Attendants and Guests

How Can I Prevent Parental Feuds?

How do I ensure that my recently divorced parents won’t fight at my wedding?

Both of your parents should be able to celebrate your wedding with you. But in some cases that might not work, and if your divorced parents bicker at your wedding, you won’t have much fun.

If you truly believe that your mom and dad won’t be able to set aside bitter feelings during this time, consider embracing the divide—and-conquer motto: Mom comes to the rehearsal, but only Dad comes to the rehearsal dinner. Dad walks you down the aisle, but only Mom kicks up her heels at the reception.

If you think your parents can make a successful effort to be in the same room together, simply try to minimize the amount of contact they will have with each other. Start by splitting up their wedding-day duties. Also, you can create effective buffers between them by making use of strategic seating at the ceremony and reception.

Seat Mom in the first row at the ceremony site, fill the second row with siblings and other close relatives, and tuck Dad safely in row number three and make sure to put a few tables between your parents at the reception. Often this is enough to keep the peace.