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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Partner has told me today that I cannot go to his daughter’s wedding on Saturday

1000 replies

Oscarcleo · 22/05/2025 18:58

I’ve been with my partner for 5 years. He’s a widow - wife died 9 years ago and he’s brought up only daughter on his own ever since. I’ve met daughter ( we get on), groom, groom’s family, friends etc who’ll all be at the wedding. Wife’s relatives live a long way away and about 30 of them will be travelling to the wedding. As they live a long way away I haven’t met them yet.
Apparently yesterday evening some of the relatives told my partner/bride that they don’t want me at the wedding as wife isn’t there. It’s really upset my partner/ bride and I’m utterly distraught at this stage to be told I can’t go. It’s a big wedding that’s been planned for 18 months. I have been very careful to not be replacing wife’ s position at the wedding- agreed to not sit with him for ceremony or at the reception.
We’re really happy together but after this I’m not sure I can carry on with the relationship as it will be always hanging over us that I was banned from the wedding. AIBU? Any words of wisdom to help me get through this?

OP posts:
ByZanyRubyOrca · 22/05/2025 22:04

This doesn’t really add up and lots of information missing.

So the dead wife’s family told your partner and his daughter they didn’t want you there?

Then, what happened? What did your partner and his daughter say to the family after they were told this? Did they just agree to this without question? Did the bride actually disinvite you or did she just mention the family not wanting you there but she still did?

ChoosingHappiness · 22/05/2025 22:09

.

CopperWhite · 22/05/2025 22:09

Is the bride upset that you won’t be there or is she upset that it’s sad for her Dad and because she just wanted everyone to be happy at her wedding?

It’s one day and it’s not about you. You can’t seriously rethinking your entire relationship because a grieving family who lost a young daughter/sister will struggle to see her husband with someone new at her daughter’s wedding. I think you could be a bit more gracious and show some sensitivity.

Escapingagain · 22/05/2025 22:10

His daughter is getting married and her mums family are guilt tripping her I expect. Her mum isn’t there, how will they feel etc. I assume there isn’t much your partner can do. Him and his daughter are trying to keep the peace and enjoy the day. It’s unfair but she hasn’t got her mum in her wedding day which is even more unfair. I wouldn’t end a decent relationship over this.

Tbry24 · 22/05/2025 22:10

It’s the brides special day without her dear mum. Let her focus on her mums family meeting her husbands family not meeting her dads girlfriend. Imagine how hard it’s going to be for her.

And yes also sorry for you but the daughter/bride comes first.

I have known of other brides who have lost parents as children who have a place set at the table for the missing parent and special photos in their bouquets etc so their parent is still there with them on their special day.

Tvp123 · 22/05/2025 22:11

Do not let this impact your relationship, it is nothing about that at all.
Some of my Mum's family were absolute twats when my Dad got a new partner. I still have a relationship with them but haven't forgiven them for this and this has soured my feelings for them. My Dad and his partner did not let this get in the way of their relationship. My Mum would have been outraged too.
It must absolutely hurt not to be able to go to the wedding but your partner and his daughter have been put in a tough spot and her family are awful for putting this dampener on her wedding.

Rosscameasdoody · 22/05/2025 22:11

Barnbrack · 22/05/2025 21:46

I suspect this is a tactful way for the bride to say she doesn't want you there. She can like you fine but not want you sat in a seat her mother should occupy. Surely you can see that?

Bride invited OP. Had to uninvite her because the relatives vetoed it.

Catwalking · 22/05/2025 22:12

If ‘relatives’ have never met you OP, you could be any sort of guest you/partner/partners daughter/groom want to be at the event?
because there will surely be a few other guests (those invited by Groom) the ‘relatives’ won’t know?

Rosscameasdoody · 22/05/2025 22:13

Tbry24 · 22/05/2025 22:10

It’s the brides special day without her dear mum. Let her focus on her mums family meeting her husbands family not meeting her dads girlfriend. Imagine how hard it’s going to be for her.

And yes also sorry for you but the daughter/bride comes first.

I have known of other brides who have lost parents as children who have a place set at the table for the missing parent and special photos in their bouquets etc so their parent is still there with them on their special day.

How is this relevant when it’s not the bride who’s vetoed it ?

Barnbrack · 22/05/2025 22:15

Rosscameasdoody · 22/05/2025 22:11

Bride invited OP. Had to uninvite her because the relatives vetoed it.

Or had a change of heart and her granny said, blame us, say we don't want her there. Hence her dad going a long with it. It doesn't matter, she's uninvited her. It's a wedding, she's not known the girl as a child

Teacherjw · 22/05/2025 22:17

Barnbrack · 22/05/2025 22:15

Or had a change of heart and her granny said, blame us, say we don't want her there. Hence her dad going a long with it. It doesn't matter, she's uninvited her. It's a wedding, she's not known the girl as a child

Cool bit of fiction you wrote there.

Codlingmoths · 22/05/2025 22:17

1SillySossij · 22/05/2025 19:56

I don't think you should take it personally. I think her mother's family especially her mother's mother have realised this is going to be one of the most painful days of her life. And if you not being there makes it any easier at all in your shies I would want to do that.

It’s the brides day, so they should all get over themselves.

id say to your partner that you’re going away to think, but right now you think he’s probably single now.

Tbry24 · 22/05/2025 22:19

Rosscameasdoody · 22/05/2025 22:13

How is this relevant when it’s not the bride who’s vetoed it ?

She may have. It’s got to a couple of days before her wedding and emotions run high. It’s easier for her to say Nan doesn’t want you there etc rather than I’m all over the place and I just want my dad and Nan etc with me on the day not you.

Life and feelings and families are complicated especially when someone has lost a parent at a young age.

