Hi! My fiance and I are getting married at the end of the month, and his dad will not be attending.
Backstory:
My SO's father is an alcoholic, and unfortunately cannot attend the wedding without causing a scene. SO does not have a good relationship with his dad, who lives in another state, because dad is constantly asking for money or threatening this or that for attention. SO says he does not care that dad isn't coming to the wedding, but he's hurting inside that his dad cannot be there. SO also has one brother and two half-brothers. One of the half-brothers is also not coming because of a falling out due to their dad's alcoholism.
SO talks regularly about the way his dad used to be growing up, all the amazing things they would do together, the bond they used to have, the clever things his dad would say. He has pictures of his dad and brothers on trips all over the house.
Gift Idea:
I found a photo of SO, dad, and all his brothers on a fishing trip. For the morning of the wedding, among a few sillier gifts, I'd like to gift him an acrylic print of the photo for his office. The idea is that his dad is there in spirit. But I am really worried that if I bring up his dad on our wedding day, he will be overcome by sadness and his day will be ruined. At the same time, memorial gifts depicting loved ones who have passed on are pretty common for weddings and maybe it will be a happier nostalgia because his dad is still alive.
Any perspective is much appreciated! Thank you!
