Divorced Parent Guidelines

If your parents are divorced, and particularly if your parents are remarried, you may have to make some special arrangements to accommodate each parent and stepparent. Here are some ways to include everyone appropriately.

Introducing your parents. If you have two sets of parents, you may want to plan a special get - together for both sets of parents to meet your future in - laws at the same time. However, depending on schedules and availability, and depending on sensitive factors, it may be more comfortable for everyone if you plan separate meetings for each set of parents.

 

Seating at the ceremony. You may want to delegate separate rows for each set of parents and their respective family members. Seat mothers in the first rows, and fathers in the second rows.

Giving the bride away.  The bride's father traditionally escorts her to the altar, but if your mother is remarried and feel particularly close to your stepfather, it's perfectly acceptable to have both dads walk you down the aisle. You may want to walk with your father on your left and your stepfather on your right. If you'd like your father to give you away, but you'd prefer to include your stepfather as well, you may want to stagger the processional. Your stepfather could walk you down the first half of the aisle, then your father could take over and walk you to the altar.

Reception Events. You may want to give each dad his own father- daughter dance and his own toast, or you may want to split each event in half. Dance with your father for the first half of your daddy- daughter song, then let your stepfather cut in the midway. Instead of asking only one dad to give a ten-minute toast, ask both dads to give five-minute toasts. You could also divide the 'daddy duties' according to their strengths. If your father is and exceptional public speaker with two left feet, you might consider assigning your father to toast duty and your stepfather to dance duty.