Hmmm, you're right. I think my sisters just thought they'd say our husbands couldn't come because of xyz but I hadn't even thought that them not being there would look a little dodgy :( inshallah, I pray all goes well. I'm getting nervous again :(
Is there anyone else that can act as a guardian? A close family friend? An elder you know of? Someone your parents or you trust? Even a good friend's husband?
They can easily say that due to the parents not being in the country, we are here in case you have any questions about the family, etc.
Don't be nervous, Inshallah all will go well and in the end...these things are in the hands of Allah swt.
How could u not tell your father......??? U should tell him and he should be there......to me that is worst thing for inlaws to think that baap zinda ha aur baiti ki fiqar nay ha .......
Ladies- you have been so amazing with your advice and words of encouragement. I cannot tell you how much it's all meant to me.
Alhamdulillah, alhamdulillah, alhamdulillah, the in-laws (inshallah, inshallah, inshallah) visited my family on Saturday and at the very last minute, my BIL and cousin's husband and 24 year old son sat in. There were also my 2 younger nephews (9 and 11) who sat in and although didn't have a role to play, behaved impeccably by just being present. The men talked about boring Pakistan stuff and the women (his granny and mother), talked about all the emotional side of things. I was nervous beyond belief (shaking, unsteady voice, etc!) but spent some time praying Quran upstairs and felt super calm as a result when it came to meeting his mum and granny, who were reserved but kind and encouraging. I stayed in the room for 20 mins before going back upstairs again and staying there until it was time to say goodbye.
I wore a lovely cream, raw silk kameez with small, delicate pearls along the neckline and beautiful jamawar capri-style trousers with traditional maroon kussay. Pearl earrings completed the look with natural makeup.
I'll keep you posted. In the mean time, I hope this post helps some other unfortunate soul who finds themselves in the same situation I was in :(