When and Where to Seat and Sit

Playing Musical Chairs With Parents

Dear Polite One,

On the day of the wedding when it becomes time to seat the parents of the bride and groom, who sits first and last especially when dealing with stepparents?

Me First

Dear Me First,

We have more parental issues to deal with these days than we did in the past. In fact, more weddings are encore wedding than first, which reflects this trend. So, to keep everyone happy and separate, we seat parents in this order: Groom’s father and stepmother (third row); Bride’s father and stepmother (third row); Groom’s mother and stepfather (first row); Bride’s mother and stepfather (first row).

If everyone is on friendly terms, all parents may sit in the front row in the given order. The stepparents follow the person escorting parents to their seats.

Sincerely,

The Polite One

Seating Chart Dilemma

Dear Polite One,

I'm working on my seating chart right now and I'm having trouble figuring out who sits with whom at the reception? What happens if there are factions of the family that don't like each other? How do I decide where to sit people so there aren't fireworks? Divorced parents, new spouses, etc.

Fearing Fireworks

Dear Fearing Fireworks,

It is refreshing to hear from someone who wants to create a welcoming atmosphere. When we invite guests, we are a host and we should want our guests to be comfortable. It is best to seat our guests with those with whom they are comfortable.

To this end, all parents don’t need to sit together and could be seated with friends or other family members with whom they are close. The same is true with all your guests.

Sincerely,

The Polite One

Where to Sit?

Dear Polite One,

My husband and I are attending a wedding in which we are very close with the bride and groom. Does it matter whose side we sit on?

Loves Both

Dear Loves Both,

It really doesn’t matter on which side you sit. Perhaps it might be best to sit on the side that has fewer guests seated.

Sincerely,

The Polite One

Please Read

Wedding Complications Q & A: Ignoring Groom's Parent

Anti-Clueless Advice: How to Plan a Wedding That Doesn't Insult Guests

Wedding Correspondence Q & A: Including Registry Info?

Comments

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