DIL’S INSULTING WEDDING DRESS CODE WAS REVENANT; SHE WAS SORRY FOR FORCING ME TO WEAR A “BAG”
Since it was more appropriate for my age and weight, my DIL made me wear a “bag” to her wedding; she later expressed regret for this decision.
Julie is informed what to wear to the wedding by her soon-to-be daughter-in-law, and she is taken aback by the dark, shapeless mass of a dress. Instead of waiting for Elizabeth to make the final call, Julie chooses to take care of matters on her own.
When I told my friend Gloria about Elizabeth, who would shortly become my daughter-in-law, she said, “That girl is going to give you a run for your money, Julie.”
Yeah, I replied without a doubt.
Jimmy’s friend Elizabeth and I used to get along so well. She would smile and strike up a pleasant little discussion. But when he wasn’t, her entire perspective shifted.
“It seems like she transforms into a different person, Glo,” I said after making some tea.
Elizabeth would always lose interest in me by seeming distant and icy. We were so close that I was often concerned about if my prominence in Jimmy’s life was intimidating to her.
But Gloria said, helping herself to the cookie jar on the counter, “That just cannot be true.” “You haven’t been the type of controlling, tyrannical mother-in-law. It’s obvious.
Naturally, I concurred with Gloria.
Whatever the cause, I always tried to ignore it for Jimmy’s sake. But when the wedding planning started, things changed drastically.
Though Elizabeth is all set, she might want to know your thoughts on the flowers, Mom. She said that she wished to see her mother’s dresses. As a result, she’ll probably drop by to have a look at your wedding gown. Is that appropriate?
“Yes, that is totally acceptable to me,” I answered.
I had nothing on my mind. I felt that the gorgeous yellow dress I had discovered was perfect for the occasion. It inspired confidence in me and was elegantly chosen.
But when I showed Elizabeth, she frowned.
“I’m sorry, Julia,” she said. “However, that dress isn’t appropriate for your age and weight,” she said in a contemptuous tone.
“Stay composed,” she advised. “I’ll sew you the perfect dress. You know that I have enough experience producing clothes.
“Are you certain?” I questioned, giving her a closer look and whirling around in the dress to let her know how much I liked it.
“Yes,” she answered. Definitely, without a question. I have a vision for my wedding, so it must be perfect. I’ll also be sorting through my mother’s clothes.”
A week later, she handed me an unshaped, dark sack.
“What’s this?” I muttered.
It looked like a mourning outfit from a hundred years ago. I compared it to the exquisite pink gown her mother would be wearing, which made me feel embarrassed.
Was this the woman who, in a short while, would become my daughter-in-law?
That night, I was lying awake staring at the ceiling. If I gave Elizabeth permission to treat me badly today, she would think she could continue to do so indefinitely.
I told Gloria over the phone that I was certain of my position. “I know that nothing will change if I let Elizabeth walk all over me.”
“Julia, take care of yourself,” she said.
On the day of the wedding, I arrived early and dressed in the black “bag” dress. Everyone was running around getting ready. People rushing around with floral arrangements were in addition to Elizabeth’s hair and cosmetics experts running about to get to her dressing room.
Chaos reigned.
But I remained calm, smiling and giving the visitors a heartfelt greeting. I even let Elizabeth’s mother show off her stunning pink gown.
“Isn’t this just gorgeous?” she remarked, running her hands down her outfit. And to think I had it all figured out by Elizabeth! I know she made yours by herself, even if she recruited one of her designer friends to make mine. How endearing!
“Yes, it is truly lovely,” I feigned a smile.
The ceremony was about to begin, so I excused myself to use the restroom.
“I’ll return immediately!” I said. “I just want to change into some new clothes before we cross the aisle.”
I was, however, secretly concealing a dress bag in one of the stalls from view. And there was a beautifully tailored red dress that showed off my curves and confidence.
I quickly changed into the gown after slipping into the restroom. I put on some gold jewelry, touched up my makeup, and went out feeling like a queen.
“Wow, ma’am,” said a janitor working in the restroom. “You look amazing!”
Feeling better than I had all day, I smiled.
As I made my way back to the ceremony, heads turned. Spoken remarks from the guests concerned my attire. Both the color and the fit were superb.
As I had expected, I felt like everyone was staring at me.
From where they were, Elizabeth and her bridesmaids observed me. Anger intensified her expression to red. She stormed over, trying not to say too much.
“What are you doing?” I told you to wear the dress I made! She snarled, “It was meant just for you and today.
The bridesmaids glanced at one another, not sure if they should stay or leave.
“Oh, my dear,” I said. “I’m sorry. Wearing a black backpack on such a joyous day feels inappropriate. This appears to be a better choice.
I smiled kindly at her.
Elizabeth was enraged, but I held my cool. People began approaching me, complimenting me and asking where I got my clothes.
“You look fantastic! “That dress is amazing,” cried the cousin’s daughter.
In his words, “Julia, you are absolutely beautiful.” My brother-in-law “You are the star of the group!”
Then the music cue for the ceremony started. This was the time.
Elizabeth did nothing except grit her teeth and bear it. She could not make a scene without coming across as this story’s antagonist.
As the ceremony went on, I noticed her glaring at me. Her well planned plot to make me look bad had gone utterly wrong.
“Mum!” Jimmy said this while we were getting ready for photos after the wedding. “You look fantastic. I’m glad you could make it.
He hugged me tightly.
“Where else would I be on your special day, darling?” I asked, squeezing him back. “I wouldn’t trade this for anything.”
Other people came over to me at the reception after the wedding to compliment my dress. And for once, it felt good to be the focal point of attention.
Jimmy thought I looked amazing and that I deserved all the attention; if my outfit had upset or injured him, I would have felt terrible.
Elizabeth, on the other hand, was obviously annoyed, but she was unable to address the situation without putting Jimmy in risk and creating a disturbance. I had won without using a single expletives.
Jimmy came over to me with two slices of wedding cake and said, “Mom.” “Come on, let’s share some cake.”
There and then, I wanted to tell him everything. About Elizabeth’s behavior and the emotions she awoke in me. But I also recognized that this was not the right time.
My son was truly pleased with his bride, and that’s how I wanted him to be.
As I headed for my car, I felt content. I had shown Elizabeth that I would not tolerate being treated poorly, so she would have to take that into her marriage to my son.
The sweetest thing was that my relationship with Jimmy remained strong, which was the most crucial thing.
From that day on, Elizabeth treated me with fresh respect. She realized that I was not someone to be taken lightly.
In the scenario, how would you have handled things?
