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It's the stuff movies are made of: happy bride and groom, excited parents and friends, and then there's the jealous, nasty, bitter, unmarried sister of the bride who misbehaves and tries to ruin her sister's big day. Isn't it just awful?
While it may not be as dramatic as rom-com, a sibling wedding rivalry can happen in real life. Watching your sister get married (especially if the bride is younger and you're single) can be difficult.
This unattractive trait is not limited to the bride's family — sometimes the groom's siblings can be just as unpleasant. The question of how well (or not) it all turns out lies in how bride handles it from the beginning:
1. If your sister (or his) is older, single or just having a rough time finding a nice guy, keep that in mind if you plan your wedding. It's hard to watch the ones you're close to find a lifetime happiness when you're not in that same space. Be sensitive to the fact that she might not be as enthusiastic a participant in your wedding party as you would like.
2. Recently separated or divorced siblings can also be less than thrilled about your good news, too. They don't have a happy opinion of marriage at the moment, and it's probably hard to watch you tie the knot. Try to tune out the negativity.
See More: Making Your Own Peace: How to Handle Loved Ones Who Just Can't Be Excited for Your Wedding
3. Do not invite your sibling's ex to your wedding, even if you're still good friends with him. Unless your sister wants her exes (there may be more than one) there, you need to respect her feelings. An ex is no longer a part of your immediate family and including them is a slap in the face to your sibling.
4. Find a happy way to involve your sister. If you want her in your wedding party, take her out for a special "alone night" and tell her how important it is to you even though you know she's not really "feeling it." Whatever her reasons may be, remember it's a happy thing for you, not her. Don't let it ruin your day, but don't rub it in her face either.
5. A sibling you're not close to (from your side or his), doesn't belong in the wedding party and will probably feel awkward despite your best intentions including them. Unless you're having all siblings from both sides, skip it. If it becomes an issue, re-evaluate it at that time.
Owner of Weddings in Vieques, a destination-wedding planning company off the coast of Puerto Rico, Sandy Malone has helped countless couples plan their big day since 2007.