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Relationships

Mumsnet has not checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you need help urgently or expert advice, please see our domestic violence webguide and/or relationships webguide. Many Mumsnetters experiencing domestic abuse have found this thread helpful: Listen up, everybody

Handhold please- exH marrying OW and my DDs will be flower girls at the wedding

593 replies

Mensuckbigtime · 22/07/2026 07:11

When does the pain stop?
it’d been 4 years, but I am constantly reminded of what he’s done as we have two DDs together- I have to smile when they tell me stories about her, pretend that I don’t mind. It’s absolutely awful

now DD has told me that they’re getting married and she and sister will be flower girls.

I know it’s well within his „rights“ to do so. But the thought of our girls being flower girls while he’s marrying the woman he betrayed me with- is killing me

How am I ever supposed to heal and get over this, if I have to have contact with him and OW spends loads of time with the girls?

it’d like the wound can never heal and I feel stuck in a life I didn’t choose or want

OP posts:
grumpygrape · 25/07/2026 13:54

Dewdust · 25/07/2026 11:50

Its odd how much your back is against the wall while you have criticisms flying at you from a few tears etc.
As far as I can see there is no law in the land that says you have to send your daughters to his wedding to be flower girls.
its unnecessary and no high court judge would deem it to be so.
You have control over this issue and I cant understand why anyone would assume you dont.
Just take your kids away for a week or a few days over the wedding period.
They will not be damaged from a few days at the beach or looking round a child friendly venue.
A wedding isnt child friendly.
Its tedious and it lasts for a long time.
You wont be there.
You dont have to act a compliance that you dont feel.
Its almost as if a "power vacuum" has been created.
He thought of flower girls so that they would be involved when he introduced the idea of his marriage.
Respectfully , he should have spoken to you first, not introducing the idea through the children.
I would say a hard "no" and not worry about it.
It wont stop them having their wedding and there isnt much for them to be upset about.
Your children are not beautiful, malleable props at the wedding.
There would be times when the adults attention was elsewhere and that brings me around to "safeguarding issues"!
You have real people ( your kids to protect) as your duty , so you should not be led into making a decision about an event which is obviously meant for the adults.
I wouldnt look back.
Its not about the future, its about a day ( where traditionally the groom doesnt already have children!)
Its not a child friendly event and they will probably have a smoother event without the kids there.
If you put your foot down then similar sudden sideswiping events are less likely to go unnoticed.

Are you a Family Court Judge to speak for them so confidently and give such 'advice'.
No, I thought not.

OnwardsUpwardsTowards · 25/07/2026 14:44

Mensuckbigtime · 22/07/2026 07:11

When does the pain stop?
it’d been 4 years, but I am constantly reminded of what he’s done as we have two DDs together- I have to smile when they tell me stories about her, pretend that I don’t mind. It’s absolutely awful

now DD has told me that they’re getting married and she and sister will be flower girls.

I know it’s well within his „rights“ to do so. But the thought of our girls being flower girls while he’s marrying the woman he betrayed me with- is killing me

How am I ever supposed to heal and get over this, if I have to have contact with him and OW spends loads of time with the girls?

it’d like the wound can never heal and I feel stuck in a life I didn’t choose or want

I could see myself writinge exactly this couple of years down the line. Life sucks!

OnwardsUpwardsTowards · 25/07/2026 14:54

LoisPrice · 22/07/2026 07:36

I was pg and my mum was dying and he had an affair

it was pretty shit, but I was determined not to be bitter

i got on with my life and moved forward as best I could. I put all my energy into my life and took my dc away, saved for holidays

i told ow that my dc would always come first so I’d put my feelings aside to be as cordial as possible

he married the OW 4 years later, my dc were flower gurls

i enthused about their hair dresses and roles, for them it was lively. For me I felt sick, people who had been at our wedding went to their wedding.

she then had a baby and I told ow as far as I was concerned that all 3 dc had to come first

6 month later, he did the same to ow
He was having an affair when she was pg and left her with a 6 month old baby. he was really nasty in the way he did it

this time though, it wasn’t my pain

hes nit had more children but he’s gone on to have 3 more marriages, dds have been bridesmaids twice

they joke that his latest girlfriend must be blind…

sadly leopards don’t change their spots, so my message is don’t be envious of the pain he is going to cause and concentrate on making your life wonderful

You are a warrior and I admire your strength!

OnwardsUpwardsTowards · 25/07/2026 14:57

Sometimeswinning · 22/07/2026 07:48

Sometimes it’s worth being a little crazy just to make yourself feel better. I’m not sure why being the bigger person matters all the time,
you’ve come so far and if something like this hurts you let people know. Not the girls though!

Id get loads of abuse on here if I said what I would do after receiving this news. It’s too early in the week for that though.

Oh please do say!

