Divorced/remarried parents - seating at the ceremony?

I would seat them a few rows between each other or on opposite sides of the aisle. I'd also place the moms on the aisle seats with the husbands/spouse next to them that way the have the close aisle view they want but don't have to engage with each other if they don't want to.

If stepbrother is in the second row, why not seat your dad and stepmom there with dad on the aisle? Your dad gets the honor of walking you down, your mom gets to sit in the first row aisle seat.

Thanks @TheUncommonBride and @MrsSkiToBe! Actually really like the idea of putting my dad in the second row with stepsiblings so they are all together....that's a really good idea!! I'll see what FH thinks and then see how my dad feels about it. I think for FH we will do mom/stepdad on the aisle and then an empty seat and then dad/stepmom (we aren't as close with them)...I think. Haha I think I'm making it more complicated than it needs to be :-/

Why can't she sit in the first seat, then your dad and then your step mom?

@OGMatt i don't think so but others have told me yes. And @kimmyinjapan the coordinator said dad should be on the aisle for easy/quick seating after he gets me down there. He's a pretty big guy too haha

Thanks for all the ideas so far! I just found an Emily Post article that recommends doing seating in separate rows like MrsSkiToBe said so I think I'll float that idea.

You could do the same for FH's side too so it looks like an even decision (mom in first row, dad in second, families next to them). Then each of your parents can have the prime center view from the aisle and you won't have the awkward empty seat

@OG Matt it is in some families! It also matters where you sit at a table and all kinds of stuff that seems trivial but is still important to (older) family members

Ditto re table seats! That was a bit of a nightmare with the seating chart because one parents table on each side will be closer to our sweetheart table and one will be further. Which I don't think is an issue - we'll be wandering around anyway - but we've heard some grumbles and complaints.

I would put your dad in the 2nd row with stepmom and her kids. Your mom can go in the first row next to the aisle.. Don't spend too much time on this it'll work out.

Grandparents, Stepfather, MOB MOG, Stepfather, Grandparents

Grandparents, Stepmother, FOB FOG, Stepmother, Grandparents

I have seen all kinds of behavior with divorced parents. One father wouldn't sit on the same side of the aisle as his ex-wife. At another, everyone was good friends!

At the ceremony, traditionally the parent who was most responsible for raising you (usually, but not always, the mom) gets dibs on the front row. If he or she will agree to the ex and spouse sitting in that row, up to her/him. If not, they sit a few rows back. If any stepparent is especially controversial (as in, affair partner), they should sit at the back or stay home.

P.S. Your wedding planner seems insensitive to divorced parents. She is really putting your mom in back seat.

Your mom should get the seat by the aisle. Either put your dad in second or third row, or have him and SM sit on the far end (not the main aisle).

At the reception, divorced parents should be given separate tables, unless they BOTH want to combine.

Following!

Nancy T, maybe I do not understand what you are saying, but traditionally, the aisle seat in the first row is the MOB (unless she was not in her DDs life). NO, the grandparents do not get the aisle seat.

Thanks guys. I think I will talk to my dad and get a sense of how he feels about second row. He contributed to the wedding without us asking which I'm very grateful for, so I'm also sensitive to that. In the end, it is only about 20 minutes so if they have to sit in the same row it can't be the end of the world...and I don't have any living grandparents so only have to worry about their seating for FH'a side. Thanks again for the input and ideas!

I had no idea these rows were a thing :/ I thought all the VIPs sit in front row.

I am in the same boat! Except my step father recently passed away and my Mom has a boyfriend. I also have an aunt who is like a mother to me. I think I'll just ask them where they want to sit.

@Karen- I'd never heard of the mother of the bride sitting in the aisle of the front row. Wouldn't it be easier for the father to get to his seat after walking down if he didn't have to walk back up the aisle? I was raised by my Dad so he'll definitely get that seat if what you says is true. Very interesting.