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Weddings with Divorced Parents of the Bride or Groom |
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Handling divorced parents in a wedding can be tricky and problematic. While coping with the situation will be stressful mostly for the brides, having a beautiful wedding despite the divorced parents is never impossible.
Divorced parents of the bride or groom should be a part of the wedding ceremony. In addition, they also should be invited to the rehearsal dinner even if they will likely misbehave. Not inviting the parents would bring about more trouble. The parents may or may not have to host the rehearsal dinner, which is theoretically one of the most relaxing portions of the wedding process.
Phrasing in an invitation
The name of the mother is the first printed then followed by the father. The word "AND" shouldn't be used between the names.
The names of the mother and stepfather can be included in the invitation if the father has not been involved in the life of the bride or groom since she/he was a small child.
The individuals whose names are appearing on the invites do not have to be always the ones paying for the wedding regardless of popular belief.
Sharing in expenses
The couple should consider opening a checking account that will solely cover expenses for the wedding. The divorced parents should be asked how much they could contribute. It is wise to ask for a check for a lump sum that would be deposited to the wedding account in order to make the money easily accessible whenever it is needed.
Working out seating
If the divorced parents are not speaking to each other, it is sensible that the two should be seated apart from the each other. One of them may be attending with someone the other parent cannot be comfortable with. Etiquette states that mother and stepfather occupy the first row, while father and stepmother sit in the second row.
However, the divorced parents can be seated with each other if they are on good terms but will likely need to stay in different areas during the reception.
No families are the same, as each has different problems and circumstances that affect relationships. Communication is the most important means to keep relationships strong. The couple has a responsibility of keeping the divorced informed about the progress of the wedding and they should also be given an opportunity to contribute. Never compare the behavior of one parent to another, as doing so could result in conflict.
A wedding ceremony follows specific etiquette in order to make the occasion flow seamlessly.
In a semi-private wedding, bridesmaids and groomsmen should perform clear responsibilities in assisting the bride and groom.
The bridesmaids should be younger than the bride and their gowns should complement each other. The dresses of the bridesmaids can include more ornaments and be made of light and graceful fabric. Flowers should serve as the central decoration.
The wedding gown should be very simple but can be combined with few jewels or ornaments provided by the parents or groom. The most attractive part of the dress should be the headpiece and veil.
The bridesmaids should assist the bride in wearing the wedding gown and attending to guests. Bridesmaids should position themselves at the bride's left side for the ceremony. The first bridesmaid should be responsible for holding the bouquet and gloves.
Bridesmaids may be positioned from the tallest to the shortest from the couple in order to be symmetrical. A bridesmaid and groomsman with comparable height can be paired with each other.
The groomsmen are appointed to receive the clergyman and then lead him to the couple. They should be positioned at the groom's right side for the wedding ceremony.
Church ceremony
The bridesmaids enter from the back, then the bride walking with her father down the aisle. The groom enters the room from the right and is accompanied by his groomsmen. The parents enter before the wedding party, while the attendants can stand from either side.
If the bride opts to wear gloves, the pair does not need to be snug, as they will be taken off later in the ceremony. In addition, the ring should be placed where the groom can easily spot it to avoid delaying the ceremony.
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