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A
Savvy May 2018

Divorced Parent Issue

A, on March 14, 2018 at 11:51 AM

Posted in Etiquette and Advice 103

When I first became engaged I offered each of my parents (who are divorced) a plus one if they wanted it. Both individually and then as a unit informed me that they did not need/want a plus one. I thought this was mature of them and a better idea than my plus one offer. Fast forward almost a year...

When I first became engaged I offered each of my parents (who are divorced) a plus one if they wanted it. Both individually and then as a unit informed me that they did not need/want a plus one. I thought this was mature of them and a better idea than my plus one offer.

Fast forward almost a year later (and about 2 months from the wedding) and my Dad casually says, "By the way, my girlfriend is coming to the wedding." I was so taken aback that I foolishly said "OK" before thinking things through. Then I felt I had to give my mom a heads-up, which I did and she was very upset. She and my Dad had made an agreement to make the wedding day about me and my fiancé and not about themselves and their dates, so she felt he had gone back on his word, but my Mom still refused the plus one I offered to her again. I told her that I honestly didn't know what to do and felt awkward about the whole thing (I should have nipped it in the bud, you know). Plus, when I reminded my Dad of his agreement with my Mom he claims no memory of the agreement.

At our wedding there's going to be a "parents table" with the grandparents and both sets of parents. My Mom is adamant that my Dad's girlfriend not be seated with them because his girlfriend is obviously not a parent. Now I like my Dad's girlfriend but at this point it seems overly tense and difficult if she comes. My fiancé, his parents, and my Mom all vote NO GIRLFRIEND, and I'm afraid I agree. But I'm not sure what the right thing is here.

My fiancé and I intend to talk to my Dad and his girlfriend tonight but I'm worried there's going to be a huge freak out (my Dad doesn't like being told NO and I've already had two other family members completely flip out at me regarding the guest list). But I have to say something. The wedding is soon and we can't go over our limits regarding guests.

Advice please!

103 Comments

  • M
    Dedicated November 2018
    mimi ·
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    I would tell them that they're not "the same" as a spouse, and they shouldn't be expecting their cousin Frankie to invite their special person to the wedding. Someone can be special to you w/o that relationship deserving equal treatment to more official relationships.

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  • Mrs. Fall Bride
    Master October 2016
    Mrs. Fall Bride ·
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    It's seriously like talking to a wall. You don't get it, and you never will. Bless your heart, I'm done.

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  • M
    Dedicated November 2018
    mimi ·
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    It's not subjective in this instance. A "significant other" is a spouse or spousal equivalent. Someone you've recently started seeing and have made no binding commitment to is not a spousal equivalent.

    { monogamous dating isn't a "binding commitment btw. A lease or an engagement is]

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  • chelsey
    Super March 2018
    chelsey ·
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    So my best friend married her husband on their one year dating anniversary. They did not live together before they were married. So basically your telling me that until they hit their wedding day they were not a couple? That seems like a ridiculous thought process to me.
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  • stbmrs2019
    Devoted September 2019
    stbmrs2019 ·
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    Considering that one wedding was for my cousin and one was for his friends from high school, it's clear that both couples had no issue. And yes I would have been because it would be an insult to the person I love.

    No one is saying you have to pay $100+ per person for your wedding. So far, we're looking at about $60 per person on ours. And any SOs will be invited because we have put in the space in our guest list and budget for them.

    Considering all the good my FI has done for me, he's part of the reason my depression isn't as bad as it used to be, I'd absolutely say he's just as significant as that person.

    But then again my family and his family don't judge.

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  • Sarah
    Master June 2016
    Sarah ·
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    So what bonding commitment happens when you hit day 365?
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  • PrincessLawrence
    VIP June 2018
    PrincessLawrence ·
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    I think the best way is to not have a parent table. I had a similar issue with my grandparents at the same table as the parents as my mom has a tense relationship with everyone. I would seat them with other family members, but totally your call

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  • Sarah
    Master June 2016
    Sarah ·
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    OP already said she decided on separate tables. She mentioned it twice.
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  • stbmrs2019
    Devoted September 2019
    stbmrs2019 ·
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    @mimi, also etiquette is constantly evolving. Plenty of things that were considered good etiquette years ago is not now.

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  • PrincessLawrence
    VIP June 2018
    PrincessLawrence ·
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    Thanks for the update didnt get a chance to read other comments

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  • M
    Dedicated November 2018
    mimi ·
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    Time. It still doesn't equal "spousal equivalent", but it does show some degree of permanence.

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  • M
    Dedicated November 2018
    mimi ·
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    FWIW- My position hasn't changed, I told ya'll it wasn't going to change, and all of my comments after my initial post have been replies to other peoples questions. I have reiterated my view point again and again, only in answer to those like yourself who specifically ASKED me for more. So yes, please do "ignore Mimi". Mimi's been very nice playing the question game with all you sweet kiddos, and she's tired now.

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  • Sarah
    Master June 2016
    Sarah ·
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    Since you have no idea how old any of us are, it’s a little condescending to call us “sweet kiddos”.
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  • stbmrs2019
    Devoted September 2019
    stbmrs2019 ·
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    I agree. I'm hitting 30 this year. Last time I checked that is not a "kiddo".

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  • M
    Dedicated November 2018
    mimi ·
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    Sarah, I'm 87! Smiley smile

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  • stbmrs2019
    Devoted September 2019
    stbmrs2019 ·
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    That explains a lot.

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  • FutureMrs.L
    Master September 2018
    FutureMrs.L ·
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    My dad is 57, I’m still not going to judge the length or seriousness of his relationship. I’m surely not going to dismiss his relationship, merely based on some imaginary one year rule.They will have been together just shy of a year at the time of my wddding, by your standards, she shouldn’t even be invited.. 🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️


    ..They’re adults, and very much in a relationship, who am i to judge that?



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  • Maria
    Dedicated October 2018
    Maria ·
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    This was my thought as well. Separate them by "sides" of the family rather than a "parents" table.

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  • T
    Just Said Yes October 2018
    TeeMarie ·
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    What about if Dad’s girlfriend is married?
    (To someone other than Dad)
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  • K
    Savvy June 2023
    Kara ·
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    I think it’s rude not to invite your dad’s girlfriend. You have met her snd they are a social unit. While it is your day, the comfort of your guests is important too. Cant you just sit them all at two separate tables near each other? Split up the grandparents too by family. That’s very normal. He should be allowed to sit with his guest.
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