AITA: Internet backs bride-to-be for turning down $2K ‘bribe’ from father to change wedding date

A bride-to-be has garnered support online after refusing a $2,000 offer from her father to change her wedding date. The conflict arises from her family's stringent religious convictions, which conflict with the date selected for her June 2025 nuptials.

On the well-known "Am I the A**hole?" Reddit forum, a 26-year-old bride shared that she and her 31-year-old fiance have been together for five years and engaged for three years. They had previously delayed their wedding due to financial constraints. Finally, they settled for a 2025 wedding.

Bride faces family opposition over wedding date, father offers $2K to change it

In a post titled, "AITA for turning down $2000 and essentially excluding my family from my wedding?" the bride wrote that following considerable effort, she and her fiance secured a venue for their wedding and marked a definitive date in June 2025. But her family's religious beliefs caused strain because the wedding was planned for a Saturday, a day they hold sacred.

"I grew up in the religion and the second I turned 18 I left it," she explained, noting that her family holds strict beliefs against many common wedding traditions, such as wearing wedding bands, strapless dresses, and dancing.

“Dancing, music, and alcohol are also evil to them, basically all aspects of a wedding reception," she added. The bride's emotional turmoil deepened when her father disapproved of the father-daughter dance, an event she had always cherished in her dreams.

Despite the challenges, the couple proceeded with their plans, even paying additional fees to book the venue for Sunday to allow for post-wedding cleanup. Nevertheless, the bride encountered opposition from her family, especially her sisters, who believed the wedding breached their religious practices.

One sister, in particular, was noted for her manipulative behavior in this matter, which caused persistent tension.

Following the dispatch of wedding invitations, the bride received a text from her father, who inquired whether she could reschedule the wedding to Sunday, proposing a $2,000 incentive to facilitate the change.

The OP wrote, "He asked “is there any way I could you to change the date to Sunday?” I responded “I’m sorry but no” to which he replied, “even for two thousand dollars?”"

Bride tactfully rejects father's $2K offer to change wedding date

The bride was initially startled by the offer, perceiving it as a potential bribe. "I took this extremely offensively at first, like he was bribing me to change my wedding date," she said.

Having calmed down, she chose to reply diplomatically, clarifying that the venue had been prepaid and that altering the date was not feasible. "I’ve already paid for the venue, and this would not be possible," she explained.

She continued, "I understand my family's beliefs, and I know they will not be able to help with setup or anything. They will be there only for the ceremony, and I expect them to leave before the reception."

The bride mentioned that her father is welcome to contribute financially to the wedding or honeymoon fund she has established at any time.

The bride confessed that she preferred her family not to attend the reception, owing to their unease with the event. "Quite honestly, I do not want any of my family at my reception because they will be uncomfortable and judging everyone the entire time," she said.

Reddit community rallies behind bride’s decision to prioritize her happiness

As the post became popular on Reddit, the community strongly backed her choice to put her happiness and personal vision for the wedding first.

A user wrote, "NTA have the wedding you want, and if they feel they can’t attend because of certain factors, that is their choice. But have the wedding you want."

Another added, "The love of money is the root of all evil. You made the morally righteous decision. Don't let their hypocrisy sour your wedding day. NTA."

One user remarked, "NTA It's kind of disgusting that your family has strict beliefs, which can be bought out for $2000. Have whatever wedding you want, and if your family refuses to attend, that's on them."

"It's bribery no matter how anyone spins it," a comment read.

A person said, "NTA But I wouldn’t expect any of your family to show up to the wedding or the reception (they sound like a cult). Just have fun with your husbands family and enjoy your wedding."

Another chimed in, "NTA, and your Dad's take on the whole thing, bribing you with a little pocket money, is just weird."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.