How To Handle Your Divorced Parents At Your Wedding

If the bride’s divorced parents are paying for the wedding, they should be listed separately on the invitations with the bride’s mother’s name coming first and the father’s name on the line below – no “and” in between. If stepparents are contributing, they may be included, too, with the bride’s mom and her new husband getting the first line.

For the ceremony, seat divorced parents together in the front row of the bride or groom’s side – if they’re on good terms. If not, moms get the front row with any new significant other, with the dads and any new partner a row or two behind them.

For the receiving line, the bride’s mom and any significant other take the first spot, followed by the groom’s parents with their respective partners, mother first, and then the bride’s dad and any new partner.

Have the photographer take pictures of the bride and groom with their biological parents. Separate pictures may be taken of the bride and groom with their parents and any new partners. If there’s a group picture, have the divorced parents stand on opposite ends with their new partners.

If you have an emcee who is announcing the bridal party, ask them to leave out the parents.

Seat the parents with their current partner for the wedding dinner, and put the couples at separate tables.

Adjust these guidelines according to how everyone gets along and what will make you most comfortable.