Where should I seat my parents at my wedding if they are divorced?

Seating divorced parents at a wedding can be delicate, but with thoughtful planning, it can be handled gracefully. Here's a practical guide to help you decide:

Key Considerations:

• Current relationship between your parents: Are they amicable, civil, or tense?

• Remarried or single? If either parent has a new partner, they’ll likely sit with them.

• Ceremony vs. reception: These may have different seating arrangements.

Ceremony Seating (Front Rows):

Scenario A: Parents are civil

• Each parent gets a seat in the front row, but not next to each other.
  
  

• Example:

• Mother and her guests (new partner or family) on the left.

• Father and his guests on the right.

• Or vice versa, depending on traditional sides or personal preference.
  
  

Scenario B: Parents are not on good terms

• Seat them in different rows (e.g., mom in the front row, dad in the second row), on opposite sides of the aisle.

• This reduces tension and avoids awkward interactions.
  
  

Scenario C: One parent is remarried, the other is not

• Seat the remarried parent with their spouse.

• Seat the other parent with a close family member or friend, so they aren’t alone.

Reception Seating:

You have more flexibility here.

Option 1: Separate tables of honor

• Instead of one "parents’ table," seat them at separate tables with people they’re comfortable with (e.g., their siblings or close friends).
  

Option 2: Blended family table (if everyone is amicable)

• If both parents and their new partners are on good terms, you can seat them at the same table—but this is rare unless everyone is friendly.

Final Tips:

• Communicate clearly: Let each parent know the plan in advance to avoid surprises.

• Assign a coordinator (friend, planner, or relative) to help guide people to their seats smoothly.
  
  

Keep your focus: The day is about your happiness—don’t let parental tension derail it.