And Forever Hold Her Peace: Inviting Your Ex Mother-In-Law To Your Wedding?

by: Tonya Genison Prince

After ten wonderful years of being single Angela was doing something that she once thought that she would never do again. She was getting married. As there was a very modest wedding being planned only a few invitations would be extended. Though some of them caused her to pause there was one in particular that was taking longer than the rest. It was that of her former mother-in-law. Angela had kept in touch with her over the years since the divorce and they had actually become very friendly. Still she wondered, “Should she invite her mother-in-law?”

Though the circumstances of the divorce were not the best, Sherri never did stop calling her mother-in-law “mom.” Inviting her mother-in-law was as natural as inviting any one of her close friends. After talking with her fiancé, they both eagerly agreed hat Sherri’s other mom would be invited to the wedding.

Even still, Joyce can recall the very moment that she saw her husband’s former mother-in-law at their wedding. Yes, she agreed to it but she didn’t have any idea that she would have such mixed emotions. Joyce wondered if there wasn’t a part of her that wished that her daughter was there in Joyce’s place. Perhaps all those tears were streaming from her well of false hopes. Only now did she realize that she really wanted this to be about new beginnings with her new family and friends.

Never let it be forgotten that this is your day. Examine your feelings and do what works for you and can be carried out in a kind manner. If you decide not to invite her, perhaps a nice luncheon with just the two of you might be special. If you decide to invite her, make it easy on both of you. Cue in all of the parents and so that they won’t be taken off guard. And on your day, introduce her to your guests as the “dear friend” that she is.