Family tensions are ruining wedding plans and I feel like eloping instead

DEAR DEIDRE: AN old family feud is overshadowing my wedding and I’m tempted to call the whole thing off and elope to Gretna Green.

I’m 29 and getting married in the autumn to my lovely fiancé, who is 31.

My father, who is 60, and sister, 25, no longer talk, after years of rowing.

Nothing terrible happened. They just rub each other the wrong way – probably because they’re too alike.

Now my sister is saying  she won’t come to my wedding if Dad is there.

But he’s walking me down the aisle!

I should be excited and thinking about bouquets and dress fittings.

Instead, I’m stressed and anxious because of all the family tensions.

Naturally, I want them both there and I don’t want to have to choose between them.

I have tried getting them to make peace, but it didn’t work. What can I do?

DEIDRE SAYS: Sadly, weddings can bring out the worst in people.

But the people who love you need to put you first, and their issues aside, if only for one day.

Your sister is behaving like a petulant child.

Make it clear to her how important it is that she’s there, and that she won’t have to sit with your dad, or even talk to him – but you are not going to exclude him.

My support pack, Wedding Worries, should be helpful. Contact Family Lives (familylives.org.uk, 0808 800 222) for more support.