Dad's new girlfriend

I'm sorry for your loss - best thing would be to talk to your dad and see how he feels. I would say if they are in a relationship like romantically then 100% invite her, but if she is just a friend the you could probably skip the invite if you explain your feelings.

First off, I'd like to say I'm sorry for your loss. I'm going through a similar situation with my grandma as my grandpa passed last summer and within 6 months she already had a boyfriend who I'm now worried I'm obligated to invite to our wedding. Is it possible for you to have an open conversation with your dad about this topic to get his feelings? If you could, can you wait until you need to send out invitations to make your final verdict? If they've only just began seeing each other you have no way to know where they will be in a few months. I think other things to consider are if she will be comfortable being alone while your dad partakes in family things (pictures, mingling, etc.) and if you can have an open discussion with your aunt regarding his guest.

He's definitely allowed to move on and it's that bitter sweet feeling that you're happy for him but having someone there that's not your mom makes it so much more obvious that she's missing. Did you plan on doing anything during your ceremony or reception to honor your mom? If so, I feel as though that may make her uncomfortable and out of place, so she may not need to come. Overall though, I really feel like this is a conversation you need to have with your dad and possibly find a compromise. If she does go can she sit with the guests and not in the reserved family row? Will she be comfortable with not being in family photos? No one can tell you the right or wrong answer for your family.

I second the previous posters that you should ask your dad. He might need the support of this person as well--because he'll undoubtedly be thinking about your mom as well--and doesn't want to burden you with helping shoulder his grief on your wedding day.

It's a tough situation all around and there's no right answer. It seems like you and your dad have a solid relationship so hopefully, he'll be honest with you about what he needs that day and you can be honest with him about any reservations.

I'm very sorry for your lose. However, you should most definitely invite your dad's girlfriend as they are a social unit and be invited as such. Your family should be happy your dad has found happiness again after losing your mom rather than getting angry at him and creating drama. Do they know he's in a relationship?

I am so sorry for your loss. That is so difficult to go through. Definitely ask your dad what he wants.

If I were in your situation (which I kind of am with my grandpa) I would send the invite to your dad with "dad's name and guest". You don't have to send a separate invite to her. This is what I am doing with my grandpa and his girlfriend that he says isn't his girlfriend.

Talk to your dad.

If he wants her there as his partner, then she should be there.

His moving forward doesn't mean he didn't love your mom, or even that he doesn't still. I would bet he still loves her immensely. But he is also human, and humans need companionship.

I don't think you get to make this decision, this needs to be made by your dad - he would get a plus one right? I would let it happen that way. And if your mom's family can't handle how your dad is coping and moving forward with his life that is on them. You cannot morn forever, I'm sorry for your loss and I hope this all works out without family drama, because if you ask me a wedding is neither the time or place for an outburst.

First - I am so sorry for your loss.

Second - I would talk with your father. This is a situation that his opinion needs to be had on. If he would like her to be there, address the invite to "Dad + guest".

Third - It has been nearly 2 years. I think that is plenty of time for a person to be ready to start seeing someone new after the loss of their spouse. How long it takes each person to heal is their own and no one can tell ANYONE healing how long is too short or too long of a period. Your family has no right to sit there and judge the man for beginning to pick up the pieces of his broken life. He seems happier, which is amazing. He deserves happiness, as you yourself mentioned. You seem supportive of him in this aspect.

Fourth - You could assign a seat next to your father's chair for your mother. Example - Mom on the aisle, dad next to her chair, and dad's new girlfriend after that. This still gives your mom a proper place and your dad's place is still beside hers.

Also...

I think that a conversation should be had with her if your dad wants his new girlfriend is there. Tell your aunt that there is a time and place for her to speak on this matter if she needs to. But your wedding is NOT that place. She can cause drama another time. This day is NOT about her or her feelings.