Hi Reddit,
I (F/20s) am getting married soon, and I’m struggling emotionally because of how my dad (50s) is acting. I’m his only daughter, and growing up, my parents constantly told me things like “you’ll never get married”, “you’re too old already”, “you’re not doing anything with your life”, “I wish you were gone.” I heard that kind of talk my entire teen years.
Now that I’m finally getting married—to a wonderful man with a supportive family—my dad is acting like it’s no big deal. He hasn’t once asked how the wedding plans are going, hasn’t offered help, and when I asked if he could pay for the photographer ( $1700 for the whole day), he got very offended, told my brother that we “only want him for money,” and made me feel like I was being greedy.
Meanwhile, my fiancé’s parents are paying for almost everything—the reception alone is costing $16K, and they’re helping with hotels, logistics, and everything. They’re paying for rehearsal dinner for my parents too and my extended family.
My aunt/uncle are gifting us the whole cake/dessert decorations. Like everyone wants to gift and contribute with our wedding. We never asked for anything, but thankfully we have some support from the fam, except my dad
What hurts even more is that my dad says he wants to invite his friends to the wedding, (he already invited one) and wants to stay at our apartment whenever he visits our city. The thing is—we live in a small apartment, we don’t have a guest bed or room, and we just don’t have the money rn to make one.
Recently, he told me: “When are you going to put a bed and TV for me when I come? You should put one—don’t be coda (cheap).”
It honestly made me feel sick. We’re trying to build our life, and instead of helping or even just being emotionally supportive, he acts entitled and expects royal treatment all the time without giving anything back.
I tried to tell him
But I don’t think he gets it. He says things like “you don’t love me anymore”
My fiancé is understandably upset too—he sees how much effort his own family is putting in, and how my dad just shows up with expectations but no support.
TL;DR: My dad won’t contribute to my wedding, doesn’t ask about the planning, but expects to invite his friends and stay at our small apartment. He called me “cheap” for not having a guest room. I feel hurt and conflicted. Am I wrong for setting limits? How would you handle this?
Comments
I would tell him to fuck right off and enjoy my wedding
>Am I wrong for setting limits? How would you handle this?
Not only are you NOT wrong for setting limits, but you should uninvite him to the wedding, then go completely no contact afterwards.
So happy that your in-laws are so kind and helpful to you and their son.
Why invite someone who mistreated you so abysmally to the happiest day of your life just because you share some DNA?
Do you think he will magically become nicer to any children you and your husband may decide to have?
Spoiler: No, he won’t.
I know you’re busy with wedding preparations, but nothing is more important than your mental health. Take advantage of some therapy to shore up your self-esteem so that you realize that you deserve better than a horrible “father”.