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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Wedding and not having mums photo at wedding.

12 replies

Jengadreads · 19/01/2025 17:22

Hi guys.
the family and I have had a big argument with wedding plans today which is happening in 3 weeks. I’m getting married and Both our parents have passed away, more recently my parters mum who he was extremely close to. We plan on having a photo of her at the wedding on a table during the ceremony. As both my parents have passed away I wanted to put a photo of my dad during the ceremony too. The reason behind is that I had a much better relationship with my dad. My mum and dad broke up when I was 10 and I never saw him until I left the family home at 17. I lived with my mum and step dad. What the family don’t know is that I was SA from 12 by my step dad. When him and my mum broke up I found out she had an idea but didn’t say anything or protect me. None of the family know of this. I have had therapy and have recovered. My gran, brother and sister don’t know. My gran, brother and sister know nothing of this, this was 20 years ago and protected this information from them. I’m now classed as insensitive for not having a photo of my mum on the table with my dad. They know my mum was also physically abusive towards myself and brother excluding my sister. She had a totally different up bringing than me. I just don’t know how to deal with this. I’ve to “get over it” I’m being “insensitive” but they don’t know about the SA which is the main reason my mum isn’t on that table. I just can’t forgive her. I’m now 40. My mum broke up with my step dad when I was 17 but I just won’t forgive her for admitting what she did. How do I go about this? I don’t want to upset the family and allow the secret to come but I’ve became the bad guy for hiding a dirty family secret. I want to have a good reason why my mums not there or do I stop protecting my mums legacy. I really don’t want to hurt feelings but my feelings are being hurt.

OP posts:
BathTimeBluez · 19/01/2025 17:28

Don't have the photos have one empty chair to represent those who you have lost. And a candle perhaps. If you start having a gallery of all the deceased it becomes more of a memorial event.

Jengadreads · 19/01/2025 17:33

BathTimeBluez · 19/01/2025 17:28

Don't have the photos have one empty chair to represent those who you have lost. And a candle perhaps. If you start having a gallery of all the deceased it becomes more of a memorial event.

There’s only my partners parent and my dad but that’s a lonely idea 🥰

OP posts:
SunshineAndFizz · 19/01/2025 17:33

I'm so sorry for what you went through.

It's a tricky one - any combo of pics will attract questions.

I'd recommend you tell your partner everything and try to find another special way to remember his mum - and not have any photos of anyone, even his mum.

Some people have a heart of their loved ones clothing sewn inside their jacket/dress. Or cufflinks with her picture? Use his mums wedding ring as his ring (resized)? Dedicate a song to her during the evening party? Have a shot of her favourite drink as the wedding favour?

Jengadreads · 19/01/2025 17:34

*lovely

OP posts:
BathTimeBluez · 19/01/2025 17:35

Jengadreads · 19/01/2025 17:33

There’s only my partners parent and my dad but that’s a lonely idea 🥰

Yes but if you call it "those you have lost" then no one will know you aren't including your mum in that. I would place a flower on the chair so no one sits on it. And a sign. "For those we have lost".

PolarBear4788 · 19/01/2025 17:36

Have a look on etsy for wedding dress labels or tie patcheso. You could have their photos printed onto fabric patches that can be sewn on the inside of your dress and on the inside of your partners jacket or tie.

GivingitToGod · 19/01/2025 17:41

SunshineAndFizz · 19/01/2025 17:33

I'm so sorry for what you went through.

It's a tricky one - any combo of pics will attract questions.

I'd recommend you tell your partner everything and try to find another special way to remember his mum - and not have any photos of anyone, even his mum.

Some people have a heart of their loved ones clothing sewn inside their jacket/dress. Or cufflinks with her picture? Use his mums wedding ring as his ring (resized)? Dedicate a song to her during the evening party? Have a shot of her favourite drink as the wedding favour?

Lovely post and very sensible, sensitive advice

MyProudHare · 19/01/2025 17:44

If you didn't see him from 10 to 17, it doesn't sound like a great relationship either, where was he?

I agree with the post above by @SunshineAndFizz re: trying to remember people in a different way, or different ways, depending who it is.

ERthree · 19/01/2025 17:44

A large white candle set on a side table with some flowers is all you need and raise a glass to absent family and friends.

PlumpUpTheJam · 19/01/2025 19:00

If you have a photo of your dad and not your mum, someone is going to ask you why. On your wedding day.

If I were you I'd choose one of the lovely ideas posters have suggested.

Jengadreads · 19/01/2025 19:06

MyProudHare · 19/01/2025 17:44

If you didn't see him from 10 to 17, it doesn't sound like a great relationship either, where was he?

I agree with the post above by @SunshineAndFizz re: trying to remember people in a different way, or different ways, depending who it is.

My mum divorced him and stopped letting him see me. I lived with my dad from the age 17 to 27 once I bought my own home

OP posts:
Jengadreads · 19/01/2025 19:07

I agree with you all. I think the best thing is a photo of my partners mum as this is really important to him and a flower representing my parent(s) thank you 🙏

OP posts:
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