Dewdust · 25/07/2026 16:40

Stop trying to intimidate the op ... Youre no family court lawyer. Show me the law that says small children of first marriage have to be in attendance at errant partners next wedding.
you cant can you?

OnwardsUpwardsTowards · 25/07/2026 16:59

Carzycat · 22/07/2026 07:52

I absolutely understand how you’re feeling. I’m the same, desperately don’t want it to hurt but it does. Mine isn’t at that stage yet, just over 2yrs since separation and OW only came to light in March but it hurts that my adult kids and grandkids are building a relationship with her.
Be kind to yourself.

OMG... that sucks! Intergenerational shit!

Sometimeswinning · 25/07/2026 18:38

OnwardsUpwardsTowards · 25/07/2026 14:57

Oh please do say!

I did. I got called deranged 😔🤣

grumpygrape · 25/07/2026 21:40

Dewdust · 25/07/2026 16:40

Stop trying to intimidate the op ... Youre no family court lawyer. Show me the law that says small children of first marriage have to be in attendance at errant partners next wedding.
you cant can you?

If that was aimed at me it would have been courteous to have quoted or tagged me. I haven’t tried to intimidate the OP.

No, I’m not a Family Lawyer, you missed the target there, not by a million miles, but as you don’t know my qualifications or expertise it would be better not to make assumptions. I’d still bet the farm you aren’t a Family Court Judge.

There is no law which states that the OP would have to allow children of any age to attend their father’s wedding. By the way, 8 and 5 aren’t small children. However, if OP and her ex have a CAO it will have the ‘and any other reasonable time’ (or words to that effect) clause. OP stated in her OP she knew it was within his ‘rights’ for them to be at the wedding and she is being very sensible about this.

Most people will understand OP has more to lose by somehow tricking the ex and the children into not attending. In years to come they might regret not being there. However, if they look back and say ‘why did you let us go, it was an awful situation’ OP can say there was no reasonable or legal way of stopping them attending.

Instead of people advising OP to manufacture a way for the children not to attend the wedding, their efforts would be better directed in supporting her with coming to terms with it. She is to be admired for her choice not told to lower herself to his standards.

Franjipanl8r · 25/07/2026 23:28

Why are people fretting about the OP crying in front of her kids?! Perimenopausal mums all over the country are crying because they don’t have the right breakfast cereal or they’re out of coffee one morning. My kids see me cry and swear and be a normal stressed human being all the time.

Dewdust · 25/07/2026 23:55

I didnt suggest she trick the kids or her ex into non attending.
That was your wording.
Weddings are not child friendly.
The children get bored.
The day is long.
Adults get drunk.
At the end of the day the new wife might be glad that her new partners kids arent there.
Because she has a lot to expect from the day. And she will not be in carer mode.
Nor will their dad.
And traditionally the groom does not have kids of his own in attendance.
Your assuming a family member will step in for the caring, but I am suggesting it may be a rather loose arrangement with a few potential carers and in the hustle and bustle of the day the kids may easily get overlooked .
Why are you so invested in their presence to the extent that you imply that the mother should send them or she is breaking the law?
Why dont you police your own family?
It isnt honourable to let decisions be taken out of the mothers hands because the father suggested it to the kids first.
It isnt in the childs best interest to make covert arrangements behind the mother's back. But hold on there, we know thats how the dad operates.
Let the mother use her own judgement. It is a pretence to assume its all happy families.
Oh, but you wrote the law didnt you?
Youre assuming the judge in a family court would see her as a bad, bad, mother.
But I see her as someone who cares well for her children, perhaps someone who could be spoken to by the dad privately away from the kids about the forthcoming nuptials. Not someone who can be coerced into unwilling compliance.
I really dont like the underhand way he went about getting what he wanted.
But hes got form for that. Maybe its time for her to say 'no!'

grumpygrape · 26/07/2026 14:39

Dewdust · 25/07/2026 23:55

I didnt suggest she trick the kids or her ex into non attending.
That was your wording.
Weddings are not child friendly.
The children get bored.
The day is long.
Adults get drunk.
At the end of the day the new wife might be glad that her new partners kids arent there.
Because she has a lot to expect from the day. And she will not be in carer mode.
Nor will their dad.
And traditionally the groom does not have kids of his own in attendance.
Your assuming a family member will step in for the caring, but I am suggesting it may be a rather loose arrangement with a few potential carers and in the hustle and bustle of the day the kids may easily get overlooked .
Why are you so invested in their presence to the extent that you imply that the mother should send them or she is breaking the law?
Why dont you police your own family?
It isnt honourable to let decisions be taken out of the mothers hands because the father suggested it to the kids first.
It isnt in the childs best interest to make covert arrangements behind the mother's back. But hold on there, we know thats how the dad operates.
Let the mother use her own judgement. It is a pretence to assume its all happy families.
Oh, but you wrote the law didnt you?
Youre assuming the judge in a family court would see her as a bad, bad, mother.
But I see her as someone who cares well for her children, perhaps someone who could be spoken to by the dad privately away from the kids about the forthcoming nuptials. Not someone who can be coerced into unwilling compliance.
I really dont like the underhand way he went about getting what he wanted.
But hes got form for that. Maybe its time for her to say 'no!'

