My father is gifted musically. He sings/play/arranges music for weddings often for family and friends, not really for money anymore. He, in fact, is arranging the music for my wedding, and his friends graciously offered to play at the ceremony for free.
My mom really wants me to ask my Dad to play and sing a song she likes before the wedding while everyone is getting seated. She keeps saying, "He's waiting on you to ask him!" I have no way of knowing if this is true, and it is possible that this is just something that she feels strongly about. My Dad is not the kind of guy who is open with his feelings. If I ask, he will likely say yes, but does he really need the added stress that performance entails?
The way I see it, my Dad is going to have a lot to do on the day, and I'm trying to keep everything as simple as possible. This song would require my Dad to get to the chruch even earlier, set up his equipment, warm up, perform and then scurry across the church to give his daughter away. I don't even think that I would be able to hear him play the song without being seen since the church is small.
Church coordinator says that they have cracked down on the music for the mass. Therefore, the song goes before the mass starts or at the reception, no compromises. My father has his own reasons for playing at receptions anymore.
Should I ask my Dad to play and hope for the best to make my Mom happy, or should I just tell her that I want him to have as stress-free a day as possible? He's already doing so much, but Mom has contributed more than anyone else to the wedding.