My parents paid $60,000 for my sister’s wedding three years ago. When I got engaged last year, I thought they would help me the same way. But they only gave me $2,000. When I asked why, my mom just said, “You’re older, you can manage on your own.”
I didn’t argue. I just smiled, thanked them for the $2,000, and began planning a smaller wedding with my fiancé.
Two months before the wedding, my sister called and said, “This cheap wedding will embarrass our family.” I took a deep breath and said, “Okay,” then hung up.
But on the wedding day, everyone was shocked when they arrived. My fiancé and I had made something beautiful with our small budget — a simple outdoor wedding on a friend’s lovely property, handmade decorations, a potluck reception where friends brought food, and a playlist instead of a DJ. It was small, sincere, and full of love.
What really surprised everyone was my speech. I thanked all the people who helped make the day special — mentioning their names, what they did, and how grateful we were. But I didn’t mention my parents at all.
After the ceremony, my mom pulled me aside, looking angry. She said, “You made it seem like we didn’t help you at all.”
I calmly said, “You gave what you felt was right. I just thanked the people who gave more.”
Now my sister won’t talk to me, and some relatives are taking sides.
I’m proud of our wedding—it showed who we are and what’s truly important to us. But I didn’t expect this much drama. Did I do something wrong by not mentioning my parents? And how should I deal with my family blaming me for everything?