Tbry24 · 22/05/2025 22:20

We’ve not had an update from OP with more details so I just hope the bride has a wonderful day.

Dweetfidilove · 22/05/2025 22:23

Three adults and not s backbone in sight ☹️.
This can't even be repaired. You'll always remember how easy it was to throw you under the bus.

Lavender14 · 22/05/2025 22:26

Op I think there are a lot of very hasty comments on here telling you your relationship is over LTB he's a coward etc.

I don't think that's where this situation necessarily is and your post doesn't give enough information for anyone to tell you to do that. I think this mess is ultimately borne out of grief and hurt and we all know there's no correct timeline to that.

I think it's bound to be very emotional for the bride preparing for her wedding without her mum there. I'm not close at all to my mum and I remember feeling really surprised at how triggering getting married was because I wanted to involve her in more than I could. So I can't even imagine how hard it would be if you've lost your mum a couple of years prior. So having her mum's relatives there (her relatives) might be especially important to her because of the connection to her mum. That's massive.

I also think the relatives are hugely out of order, I think it's an awful thing they've done to put this on the bride and by default on your partner. However, I can only imagine how big their grief must be to think this is in any way acceptable to do. Or perhaps they are doing it to try and protect another relative who is struggling like perhaps brides granny who's not coping well? They've been able to avoid meeting you this long my guess is someone has had their head in the sand and meeting you will make their loss even more real for them.

I think that your partners role in this situation needs to be to his daughter first and foremost. I think that planning your wedding without your mum, then having this put on you which is just awful can only be topped by your dad doubling down because then what are the consequences to that? Does the brides mums side of the family not attend? Does her grandparents not attend her wedding? Does her dad not attend her wedding?

I think I would be encouraging your partner to reach out to his in laws separately between now and the wedding to try and bridge the gap for his dds sake without throwing you under it. But equally I think as his partner I'd be prepared to step back in this instance to help him support his dd and I wouldn't be putting him in a position where he has to choose. I would be telling him how this makes you feel but I'd be trying to work with him in navigating it because it's a total shit show at a highly emotional time and he's trying to do what's best for his dd in the mouth of her wedding like a good dad should. There's no win for your partner or his dd in this. To me, resenting him for this kind of means the relatives have won by driving a wedge into what's presumably an otherwise good relationship.

I'd do as another poster suggested if it can't be resolved and take yourself for a treat day instead. I would sincerely hope that a reasonable conversation between your partner and whoever is behind this could sort it out though. I feel deeply sorry for the bride in this and I'd reach out to her as well op. I'm sure she doesn't want to have to choose between you either.

spoonbillstretford · 22/05/2025 22:31

CatsWhiskerz · 22/05/2025 19:19

Absolutely this! Talk about relative- Zilla FFS!! How dare they dictate to a bride about her wedding

This! If they object to OP being there, how about THEY don't go.

soupyspoon · 22/05/2025 22:35

RampantIvy · 22/05/2025 22:00

Where does it say the bride has made it clear?

The OP has said they bride is upset at being told the OP can't go.

Because the people that invite people to a wedding are the bride and groom.

dcthatsme · 22/05/2025 22:39

OP have your DP and step daughter caved in and asked you not to attend? As you’ve been together 5 years and have a good relationship with your partner’s daughter I would expect them to back you up. It’s not clear whether they have agreed to ban you or have I misunderstood? I think if they have after wanting you there this is pretty appalling. They could have explained what a great relationship you have with them and what a lovely person you are and that you don’t expect to sit at the top table etc etc - you are there as a guest - and that they want you there. I think it’s outrageous to be honest but it’s up to your DP and his daughter to back you up.

jetlag92 · 22/05/2025 22:39

OP are you actually a partner or just a girlfriend? Do you actually live full time with your OH

TheSilentSister · 22/05/2025 22:43

If the bride is happy for you to be there then that should send a message to everyone else. Ultimately it is the bride's decision, however, blood is thicker than water and she may not want to rock the boat. Stress that's not needed on her big day.
A relative on mine got married after their own DM passed. Their DF had remarried, she was welcome. However, she got upset when the groom talked about missing their own DM on the special day in his speech. Everyone that knew his DM was pleased at the emotional mention of his DM. Everyone that heard about the DF's wife being upset were angry. And rightly so.
OP, you sound like a lovely lady who would know how to play this and be discreet. Could you not somehow get a message to these relatives to say that you absolutely respect and understand their feelings and will take a backseat, out of respect to the brides DM but you'd still like to be there as they (the family) are so important and loved by you. If that doesn't work, then sod the lot of them!

redcord · 22/05/2025 22:44

'Til death us do part'. Ironic they are kicking off at a wedding. Maybe at that bit in the service you can turn round and 🙄 at them.

TheSilentSister · 22/05/2025 22:48

Another thought, the 'beef' might be with your partner, not you.
I figure you know all the back history by now, what his previous wife's family were like etc. Any clues as to why this has come up now?

JudgeJ · 22/05/2025 22:55

Poopeepoopee · 22/05/2025 19:16

The problem the OP has is that if she tries to explain why they are wrong and why she should be invited it makes her look a bit desparate. Sad but true. Better to maintain a dignified silence.

Definately have something fabulous booked for the day instead though i appreciate it's sort notice!

The problem with dignified silences is that they can often appear to be capitulation to the other person or group and will set a precedent. What happens with their first baby, will the OP not be allowed at a christening or first birthday? It need stamping on now, her late mother's family need to be told that the OP is a part of the bride's family and they can like it or lump it.

JudgeJ · 22/05/2025 22:57

nomas · 22/05/2025 19:57

You need to understand there is a big difference between 3 months and 9 years.

And there is also a difference between her mother not being there because of divorce and not being there because of her death.

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