Fake Love and Flying Monkeys

How Narcissistic Parents Ruin Your Wedding Day

Nova Gibson Season 2 Episode 59

Weddings should be one of the happiest days of your life—but when you have a narcissistic parent, they often become a masterclass in manipulation, guilt-tripping, and sabotage. In this episode, we’re unpacking the emotionally exhausting tactics narcissistic mothers, fathers, or in-laws use to hijack your big day and make it all about them.

From passive-aggressive comments during the engagement, to dress code drama, unsolicited planning control, and even last-minute emotional meltdowns—this episode explores the subtle and not-so-subtle ways narcissistic parents attempt to stay centre stage. We’ll also dive into how they use weddings to maintain power, enforce control through financial strings, and stir conflict between you and your partner or in-laws.

If you've ever felt like your wedding was more about managing someone else’s ego than celebrating your love, you’re not alone. This episode also explores why your partner may not see the manipulation, how trauma bonding and childhood conditioning can create blind spots, and the emotional impact of facing smear campaigns or guilt after the wedding is over.

Whether you’re planning a wedding, reflecting on one that didn’t go as planned, or trying to support someone in this exact situation, this episode offers deep insight into narcissistic family dynamics, emotional abuse, and the psychology behind sabotage during milestone events.

Need Support, Extra Resources? Resources and Online Counseling (worldwide) information Here

Order my book Fake Love – Understanding and Healing from Narcissistic Abuse here

You can leave a Rating and a Review here

You Can Share this Podcast here

Join me on FB here
Join the private FB group here
Join me on Instagram here

Join me on YouTube here

Please Buy me a coffee ❤️

Thank you for listening!
Please remember the information in this episode is not intended to substitute for therapy is general and strictly the opinions of the host.

Nova xx

People on this episode