Again. This seems to be aimed at me despite you not giving the courtesy of quoting nor tagging.

I didn’t say you specifically were suggesting the OP ‘tricked’ this children and her ex into the children not attending. I was referring to other posters who have suggested OP takes the children away and doesn’t let them attend, despite knowing her ex wants them at his wedding.

Unless there are safeguarding concerns, she has no reasonable grounds to deny them the opportunity to attend the wedding. Her ex has PR and it’s for him to make sure they are safe.

Your opinions of weddings and your fantasies about the ex and his new wife have no weight.

Your assertion regarding the tradition of grooms not having their children at their weddings is another fantasy. I am not assuming anything about who will be keeping an eye on the children, that is the responsibility of their father who has PR (parental RESPONSIBILITY).

I didn’t say OP would be breaking the law if she didn’t ‘send’ (the term is make available) the children, I suggested she would be unreasonable to deny them the opportunity. I am ‘invested’ in truth and what is best for the children.

I don’t understand your comment about me policing my own family. You know as much about my family as you do my qualifications or expertise.

Yes, the father told the children about the wedding and what he wanted their roles to be before communicating with their mother but despite that being ill-advised and has upset OP it is not the crime of the century. I’m afraid the concepts of ‘I didn’t tell you because I knew you would be upset/react like this’, and, ‘ask forgiveness rather than permission’ are frequent among estranged parents.

Your comment about it not being honourable to let decisions to be taken out of the mother’s hands implies the mother has a higher rank in the children’s lives. This is not correct; they both have PR. No, it’s often not in the children’s best interest to make decisions behind the other parent’s back but that happens and you have no reason to believe this is the father’s track record.

Both parents have the right to use their judgement but it’s always better if they are able to co-parent with respect and good communications. That frequently doesn’t happen and both parties have to deal with that.

You are being ridiculous with the comment regarding me writing the Law.

I didn’t say a Family Court Judge would see OP as a bad, bad, mother; you are straying into fantasy again.

I also see OP as someone who cares well for her children but I also see her as pragmatic and sensible enough to understand she shouldn’t attempt to stand on rights she doesn’t really have to upset the children and antagonise her ex.

If you wish to respond, please do me the courtesy of quoting and/or tagging me.

Dewdust · 29/07/2026 21:55

grumpygrape · 26/07/2026 14:39

Again. This seems to be aimed at me despite you not giving the courtesy of quoting nor tagging.

I didn’t say you specifically were suggesting the OP ‘tricked’ this children and her ex into the children not attending. I was referring to other posters who have suggested OP takes the children away and doesn’t let them attend, despite knowing her ex wants them at his wedding.

Unless there are safeguarding concerns, she has no reasonable grounds to deny them the opportunity to attend the wedding. Her ex has PR and it’s for him to make sure they are safe.

Your opinions of weddings and your fantasies about the ex and his new wife have no weight.

Your assertion regarding the tradition of grooms not having their children at their weddings is another fantasy. I am not assuming anything about who will be keeping an eye on the children, that is the responsibility of their father who has PR (parental RESPONSIBILITY).

I didn’t say OP would be breaking the law if she didn’t ‘send’ (the term is make available) the children, I suggested she would be unreasonable to deny them the opportunity. I am ‘invested’ in truth and what is best for the children.

I don’t understand your comment about me policing my own family. You know as much about my family as you do my qualifications or expertise.

Yes, the father told the children about the wedding and what he wanted their roles to be before communicating with their mother but despite that being ill-advised and has upset OP it is not the crime of the century. I’m afraid the concepts of ‘I didn’t tell you because I knew you would be upset/react like this’, and, ‘ask forgiveness rather than permission’ are frequent among estranged parents.

Your comment about it not being honourable to let decisions to be taken out of the mother’s hands implies the mother has a higher rank in the children’s lives. This is not correct; they both have PR. No, it’s often not in the children’s best interest to make decisions behind the other parent’s back but that happens and you have no reason to believe this is the father’s track record.

Both parents have the right to use their judgement but it’s always better if they are able to co-parent with respect and good communications. That frequently doesn’t happen and both parties have to deal with that.

You are being ridiculous with the comment regarding me writing the Law.

I didn’t say a Family Court Judge would see OP as a bad, bad, mother; you are straying into fantasy again.

