Dealing with Divorced Parents

Divorced Parents

In this section we will suggest what you can do in different situations you may come across if your parents are divorced. But, we don't know your parents like you do and you will have to be the final judge. This is a day that a parent waits for with as much anticipation as the wedding couple. Hopefully your parents will do the right thing and not put up to much of a fuss. For some of you out there right now, this is nothing but a dream, but we're going to try to get you through this in the simplest way possible.

You'll probably notice that we use mother's in our examples and that's because women naturally have more passion when it comes to this subject.

"He's not coming if she is, or vice versa"

I though we'd start with the worst case scenario. Here you can speak to both of them separately and then later together. Explain to them how much you love your fiancé and that your day will not be as happy if they're both not there to share it with you. Tell them that this is one day out of their lives, but the first day of the rest of yours. Whatever you do, keep calm, don't yell and let them know what's in your heart.

If this doesn't work, then the only other thing is to let one of them drop out or you'll have to choose which one you want at your wedding more. (We truly hope it doesn't come down to this!)

"I'm not going if he's bringing her!!!!"

Again, use the technique above and if that fails you have every right not to invite the "new better half". This is a day for family and if you're not close to your parent's new spouse/friend and their invitation will cause extra problems, then it's not worth it.

Let's say, your father won't come if he can't bring his wife/girlfriend, he has now made his decision to bow out. Isn't it a pity how some parents don't realize that the only thing they have in common is you at this point, and they're not willing to makeup for the sorrow they caused you when they got divorced.

"No way in hell I'm sitting beside him!!!"

That's fine. Nowhere is it written that divorced parents have to sit together. In the case that they really can't stand each other, at the ceremony, your mother usually sits in the front row and your father in the row behind her. You could also separate them by seating them both in the front row with other relatives between them (like referees). At the reception. they can be seated at different tables. Seat them with people they like, they won't even notice if they're enjoying the evening.

Divorced Payment Plan

Let's say you were counting on getting some financial help from your parents but now they're arguing about paying for things that will be enjoyed by ex-in-laws the day of the wedding. In this case we suggest that you pay for services that everyone uses (venue, caterer, liquor, etc.) and your parents can pay for personal services (flowers, beauty, wedding gown, limo, etc.).

You're Closer to Your Stepparent

If your stepparent is the one that raised you and the one you're closer to, they can take the natural parent's role in your wedding, i.e. planning it, walking you down the aisle, etc.

If you don't want to hurt anyone's feelings, and everyone agrees, then both fathers can walk you down the aisle. Your biological father should be honored to know that you respect him enough to ask even though he hasn't played a big part in your life. You can explain to your stepfather that you love him and appreciate everything he's done for you, but you just have one more little favor!!!

Who do I call first after I get engaged?

The first relative to be informed on your engagement should be your mother.

How do I word my invitation?

When your parents are divorced, it'll all come down to "who's paying" for the wording and/or "who has raised you".

* If your mom has not remarried and is hosting the wedding use a combination of her maiden and married name.
* If your mom has remarried and is hosting the wedding put her remarried name on the invitation. "Mrs. (mom's first name and remarried last name)
* If your mom and step dad are hosting the wedding put "Mr. and Mrs. (his first & last name) request the honor of your presence at the marriage of her daughter's wedding."
* Your parents will host the wedding together and your mom still uses your dad's last name,
"Mr. (dad's first & last) and Mrs. (mom's first and maiden)" or "Mr. and Ms. (dad's first and last name)

Who walks me down the aisle, dad or step dad?

Unless you haven't had any contact with your father then he gets the privilege of walking you down the aisle.

* Etiquette states this rule, we think you should choose the man you feel the closest to.

What is the ceremony seating arrangement for divorced parents?

* If your parents get along they can both sit in the first row.
* If your parents don't get along, your mother sits in the first row and your father sits in the row behind her each with their spouses/dates.

What happens in the receiving line?

It is traditional that the only man in the receiving line is the groom and this idea is your best bet for divorced parents.

If both parents want to be in the receiving line but don't want to stand beside each other then the line will go as follows: bride's mom, her new husband, groom's mom, groom's dad, brides dad and so on.

Are my parents and their new spouses announced into the hall with
the wedding party?

Your best bet would be to have them seated with the rest of the guests and only the newlyweds and their wedding party be announced. There is no need to bring more attention to the fact that your parents are divorced.

Do my parents have to sit at the same table at the reception?

No, but your mother will sit at the parent's table and your father's table will be beside hers or behind hers.

What do I do about the first dance since I'm close to both my dad and step dad?

Don't have an announced "father / daughter" dance, but be sure to dance with both men sometime during the evening