that had someone physically there with them felt better about their choices and the experience as a whole as they didn't feel alone in the process.

    Sorry if this isn't helpful >.<

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  • Monica
    Devoted August 2021
    Monica ·
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    I'm so sorry this is happening to you! I know how you feel. This was pre-Covid but my mom wasn't able to be there with me when I found my dress too. I just took some close friends and then facetimed her once I found it. It's not ideal, I know, especially because my mom felt similarly that I was growing up without her (I moved across the country). Bring your MIL and MOH and have your mom there virtually. Good luck! ❤️
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  • S
    Sue ·
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    My daughter moved to Canada after her wedding this past February 2023. Her sister lives in the us and wants to set a date for fall 2023 But her sister likely won’t be approved to travel to us until her PR card is approved which can take 13 months. Should my other daughter wait till her sister can come to the wedding? She is very close and they both would be heartbroken
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