I also see OP as someone who cares well for her children but I also see her as pragmatic and sensible enough to understand she shouldn’t attempt to stand on rights she doesn’t really have to upset the children and antagonise her ex.

If you wish to respond, please do me the courtesy of quoting and/or tagging me.

I'm so busy having FANTASIES about the ex and his new wife to be that I dont have anything to say to you.

grumpygrape · 29/07/2026 22:38

Dewdust · 29/07/2026 21:55

I'm so busy having FANTASIES about the ex and his new wife to be that I dont have anything to say to you.

Good

Mensuckbigtime · 10/08/2026 11:07

Just wanted to give a quick update
DDs are with ExH and OW (oh sorry, fiancée) in her home country for family get together for the nuptials

I am on holiday, just me, myself and I, throughly enjoying having me time, going for a dip in the sea, reading books (plural!) and drinking wine.

And right now, I don’t envy him for doing it all again, because I’ve done it all already and don’t need the 2.0 version of a life I’ve already had

sending love

OP posts:
Change2banon · 10/08/2026 11:10

Great update .. enjoy yourself, live the best life you can ❤️❤️

Pinkchickenwine · 10/08/2026 11:13

Mensuckbigtime · 10/08/2026 11:07

Just wanted to give a quick update
DDs are with ExH and OW (oh sorry, fiancée) in her home country for family get together for the nuptials

I am on holiday, just me, myself and I, throughly enjoying having me time, going for a dip in the sea, reading books (plural!) and drinking wine.

And right now, I don’t envy him for doing it all again, because I’ve done it all already and don’t need the 2.0 version of a life I’ve already had

sending love

Well done OP, enjoy every moment.

Minasama · 10/08/2026 11:33

Good for you OP - it’s entirely natural to feel as you felt, but there is a lot of life still to be lived, and you have your lovely DDs most of the time and all the other brilliant stuff in your life. I felt so sorry when I originally read your post as your exH was amazingly insensitive. However him being an arse is not your problem any more.

eminthebigsmoke · 10/08/2026 12:01

Mensuckbigtime · 10/08/2026 11:07

Just wanted to give a quick update
DDs are with ExH and OW (oh sorry, fiancée) in her home country for family get together for the nuptials

I am on holiday, just me, myself and I, throughly enjoying having me time, going for a dip in the sea, reading books (plural!) and drinking wine.

And right now, I don’t envy him for doing it all again, because I’ve done it all already and don’t need the 2.0 version of a life I’ve already had

sending love

That’s wonderful to hear and thank you for the update!

the7Vabo · 10/08/2026 14:06

Mensuckbigtime · 10/08/2026 11:07

Just wanted to give a quick update
DDs are with ExH and OW (oh sorry, fiancée) in her home country for family get together for the nuptials

I am on holiday, just me, myself and I, throughly enjoying having me time, going for a dip in the sea, reading books (plural!) and drinking wine.

And right now, I don’t envy him for doing it all again, because I’ve done it all already and don’t need the 2.0 version of a life I’ve already had

sending love

That’s a wonderful update Op! It’s what life is about really - experience & enjoyment.

mummypigoink · 10/08/2026 18:13

You’re fab OP 🥂

CrazyMidget · 13/08/2026 02:31

Mensuckbigtime · 10/08/2026 11:07

Just wanted to give a quick update
DDs are with ExH and OW (oh sorry, fiancée) in her home country for family get together for the nuptials

I am on holiday, just me, myself and I, throughly enjoying having me time, going for a dip in the sea, reading books (plural!) and drinking wine.

And right now, I don’t envy him for doing it all again, because I’ve done it all already and don’t need the 2.0 version of a life I’ve already had

sending love

I hope they break up.

Pinkrosesforme · 13/08/2026 02:43

CrazyMidget · 13/08/2026 02:31

I hope they break up.

@CrazyMidget I hope they break up.

No you don't.
You want them to stay together for years and make each other thoroughly miserable.
They each have a cheat and a liar for a spouse, what could possibly go wrong? (Sarcasm)

Mensuckbigtime · 13/08/2026 06:58

I need to try and get to a point where wherever they do doesn’t hurt me anymore

A whole lot easier said than done ):

OP posts:
Pinkchickenwine · 13/08/2026 07:10

Mensuckbigtime · 13/08/2026 06:58

I need to try and get to a point where wherever they do doesn’t hurt me anymore

A whole lot easier said than done ):

You do, but that’s tough and this was massive!

Cut yourself some slack, but I do one day hope you just don’t give a fucking shiny shit!

Mensuckbigtime · 13/08/2026 07:13

Im starting therapy again, so hopefully this should help.

I will send him the bill. It’s just so hurtful to think that they are in engagement bliss

makes me sick

any advice from people out here how to get over ExH and affair when there is still contact due to DD??

OP posts: